Say hello to the Negroni Sbagliato, the bubbly cousin of the classic Negroni cocktail. Made with sweet vermouth, Campari, and topped with Prosecco instead of gin, this Italian aperitivo is balanced, slightly bitter, and wonderfully refreshing with a sparkling twist.
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"Sbagliato" means "wrong" in Italian, and legend has it this drink was born from a happy accident in Milan when a bartender accidentally grabbed Prosecco instead of gin. The result? A lighter, effervescent version of the original Negroni that's become a favorite in its own right-especially for those who want the flavor of a Negroni with a bit less alcohol and a festive fizz.
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Italian Aperitivo (also at home)
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🧾 Ingredients
- Campari - This vibrant red Italian liqueur gives the Negroni its signature bitter, citrusy punch. No true Negroni without it.
- Sweet vermouth (Vermouth Rosso) - Choose a good-quality Italian brand like Carpano Antica Formula, Martini&Rossi Vermouth Rosso, or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for deep, complex notes.
- Prosecco - Use a dry or extra-dry Prosecco for a refreshing finish. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines to keep the cocktail balanced.
- Orange slice or twist - The classic garnish adds a lovely citrus aroma and color to the glass.
- Ice - Large cubes are best for slow dilution.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🥣 Variations
- Rosé Sbagliato - Swap Prosecco with sparkling rosé for a floral, slightly fruitier twist.
- Spiced Sbagliato - Add a dash of orange bitters or a cinnamon stick garnish for a cozy, winter-ready version.
- White Sbagliato - Use bianco vermouth and a splash of tonic or dry sparkling wine for a lighter, less bitter version.
- Alcohol-free - Use non-alcoholic aperitif substitutes for Campari and vermouth, and top with sparkling water or a dry non-alcoholic bubbly.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Negroni Sbagliato is ideal for aperitivo hour alongside salty snacks like olives, roasted nuts, or Italian cheeses. It also pairs well with light starters such as bruschetta, crostini, or charcuterie. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Italian Aperitivo (also at home).
Serve it cold, over ice, in a rocks glass or lowball tumbler for the most authentic Italian feel. It's a great conversation starter and looks beautiful with that ruby hue and orange garnish.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead
This cocktail is best assembled just before serving to preserve the fizz. However, you can pre-mix the Campari and vermouth in a bottle and chill it. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with cold Prosecco.
Don't pre-mix with the sparkling wine, or you'll lose the bubbles.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes! Champagne or any dry sparkling wine (like Cava) works well, though it will be a little more dry and crisp.
Yes. Since gin is replaced with sparkling wine, the alcohol content is slightly lower, making it a lighter option.
No shaking needed! This drink is stirred directly in the glass for ease and elegance.
⭐ Top tip
Chill your glass before serving. A cold glass helps keep the drink crisp and refreshing longer-perfect for hot days or when serving guests.
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📖 RECIPE
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a mixing glass or tumbler with ice.
- Add 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth.
- Top with chilled Prosecco.
- Stir well until chilled (about 20-30 seconds).
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice (or serve "up" in a coupe if preferred).
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel, expressing the oils over the glass before dropping it in.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients-with only three components, each one matters.
- Stir gently but long enough for proper chilling and dilution.
- Express the orange peel over the drink to release its oils-this small step makes a big impact on flavor.
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Frank | Memorie di Angelina says
Yum! So refreshing especially with this infernal summer heat!