Negroni Sbagliato
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The negroni sbagliato is a popular effervescent spin on the classic negroni. It's a simple three-ingredient cocktail made from campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine, then served with an orange slice. It's wonderfully bubbly and bittersweet, and it takes just minutes to make!
We love a good cocktail variation (sometimes more than the original), but nothing beats a refreshingly bittersweet classic negroni.
Our love for classic Italian cocktails is strong and this popular spin on the classic negroni tops our list of favorite variations. It's bright, bubbly, and perfectly bittersweet!
This negroni sbagliato with prosecco is a great option for people who find a negroni a bit too strong, but still like the taste. It has the characteristic bittersweet taste of a classic negroni, balanced out by fruity sparkling wine. So while it's still an assertive drink, it's a bit easier on the palate for some than the spirit-forward original.
It's a quick and easy recipe to make that requires just three simple ingredients. Start by stirring together the campari and sweet vermouth with ice. Strain it into a rocks glass with a large ice cube, and serve it with an orange slice.
It's bittersweetness makes it the perfect pre-dinner drink, but it's enjoyable anytime. The colors are beautiful and its effervescence makes it especially refreshing on a hot day!
What is a negroni sbagliato?
A negroni sbagliato (pronounced spag-lee-ah-toe) is a spin on the classic negroni that swaps gin for sparkling wine. The now popular cocktail came to be in the 1970s when a bartender mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin.
So funnily, the word sbagliato actually means ‘mistaken'. We love this because it's the perfect example of how sometimes good things can come from mistakes!
Although it's been around for some time, the negroni sbagliato gained popularity recently when a TikTok video featuring actor Emma D'Arcy went viral after telling co-host Olivia Cooke it was their ‘drink of choice'. As a result, TikTok saw a surge of recipes for the cocktail being loaded, and various websites saw an increase in traffic for the recipe.
What's in a negroni sbagliato?
You only need three simple ingredients to make a negroni sbagliato cocktail. Here are the ingredients:
- Campari – this popular Italian apéritif is vibrant red with a bitter citrus taste and spice-forward notes.
- Sweet vermouth – this Italian fortified wine is sweet, spiced, and flavored with various botanical.
- Sparkling wine – no need to spend extra on champagne, because effervescent prosecco or cava will both work just fine. They range from sweet to dry so choose based on your taste preferences. We prefer a drink that's not too sweet, so we opt for a dry cava in this recipe.
How to make a negroni sbagliato
A negroni sbagliato with prosecco in it is elegant yet understated making it the perfect drink for a laid back happy hour (aperitivo in Italy), or anytime before or after dinner. Here's how to make one in a few simple steps:
- Stir campari and sweet vermouth with ice in a cocktail shaker or jar.
- Strain it into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
- Top it with sparkling wine and finish it with an orange slice or orange twist. Cheers!
How to make a pitcher of negroni sbagliato
Making a pitcher of this negroni sbagliato recipe for a crowd or party is really easy to do. Simply scale up the ratio by using cups instead of ounces.
To prepare it ahead of time, stir together the campari and sweet vermouth in a pitcher and place it in the fridge until you're ready to serve it. Then top it off with the sparkling wine and pour it into individual glasses with ice cubes.
What does a negroni sbagliato with prosecco taste like?
A negroni sbagliatio is a refreshing bubbly cocktail that's pleasantly bittersweet. The bright earthy flavors from the campari and sweet vermouth get a lift from the fruity sparkling wine. You can adjust the overall sweetness of the drink to your tastes by choosing a dry or sweet sparkling wine. This negroni variation is much lighter tasting than the original, just like our Aperol negroni.
FAQS
Why use large ice cubes?
The benefit of using large ice cubes is that they have a larger surface area so they melt more slowly. They keep your drink cold, without diluting it.
What's the best glass to use for a negroni sbagliato?
You can serve it on the rocks (like we do in the pictures), or “up” in a champagne flute.
Can I use soda water instead of sparkling wine?
Yes, you can. It won't technically be a negroni sbagliato without the sparkling wine but it will still taste delicious. You can think of it as more as a low-alcohol ‘spritz'.
When to serve a negroni sbagliato cocktail
A bittersweet negroni sbagliatio is the perfect pre-dinner cocktail for whetting the appetite, and naturally pairs with Italian menus. All over Italy, you're likely to see people sipping on a variation of this red-hued cocktail during aperitivo, between the hours of 7-9pm.
They're an easy drink to mix up on a weeknight, yet elegant enough for entertaining, and they make a solid choice for a nightcap, too. We often make negronis around the holidays, but this bubbly version is a refreshing warm weather option.
More favorite Italian cocktails for aperitivo
Negroni Sbagliato Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 ounces sparkling wine
Instructions
- Put a handful of ice into a cocktail mixer or jar. Add the Campari and sweet vermouth and stir until they're chilled.1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Strain into a rocks glass with a single, large ice cube inside.
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a slice of orange.2 ounces sparkling wine
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
If you love a negroni as much as we do, make sure to check out all of our negroni variations!
