Why drink a regular Negroni when you drink a Negroni Sbagliato instead? This mistaken ‘Negroni with Prosecco’ has become a worldwide sensation. It’s also a super easy recipe to make at home.
The Negroni Sbagliato is a variation of the classic Negroni that’s crafted with sparkling wine, i.e. Prosecco, instead of gin. The drink’s two other liquid ingredients are sweet vermouth and Campari. A simple orange twist provides the finishing touch.
Since the three liquids are added in a 1:1:1 ratio, it’s hard to mess up the Negroni Sbagliato recipe. This is ironic since the name Negroni Sbagliato literally translates to Mistaken Negroni.
What’s not ironic is how the Negroni Sbagliato tastes. This is a sophisticated sipper that gets bitterness from Campari and sweetness from vermouth. As for the Prosecco, it adds a bubbly element that tickles the tongue.
Sure. You could call this a Negroni Spritz or even a Sbagliata Spritz but that’s not what Mirko Stocchetti called it and he’s the one that broke the drink in the first place.
History of the Negroni Sbagliato
Although the Negroni Sbagliato gained international fame in 2022, its history started a half-century earlier at Bar Basso in Milan. However, its history is dubious at best.
Legend has it that barman Mirko Stocchetti created the original Negroni Sbagliato by mistake when he accidentally poured sparkling wine into a Negroni instead of pouring gin. However, we’ve read conflicting reports as to whether Stocchetti’s cocktail was a happy accident or an intentional switcheroo.
Either way, both the Negroni Sbagliato’s story and name have withstood the test of time. In fact, the bubbly beverage is more popular today than ever.
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Ingredients
Although the Negroni Sbagliato sips like a dream, its ingredient list includes no fewer than three Italian liquors – Campari, sweet vermouth and Prosecco. Here’s everything you need to craft one at home:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a Negroni Sbagliato
Gently stir the two liquors and place a large ice cube into the glass. We use a jumbo ice cube since it melts slowly and looks really cool.
The next step is to top off the drink with Prosecco. You can either measure the Prosecco or simply pour it directly into the glass.
Finally, add an orange twist and start sipping.
Variations
They say ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ but we disagree. Feel free to experiment with the Negroni Sbagliato recipe starting with the following possible variations:
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Frequently Asked Questions
The classic Negroni is crafted with Campari, gin and sweet vermouth while a Negroni Sbagliato is crafted with Campari, Prosecco and sweet vermouth.
The Negroni Sbagliato was invented at Bar Basso in Milan, Italy.
Campari, Prosecco, Sweet Vermouth, a Large Ice Cube and an Orange Twist (garnish)
The Negroni Sbagliato is stirred, not shaken.
It’s always a good time to drink a Negroni Sbagliato.
We like to serve this cocktail on the rocks in a lowball glass but you could serve a shaken version in a flute instead.
Yes. Use one bottle each of Campari, sweet vermouth and Prosecco. Garnish with long orange peel slices.
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Pour Campari and sweet red vermouth into a lowball glass.
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Stir gently.
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Add large ice cube.
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Top with Prosecco.
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Garnish with an orange twist.
- Use a 1:1:1 ratio if you choose to modify the serving size.
- You can shake this cocktail with ice and strain it into a flute.
