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
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.
- Ice cubes: Cubes keep the drink cold and prevent it from watering down too quickly.
- 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
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.
