Negroni sbagliato

Negroni Sbagliato

(1 ratings)

A sparkling twist on the classic Negroni, this “mistaken” cocktail combines Campari and sweet vermouth with effervescent Prosecco for a lighter, refreshing aperitif.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (150ml)
  • Campari 
    30 ml
  • Sweet Red Vermouth 
    30 ml
  • Prosecco 
    60 ml
  • Orange Slice 
    1 piece
Recipe credit: Mirko Stocchetto @ Bar Basso (1970s)

Instructions

Step

Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes, preferably one large cube or a few chunky pieces to minimize dilution.

Step

Pour 30ml Campari directly over the ice, followed by 30ml sweet red vermouth.

Step

Top with 60ml well-chilled Prosecco, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.

Step

Give the drink one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon to combine ingredients while maintaining carbonation.

Step

Express the oils of an orange twist over the drink, then drop it in, or simply garnish with a fresh orange wheel.

Step

Serve immediately while the Prosecco is still effervescent and well-chilled.

Equipment

Bar spoon
Jigger
Knife

Description

The Negroni Sbagliato, meaning “mistaken” in Italian, was born from a happy accident at Milan’s Bar Basso in the 1970s when bartender Mirko Stocchetto substituted Prosecco for gin in a classic Negroni. This serendipitous error created a lighter, more effervescent aperitif that retains the beloved bitter-sweet balance of its predecessor while adding celebratory bubbles. The cocktail has gained international acclaim as the perfect introduction to bitter cocktails and an ideal pre-dinner drink that stimulates the appetite without overwhelming the palate.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (150ml)
Calories
165
ABV
12.5 %
Alcohol
14.8 g
Carbs
8.2 g
Carbs from Sugar
7.8 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.2 g
Sodium
2.5 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Use a good-quality but not premium Prosecco, as the Campari and vermouth will dominate subtle wine characteristics. Save the expensive bottles for sipping on their own.

  • Chill all ingredients beforehand, especially the Prosecco and vermouth, to maintain optimal temperature and minimize ice dilution while preserving carbonation.

  • This cocktail is perfect for batching - pre-mix the Campari and vermouth in a chilled container, then let guests top with Prosecco to maintain freshness and bubbles.

  • For enhanced aroma, briefly flame the orange peel before garnishing to release more citrus oils into the drink's bouquet.

  • Experiment with different vermouths such as those with blood orange or spiced profiles to add complexity while maintaining the classic flavor balance.

Yes, substituting Aperol creates an Aperol Sbagliato with a sweeter, less bitter profile that’s even more approachable for those sensitive to bitter flavors. The drink will be more orange-forward and lighter in taste.

Using more Prosecco (like the 2:1 ratio in this recipe) creates a lighter, more effervescent drink that’s perfect as an aperitif. Equal parts creates a stronger, more spirit-forward cocktail closer to a traditional Negroni in intensity.

The cocktail should be consumed immediately after preparation to enjoy the Prosecco’s carbonation at its peak. The base spirits can be pre-mixed and stored chilled, but add the Prosecco only when ready to serve.

Any dry sparkling wine can substitute for Prosecco, such as Cava, Crémant, or even Champagne. Avoid sweet sparkling wines as they’ll throw off the bitter-sweet balance that makes this cocktail special.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Campari
    30 ml
  • Sweet Red Vermouth
    30 ml
  • Prosecco
    60 ml
  • Orange Slice
    1 piece

Method

  1. Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes, preferably one large cube or a few chunky pieces to minimize dilution.
  2. Pour 30ml Campari directly over the ice, followed by 30ml sweet red vermouth.
  3. Top with 60ml well-chilled Prosecco, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.
  4. Give the drink one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon to combine ingredients while maintaining carbonation.
  5. Express the oils of an orange twist over the drink, then drop it in, or simply garnish with a fresh orange wheel.
  6. Serve immediately while the Prosecco is still effervescent and well-chilled.