Refreshing, sparkling, and with a bubbly twist: the Negroni Sbagliato is the perfect alternative for those who love the Italian aperitivo but prefer a lower alcohol content. Created in the 1970s at Milan’s Bar Basso by bartender Mirko Stocchetto, this cocktail has earned a permanent spot on the menus of the best bars.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the original Negroni Sbagliato, with precise measurements, professional technique, and expert tips.
What is the Negroni Sbagliato?
The Negroni Sbagliato was born in Milan in the 1970s, at the iconic Bar Basso, thanks to a mistake by bartender Mirko Stocchetto. Instead of pouring the gin used in the classic Negroni, he accidentally used brut sparkling wine, creating a lighter, fizzier version of the cocktail.
The result was an instant hit thanks to its balanced flavor and lower alcohol content, quickly becoming a staple of the Italian aperitivo. Today, the Negroni Sbagliato is one of the most popular cocktails in bars, loved by those who want a refined, thirst-quenching drink that’s easy to make. A happy accident that became a legend in the world of Italian mixology.
Negroni Sbagliato: Ingredients
Ingredients for 1 cocktail
- 3 cl red vermouth
- 3 cl Campari bitter
- 3 cl brut sparkling wine (well chilled)
- Ice to taste
- 1 orange slice (for garnish)
Tempi di preparazione del Negroni Sbagliato
Preparare un Negroni Sbagliato è semplice e veloce: bastano 2 minuti e tre ingredienti di qualità per ottenere un cocktail elegante e bilanciato.
How to Make a Negroni Sbagliato: recipe
1. Chill the glass
Use an old fashioned glass and fill it with plenty of ice. Let it chill for at least 30 seconds.
2. Pour the base ingredients
Drain any excess water from the ice, then pour in:
- 3 cl red vermouth
- 3 cl Campari bitter
3. Add the bubbles
Top with 3 cl of brut sparkling wine, poured gently to preserve the carbonation. You can also use prosecco, as long as it’s dry.
4. Stir
Use a bar spoon or stirrer to gently mix the ingredients.
5. Garnish
Garnish with a slice of orange, placed either inside the glass or on the rim.
Negroni Sbagliato: Alcohol Content
The Negroni Sbagliato is a cocktail that’s slightly less alcoholic than the classic Negroni, thanks to the substitution of gin with brut sparkling wine or Prosecco. Its alcohol content is around 10–12%, though it may vary depending on the type of vermouth and bubbles used.
This makes it perfect for a balanced, elegant, and not overly strong aperitivo. If you’re looking for a lighter drink without giving up the bold character of a Negroni, the Sbagliato is the perfect choice.
Tips for making the perfect Negroni Sbagliato
Here are some tips to make a flawless Negroni Sbagliato worthy of any refined cocktail list:
- Want a more aromatic touch? Try a craft vermouth or one with spicy notes.
- Avoid sweet sparkling wines: they throw off the balance and make the drink cloying.
- Serve it without a straw, as tradition dictates.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is made with red vermouth, bitter, and prosecco or brut sparkling wine instead of gin.
The key difference is the prosecco replacing the gin, making the Sbagliato lighter and more effervescent.
On average, it contains between 10% and 12% ABV, depending on the ingredients used.
It has around 120–140 kcal per glass, though this may vary slightly.
Yes, the classic Negroni is stronger due to the gin. The Sbagliato is lighter and ideal for those who prefer a milder drink.
