Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail: the Drink Born From a Mistake

The Negroni Sbagliato is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. “Sbagliato” means “mistaken” or “wrong” in Italian, and the cocktail’s creation is rooted in a happy accident. The drink is known for its refreshing, bubbly character, which comes from the substitution of sparkling wine for the gin traditionally used in a Negroni. It’s an ideal aperitif for any occasion!

How Was the Negroni Sbagliato Born?

The Negroni Sbagliato was reportedly invented in the 1970s at Bar Basso in Milan, Italy. The story goes that a bartender mistakenly grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin while preparing a Negroni. The result was a lighter, effervescent version of the original cocktail, which quickly gained popularity for its refreshing taste and lower alcohol content.

What is Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail

The Negroni Sbagliato retains the bittersweet flavors of Campari and sweet vermouth from the original Negroni, but the addition of sparkling wine gives it a unique and lively twist. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of fizz in their cocktails and prefer a slightly lighter drink.

The Negroni Sbagliato is often served in an old-fashioned or rocks glass over ice, garnished with an orange slice or twist. Its popularity has endured, making it a staple in many cocktail bars around the world, particularly for those who appreciate a classic with a twist.

Ingredients for Negroni Sbagliato

• 3 cl | 1 oz Campari
• 3 cl | 1 oz Sweet vermouth
• 3 cl | 1 oz Prosecco or another sparkling wine
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice or twist, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail

Prepare Your Glassware

Fill an old-fashioned or rocks glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.

Mix the Cocktail

Pour Campari and sweet vermouth over the ice in the glass. Add chilled Prosecco or your preferred sparkling wine to the glass. The bubbles will give the cocktail its signature effervescence. Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture. This helps combine the ingredients without losing too much of the carbonation from the sparkling wine.

Garnish and Serve

Add a slice of orange or an orange twist to the drink. This not only adds a pop of color but also complements the bittersweet flavors of the cocktail. Your Negroni Sbagliato is ready to enjoy. Serve immediately while it’s still cold and bubbly.

The Negroni Sbagliato is perfect for those who love the bittersweet notes of a traditional Negroni but prefer a lighter, sparkling beverage. It’s an ideal aperitif for any occasion!