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Negroni Sbagliato Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

The Negroni Sbagliato is a sparkling twist on the classic Italian Negroni cocktail, created by accident in Milan and now celebrated worldwide. This effervescent aperitivo combines Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco instead of gin, resulting in a lighter, more refreshing drink perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. The name means 'mistaken Negroni,' honoring its serendipitous origin when a bartender reached for sparkling wine instead of spirits.

Ingredients

• 30 ml (1 fl oz) Campari
• 30 ml (1 fl oz) sweet vermouth (Martini Rosso or similar)
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) prosecco or Italian sparkling wine, chilled
• Large ice cube or 4-5 ice cubes
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a rocks glass or aperitivo glass with ice, using one large cube if available or several standard ice cubes.

2. Pour 30 ml of Campari into the glass over the ice.

3. Add 30 ml of sweet vermouth to the glass and stir gently to combine with the Campari.

4. Top the glass with 60 ml of chilled prosecco, pouring slowly to preserve carbonation.

5. Stir very gently once or twice to combine all ingredients without deflating the bubbles.

6. Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the drink, then drop it into the glass as garnish.

Substitutions

• Replace prosecco with Asti or other Italian sparkling wines for different flavor profiles
• Use Aperol instead of Campari for a lighter, less bitter version with more herbal notes
• Substitute sweet vermouth with dry vermouth for a crisper, less sweet aperitivo
• Use any quality Italian sparkling wine or Champagne if prosecco is unavailable

Tips

• Chill all ingredients, especially the prosecco, before making the drink to maintain the ideal temperature without over-diluting
• Use a large single ice cube rather than multiple small cubes to minimize dilution as the drink sits
• This cocktail should be consumed promptly after preparation to enjoy maximum carbonation and proper temperature

The Negroni Sbagliato originated in the 1970s at Bar Basso in Milan when a bartender mistakenly grabbed prosecco instead of gin while preparing a Negroni. Rather than discard the drink, he served it, and the happy accident became an iconic Italian aperitivo that perfectly captures the spirit of Italian aperitivo culture: elegant, effervescent, and meant for leisurely socializing before dinner.

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