Negroni Sbagliato

The story

The Negroni Sbagliato, meaning 'mistaken Negroni' in Italian, is believed to have originated in the 1970s when a bartender accidentally substituted prosecco for gin in a traditional Negroni. This twist gained popularity, particularly in Milan, and has since become a staple in cocktail culture, appreciated for its lighter, effervescent profile compared to the original. Its rise reflects a broader trend towards refreshing aperitifs.

How it tastes

The Negroni Sbagliato offers a balanced blend of bitter and sweet flavors, with the herbal notes of vermouth and bitter liqueur complemented by the crispness of sparkling wine. It is typically served as an aperitif, ideal for casual gatherings or pre-dinner drinks.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Negroni Sbagliato lies in the proper balance of ingredients and the use of quality sparkling wine. The drink should be built in an ice-filled glass to ensure it remains chilled and refreshing, while a gentle stir helps to combine the flavors without losing carbonation.

Variations

• Negroni — The classic Negroni is made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, served over ice and garnished with an orange twist.
• Negroni Bianco — This variation uses dry vermouth and a white bitter liqueur, resulting in a lighter, less bitter drink.

Substitutions

• Sweet Vermouth — If sweet vermouth is unavailable, you can use a combination of dry vermouth and a touch of simple syrup.
• Italian Red Bitter Liqueur — A substitute for Italian red bitter liqueur could be Aperol or any other herbal bitter liqueur.

Questions

What does 'sbagliato' mean?

'Sbagliato' translates to 'mistaken' in Italian, referring to the drink's origin story where a bartender mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin.

Can I make a Negroni Sbagliato in advance?

While it's best served fresh to maintain its effervescence, you can pre-mix the vermouth and bitter liqueur, then add sparkling wine just before serving.

Is the Negroni Sbagliato strong?

With an ABV of around 7%, the Negroni Sbagliato is lighter than the traditional Negroni, making it a more approachable option for those who prefer lower-alcohol cocktails.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026