This post may include affiliate links.
The Negroni Sbagliato is a spin on the classic cocktail using Prosecco instead of gin. It’s bitter, sweet, bubbly…and even better than the original.
If you love a Negroni, you’ll love this twist on the original. Not a Negroni fan? You’ll love it too! Meet the Negroni Sbagliato, a mixed-up version of the classic cocktail using sparkling wine instead of gin.
The lightly sweet Prosecco, combined with the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth, creates a better-balanced flavor than with gin. This Negroni spin-off has gone from relatively unknown to trending recently, and for good reason. (Who can resist a little bubbly?)
5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Thanks, guys. Friends who spurned the Campari and soda we served them in the past loved your Negroni Sbagliato! Guess we got the last laugh!” -Sylvia F.
What’s a Negroni Sbagliato?
The Negroni Sbagliato is a Negroni with Prosecco. It’s a spin-off on the classic Negroni, a 1920’s Italian cocktail that’s equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Sbagliato version, which translates to “mistaken” or “incorrect” in Italian, trades Prosecco for the gin. It’s a modern spin and was invented in the 1980’s in Milan.
The drink’s lore says that the owner of Bar Basso was making a Negroni and mistakenly reached for a bottle of Prosecco instead of gin. You can still get a Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso if you’re ever in Milan (life goals). Wondering how to pronounce sbagliato? It’s pronounced spal-yacht-oh. The ingredients in a Negroni Sbagliato are:
- Campari
- Sweet vermouth
- Sparkling wine: Prosecco, champagne, or another variety
How Did It Get Popular?
The Negroni Sbagliato jumped in popularity in October 2022 thanks to TikTok, when HBO posted a behind-the-scenes interview for the show House of the Dragon.
As actors Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke chatted about their favorite cocktails, D’Arcy mentioned “Negroni Sbagliato…with Prosecco in it.” The video went viral, and soon Negroni Sbagliato orders at bars skyrocketed (see this NPR story).
When I posted this recipe in 2020, the Negroni Sbagliato was relatively unknown. So I was excited to learn that the viral video had taken this Negroni spin-off to new heights. Remember when ordering it at a bar or restaurant, you need only “Negroni Sbagliato” (the word Sbagliato signifies “with Prosecco”).
How to Make It
The Negroni Sbagliato is one of the easiest cocktails out there! It’s equal parts of all the ingredients. You don’t even need a cocktail shaker: just mix right in the glass! Here’s what to do (or go to the recipe below):
- Mix. Add 1 ounce each of Campari and sweet vermouth to a lowball glass. Add ice.
- Pour in sparkling wine. Add the Prosecco and serve!
Ways to Serve This Cocktail
The Negroni Sbagliato can be served in various glassware, depending on the occasion. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- On the rocks: The classic way to serve a Negroni Sbagliato is on ice in a lowball glass.
- “Up” in a champagne flute: Because of the sparkling wine, you can serve a Negroni Sbagliato in a champagne flute like traditional champagne and Prosecco cocktails.
- Stemmed wine glass: Its similarity to a spritz makes the Negroni Sbagliato work well in a stemmed wine glass.
More on Campari
Campari is the Italian bitter that makes a Negroni a Negroni, with its bright red jewel-toned color and bitter, spicy flavor. It’s infused with different herbs and fruits, part of a secret recipe. Because it’s so bitter, it can be an acquired taste. Either you love it, or you hate it! If you do love it, there are lots more Campari cocktails to try.
About Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine, meaning liquor has been added to the wine. There are two main types of vermouth: sweet (usually red) and dry (usually white). Sweet vermouth is subtly sweet and spicy, with a hit of bitterness on the back end.
Sweet vermouth is used in many classic cocktails; most famously, the Manhattan, Martinez, and Negroni. Dry white vermouth is totally different; it’s used in martinis, like the Classic Martini, Dirty Martini and Cucumber Martini. Whatever vermouth you have on hand, make sure to store it in the refrigerator; it will stay good for up to 3 months.
More Negroni Variations!
There are lots of variations on the Negroni, most of which I think make it taste better! Here are the top best ways to vary up your Negroni:
- Boulevardier: A Negroni with whiskey! Campari, sweet vermouth, and whiskey.
- Old Pal: A cleaner, drier Negroni! Campari, dry vermouth, and whiskey.
- Aperol Negroni: A sweet, citrusy Negroni with Aperol, sweet vermouth, and gin.
- Mezcal Negroni: A smoky Negroni! Campari, sweet vermouth, and mezcal.
- White Negroni: The bright yellow color and light floral flavor come from Lillet Blanc and Suze.
Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a spin on the classic cocktail using Prosecco. It’s bitter, sweet, bubbly…and even better than the original.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ounce* sweet or semi-sweet red vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce Prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: Orange peel
Instructions
- Stir the vermouth and Campari in a lowball glass. Add ice.
- Top off the glass with the sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange peel and serve.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
Thanks, guys. Friends who spurned the Campari and soda we served them in the past loved your Negroni Sbagliato! Guess we got the last laugh!
Haha! Glad they enjoyed :)