How To Make A Negroni Sbagliato: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail

Are you a fan of Negronis but want to try something different? Look no further than the Negroni Sbagliato. This sparkling variation of the classic Negroni cocktail adds a bubbly twist that is perfect for summer soirées or any occasion that calls for a refreshing drink. 

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a simple recipe and guide you through the steps to create your own Negroni Sbagliato. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

How to Make a Negroni Sbagliato

If you’re looking to impress your friends with a delightful and unexpected cocktail, the Negroni Sbagliato is the perfect choice. Here’s a simple recipe that combines Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco or any dry sparkling wine of your preference. You’ll also need a rocks glass, ice, and a bit of stirring skills. 

Start by filling the rocks glass with ice. Then, pour in 1 ounce of Campari, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1 ounce of prosecco or your chosen sparkling wine. Gently stir the mixture to combine all the flavors. To add a touch of elegance, you can garnish your Negroni Sbagliato with an orange twist. 

A few tips to note: Some variations suggest using a highball glass instead of a rocks glass to accommodate the extra fizz from the prosecco. Adding the sparkling wine last prevents the bubbles from overflowing. Additionally, you can experiment with different bitter liqueurs or sparkling wines to create your own unique twist on the Negroni Sbagliato.

So, whether you’re hosting a cocktail party or simply looking to enjoy a refreshing drink on a sunny day, the Negroni Sbagliato is a delightful option. With its balance of bitter and sweet flavors, coupled with the effervescence of the prosecco, this cocktail is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.

In our next section, we’ll dive deeper into the history of the Negroni Sbagliato and explore some interesting variations of this beloved cocktail. Stay tuned!

What is a Negroni Sbagliato?

A Negroni Sbagliato is a refreshing variation of the classic Negroni cocktail. It replaces the gin with Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine, giving it a lighter and fizzier taste. This cocktail is perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif to start off a meal.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a Negroni Sbagliato, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Campari: This bitter Italian liqueur is a key component of the Negroni Sbagliato. It adds a unique and distinctive flavor to the cocktail.
  • Sweet vermouth: This fortified wine brings a rich and sweet taste to the Negroni Sbagliato. Make sure to use sweet vermouth, as opposed to dry vermouth, for the best results.
  • Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine: Unlike the classic Negroni, the Negroni Sbagliato replaces gin with Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine. The bubbles from the sparkling wine add a refreshing and effervescent element to the cocktail.
  • Ice: Just like any other cocktail, the Negroni Sbagliato requires ice for chilling and diluting the drink.
  • Orange slice or peel for garnish: A Negroni Sbagliato is traditionally garnished with an orange slice or peel. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the citrus notes in the cocktail.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

  1. Gather your ingredients: You will need 1 ounce of Campari, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, 1 ounce of Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine, ice, and an orange slice or peel for garnish.
  2. Fill a rocks or old-fashioned glass with ice.
  3. Pour 1 ounce of Campari and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth over the ice.
  4. Stir the ingredients together to combine.
  5. Gently add 1 ounce of Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine to the glass, pouring it down a bar spoon or long spoon that’s been placed in the glass to prevent the bubbles from overflowing.
  6. Stir the contents of the glass together.
  7. If desired, top up with more Prosecco.
  8. Garnish with an orange slice or peel.

The Negroni Sbagliato offers a delightful twist on the classic Negroni. Its bubbly nature and lighter flavor make it a refreshing choice, especially during warmer months. Whether you’re a fan of the original Negroni or looking for a unique aperitif, the Negroni Sbagliato is definitely worth a try. Cheers!

Tips for Serving and Garnishing Your Cocktail

To serve and garnish your Negroni cocktail, keep these tips in mind to enhance the flavor, presentation, and overall drinking experience:

Express the orange peel: Before garnishing your Negroni, twist the orange peel over the glass to release its oils. This will add a burst of citrus aroma to the cocktail.

