Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe

When I want a refreshing twist on a classic, I like to make a Negroni Sbagliato.

A Negroni Sbagliato swaps gin for sparkling wine, creating a lighter and bubbly cocktail.

This drink is easy to mix but feels special.

It’s a favorite for both casual evenings and celebrations.

I often recommend this cocktail to friends who want a simple recipe with bold flavor.

The Negroni Sbagliato has only a few ingredients, but the taste is balanced and smooth.

If you want a drink that’s both impressive and easy to make, this one is a great choice.

Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe

Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe
The Negroni Sbagliato is an Italian cocktail that uses sparkling wine instead of gin. It’s light, bubbly, and easy to make with just a few basic tools and ingredients.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Rocks glass: I use a short, sturdy glass to serve this cocktail.
  • Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon helps me stir the drink without spilling.
  • Jigger: Using a jigger allows me to measure out each liquid precisely.
  • Ice cubes: Cubes keep the drink cold and prevent it from watering down too quickly.
  • Citrus peeler or knife: I use this tool to slice a strip of orange peel for garnish.
  • Mixing glass (optional): If I want to pre-mix the drink before serving, this makes it easy.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine
  • Orange slice or orange peel for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Fill a rocks glass about halfway with ice cubes.
  • Pour 1 ounce of sweet vermouth over the ice.
  • Add 1 ounce of Campari to the glass.
  • Top with 1 ounce of chilled Prosecco or another sparkling wine.
  • Stir gently for a few seconds with a bar spoon to mix.
  • Garnish with an orange slice or a wide strip of orange peel placed on top.
  • I serve it right away to enjoy the bubbles at their best.

Notes

The name “sbagliato” means “mistaken” in Italian.
This drink was invented by accident when someone used sparkling wine instead of gin.
I find it lighter and less bitter than a classic Negroni.
I use a dry sparkling wine, but sweeter ones can also work.
The garnish is not just for looks—orange peel oils give a nice aroma.
It is important not to shake the cocktail, as this removes the bubbles.
I always pour the Prosecco last to keep the drink fizzy.
The Negroni Sbagliato is low in alcohol compared to the original, making it easier for me to sip slowly.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

When I taste a Negroni Sbagliato, the first sip is crisp and light.

The bubbles from the sparkling wine add a gentle fizz that wakes up my palate.

I notice a refreshing bitterness, but it’s not as strong as a classic Negroni.

The cocktail has a mix of flavors.

I taste the citrus and herbal notes from the bitter liqueur.

The sweet vermouth brings in some sweetness and a bit of spice.

Here is what I notice most:

  • Bitterness: Mild and balanced
  • Sweetness: Just enough to round out the flavors
  • Fizz: Light bubbles throughout

After each sip, I get a clean, slightly bitter aftertaste.

The sparkling wine lifts the whole drink, making it feel less heavy than the usual Negroni.

The color is bright red-orange, which looks inviting in the glass.

I often catch a hint of orange from the garnish, making the drink smell as good as it tastes.

Substitute

Sometimes, I just don’t have all the classic ingredients for a Negroni Sbagliato. No big deal—I make simple swaps with whatever’s lying around at home.

Equipment:

  • Mixing glass or pitcher
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger (or honestly, a tablespoon works)
  • Old fashioned glass

Ingredients:

  • Sweet Vermouth: I grab any good-quality sweet vermouth. If I’m out, a red dessert wine or even port will do in a pinch.
  • Prosecco: I’ll swap in any dry sparkling wine, like Champagne, Cava, or a dry American sparkler. Not too fussy here.
  • Campari: No Campari? I just use another red Italian bitter—Aperol or Cappelletti. Aperol’s sweeter and less bitter, but it works.

Instructions:

  • I pour the vermouth and bitter over ice in my mixing glass.
  • Then, I stir gently to chill everything down.
  • I strain it into an old fashioned glass packed with fresh ice.
  • Next, I top with sparkling wine and give it a lazy, gentle stir.
  • Garnish? Just an orange slice or twist—whatever I’ve got.

If I’m going non-alcoholic, I reach for alcohol-free vermouths and sparkling grape juice. A few dashes of bitters help mimic that original flavor, though it’s never quite the same.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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