Negroni Sbagliato
A bubbly, bitter and sour cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 12.6% ABV ∙
The Negroni Sbagliato is a stirred Italian cocktail of equal parts sweet vermouth and a red bitter like Campari, topped with Prosecco instead of gin.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Rosso vermouth 30 mlRed bitter 30 mlProsecco extra dry 60 ml
- Stir
- Garnish with an orange wheel
Tips
- Pour it straight into the ice-filled glass and give it only a brief stir so the Prosecco keeps its bubbles.
History
The Negroni Sbagliato ("mistaken" or "wrong" Negroni) originated at Bar Basso in Milan, where bartender Mirko Stocchetto is credited with creating it by reaching for a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin while mixing a Negroni. Rather than discard the misfired drink, he served it, and the accidental result caught on as a lighter alternative to the original. Bar Basso, which Stocchetto ran with fellow Venetian bartender Renato Hausammann from the late 1960s, is still cited as the drink's birthplace and continues to serve it today.
FAQ
What's the difference between a Negroni and a Negroni Sbagliato?
A Negroni Sbagliato replaces the gin with Prosecco, keeping the equal-parts sweet vermouth and red bitter but making it lighter, fizzier, and lower in alcohol than a standard Negroni.
What is in a Negroni Sbagliato?
30 ml each of sweet (rosso) vermouth and a red bitter such as Campari, topped with 60 ml of Prosecco extra dry.
What is the best ratio for a Negroni Sbagliato?
Equal parts sweet vermouth and red bitter, then Prosecco. Many make it one-to-one-to-one; this recipe pours 30 ml, 30 ml, and 60 ml, so the double measure of Prosecco makes it lighter and fizzier.
What is the difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Negroni Sbagliato?
An Aperol Spritz is mostly Prosecco and soda with a smaller measure of Aperol. A Negroni Sbagliato is equal parts vermouth and red bitter topped with Prosecco, so it is darker, more bitter, and less sweet.
Do Italians drink Negroni Sbagliato?
Yes. It was born at Bar Basso in Milan, when a bartender reached for sparkling wine instead of gin while mixing a Negroni. Italian bars now serve it widely as a lighter, lower-alcohol alternative to the classic Negroni.