Place the orange twist in the glass: After twisting the orange peel, place it in the Negroni glass. You can either stand it up in the drink or drape it over the rim for a more decorative presentation.

Avoid flaming the orange peel: While flaming the orange peel can be beneficial for some cocktails, it is not recommended for the Negroni. Instead, focus on expressing the oils from the peel to enhance the flavor and aroma.

Use the right glassware: The classic Negroni is typically served in an old-fashioned or rocks glass, while the Negroni Sbagliato is often served in a highball glass. Using the appropriate glassware adds to the visual appeal and enjoyment of the cocktail.

Stir the ingredients well: Whether you’re making a classic Negroni or a Negroni Sbagliato, make sure to stir the ingredients thoroughly. This ensures that they are properly mixed, resulting in a well-balanced flavor profile.

Top up with more Prosecco if desired: If you’re preparing a Negroni Sbagliato and prefer a lighter and bubblier drink, you can top it up with some more Prosecco. This adds a refreshing touch to the cocktail.

Exploring Variations: Different Bitter Liqueurs and Sparkling Wines to Try

Looking to spice up your Negroni cocktail? Why not experiment with different bitter liqueurs and sparkling wines to create unique flavor combinations? Here are some variations that you can try:

Aperol Negroni: If you prefer a milder bitterness, replace Campari with Aperol. Aperol offers a similar flavor profile but with a lighter and less bitter taste.

Negroni Sbagliato: Swap out the gin for Prosecco or any dry sparkling wine to create a Negroni Sbagliato. This variation adds a bubbly and refreshing twist to the classic Negroni.

Boulevardier: Want to add more depth and richness to your Negroni? Replace the gin with spicy bourbon to create a Boulevardier. The bourbon’s smoky and intense flavors take the cocktail to a whole new level.

These variations are just a starting point for your Negroni explorations. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique combinations, using different bitter liqueurs and sparkling wines of your choice. Cheers to discovering new flavors!

The History of the Negroni Sbagliato

The Negroni Sbagliato was invented in Milan in the 1970s by bartender Mirko Stocchetto at Bar Basso. The name “Sbagliato” means “mistaken” in Italian, referring to the accidental substitution of gin with Prosecco. 

The recipe calls for equal parts of Campari, sweet vermouth, and Prosecco, stirred with ice and strained into a glass with an orange garnish. The Negroni Sbagliato has gained popularity in Italy and beyond for its lighter and bubblier take on the classic Negroni.

Choosing the Right Glassware for Your Cocktail

Choosing the right glassware for your cocktail can greatly enhance your drinking experience and elevate the presentation of your drink. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect glass for your cocktail:

Consider the drink: Different types of glassware are designed to enhance the flavors and aromas of specific drinks. Use a stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails, and a rocks glass for drinks served over ice.

Consider the size: The size of the glass should be appropriate for the amount of liquid in your cocktail. Tall drinks are best enjoyed in highball glasses, while shorter drinks are better suited for rocks glasses.

Consider the shape: The shape of the glass can affect the aroma and temperature of your drink. Opt for a narrow-mouthed glass to release the aromas, or choose a wide-mouthed glass to help keep your drink cool.

Consider the material: The material of the glass can impact the overall presentation and feel of your cocktail. Crystal or glass can add an elegant touch, while plastic or metal may be more suitable for outdoor or casual settings.

Consider personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of glassware comes down to personal preference. Select a glass that you enjoy drinking from and that complements the specific characteristics of your cocktail.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cocktail is served in the perfect glassware, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal of your drink.

By HappyFizzyHour

Happy Fizzy Hour is a blog about cocktails, wine and other tasty drinks. It's written by Tessa Sobrino, a passionate drinker who loves exploring the world of mixology to find new cocktail recipes for you to try at home. Happy Fizzy Hour features creative recipes from bartenders in different cities around the world, as well as plenty of tips on how to make your own happy hour-appropriate concoctions at home.