Negroni Sbagliato Recipe

I’ve recently discovered a cocktail game-changer, and it’s a Negroni Sbagliato with a sparkling twist that’s about to become your new happy hour obsession.

The Negroni Sbagliato is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni, offering a refreshing balance of flavors. The way Prosecco lends a breezy elegance, that perfectly counterpoints the bitterness of the Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth, is one of the reasons I adore this drink.

Served on ice with a slice of orange, it is absolutely perfection. Again, I cannot stress how easy this drink is to make.

Ingredients

• Campari: Bitter with herbal notes, adds complexity, low-calorie.
• Sweet Vermouth: Aromatic, sweet, with botanical flavors, adds richness.
• Prosecco: Light, bubbly, mildly sweet, balances bitterness.
• Orange Slice: Adds citrus aroma, vibrant garnish, vitamin C source.
• Ice Cubes: Dilute for balance, cools drink, enhances flavor integration.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1 ounce Prosecco
• Orange slice, for garnish
• Ice cubes

How to Make this

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes all the way to the top.

2. Pour 1 ounce of Campari over the ice.

3. Add 1 ounce of sweet vermouth to the glass.

4. Mix the Campari and vermouth gently. Stir well.

5. Finish the beverage by adding 1 ounce of Prosecco.

6. Stir the drink gently again to blend the ingredients.

7. Slice a fresh orange.

8. Top the drink with an orange slice as a garnish.

9. Immediately serve to enjoy the cocktail at its best.

10. Savor and sip the refreshing twist of a Negroni Sbagliato.

Equipment Needed

1. Rocks glass
2. Ice cube tray/container
3. Jigger or measuring tool
4. Bar spoon or stirring stick
5. Knife
6. Cutting board

FAQ

• What does “sbagliato” mean?In Italian, the word “Sbagliato” translates to “mistaken” or “incorrect,” which speaks directly to the origin of the drink. It was made when someone used sparkling wine instead of gin, sparking a marvelous cocktail.
• Can I use a different sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?– Yes, you can replace Prosecco with another sparkling wine such as Cava or Champagne; however, the flavor profile may change slightly.
• Is it necessary to garnish with an orange slice?– Although the orange slice is not a must, it heightens the scent and infuses the cocktail with a bright, fresh citrus note.
• Can I make a larger batch for a party?– For sure! Just keep the ingredient amounts equal in part for each. For a larger batch, for instance, use a cup of each. And wiggle the amounts around as you see fit.
• What type of glass is best for serving a Negroni Sbagliato?– Traditionally, a rocks glass is used, affording just the right amount of room for both ice and garnish.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?– Certainly, you may substitute each element with a non-alcoholic counterpart, such as a non-alcoholic bittersweet apertif and sparkling water, for a mocktail rendition. You can also find a wide variety of non-alcoholic spirits to use in place of gin. And remember, cocktails are all about the garnish, so even if you have to use standard issue cocktail picks and cherries, you’ll still impress impressively behind the bar.
• Does the order of mixing ingredients matter?– Not especially, but starting with ice, following with Campari, sweet vermouth, and finally topping with Prosecco guarantees equal mixing.

Negroni Sbagliato Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use Aperol or an Italian bitter liqueur like Cynar or Cappelletti for a milder variation of Campari.
For sweet vermouth, if you prefer a different taste, you can substitute it for red vermouth or semi-sweet vermouth. They make a profile that is slightly different from that of sweet vermouth.
For Prosecco, you can use any sparkling wine or Champagne; just ensure it is not overly sweet.
You can substitute an orange twist or a grapefruit slice for the orange slice to create a citrus note with slightly different flavor characteristics.
If you would like your drink to be diluted a bit more, use crushed ice instead of ice cubes.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Glass Before you start mixing, put your rocks glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This will keep your cocktail extra cold and refreshing.

2. Fresh Ice is Key Use fresh, high-quality ice cubes. Larger cubes are preferable as they melt slower and help maintain the drink’s integrity without diluting it too quickly.

3. Quality Ingredients Matter Consider using a high-quality sweet vermouth and Prosecco, as they significantly contribute to the cocktail’s overall flavor profile.

4. Balance the Measurements Taste and adjust proportions slightly if desired. Some people prefer a touch more Prosecco for extra fizz or slightly less Campari for a milder bitterness.

5. Orange Zest Twist Before garnishing with the orange slice, twist some orange peel over the drink to release its oils, enhancing the aroma and adding a subtle citrus note.