Negroni Sbagliato Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect homemade Negroni Sbagliato with this easy cocktail recipe. This "mistaken" Negroni swaps gin for prosecco, creating a lighter, bubbly aperitif that's both approachable and sophisticated. The best balance of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and effervescent sparkling wine.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

2 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml Campari</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml sweet vermouth (such as Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi Storico)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml prosecco, chilled</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange slice or orange peel for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Large ice cube or regular ice cubes</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 hand pie

🔥 Calories: 425 calories

🥑 Fat: 28 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 14 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 32 g

🍭 Sugar: 1 g

🍗 Protein: 12 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg

🧂 Sodium: 780 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Old fashioned glass (rocks glass)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring device</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Add a large ice cube (or several regular ice cubes) to a rocks glass. Using a single large cube will provide slower dilution, maintaining the cocktail's integrity longer as you sip. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Pour 30ml of Campari into the glass. Campari provides the distinctive bitter backbone that defines the Negroni family of cocktails. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add 30ml of sweet vermouth to the glass. The vermouth adds aromatic complexity and balances Campari's bitterness with subtle sweetness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Gently stir the Campari and vermouth together for about 10 seconds to properly chill and slightly dilute the mixture. This creates the perfect base for the prosecco. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Top with 60ml of chilled prosecco, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. The prosecco lightens the cocktail while adding effervescence and a crisp finish. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Gently stir once more, just enough to integrate the ingredients without diminishing the carbonation. You'll notice the color lighten slightly as the prosecco incorporates. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Garnish with a slice of orange or an orange peel. If using a peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by giving it a good twist, then run the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in. This releases the aromatic citrus oils that complement the bittersweet flavors. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Serve immediately while the cocktail is cold and the prosecco is still effervescent. The name "sbagliato" means "mistaken" in Italian - legend has it a bartender accidentally used prosecco instead of gin - but this delightful mistake creates a more approachable version of the classic Negroni. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Negroni Sbagliato?

Negroni Sbagliato requires three main ingredients: 30ml Campari, 30ml sweet vermouth (such as Carpano Antica Formula), and 60ml chilled prosecco. It's garnished with an orange slice or orange peel and served over ice.

How to make Negroni Sbagliato at home?

Learn how to make Negroni Sbagliato by adding ice to a rocks glass, pouring equal parts (30ml each) of Campari and sweet vermouth, giving them a gentle stir, then topping with 60ml chilled prosecco. Finish with a gentle stir to integrate without losing bubbles, and garnish with orange. It's a refreshing aperitivo that's perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

What's the difference between a classic Negroni and a Sbagliato?

The key difference is that a classic Negroni contains equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, while the Sbagliato ("mistaken" in Italian) replaces the gin with prosecco. This substitution creates a lighter, bubbly cocktail with lower alcohol content and a more approachable flavour profile.

Which type of prosecco works best for this sparkling cocktail?

Opt for a dry (Brut) prosecco rather than extra-dry or sweet varieties. The dryness balances the sweetness from the vermouth and the bitterness from Campari. Quality matters, but you don't need an expensive bottle as the Campari and vermouth will dominate many subtle prosecco notes.

Can I batch a Sbagliato for parties in advance?

You can pre-mix the Campari and sweet vermouth ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. However, only add the prosecco just before serving to maintain carbonation. For parties, prepare a large batch of the Campari-vermouth mixture and top individual glasses with prosecco as needed.

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