The Negroni Sbagliato is the lighter, more refreshing variation of the Negroni – instead of Gin, chilled Prosecco goes into the glass. The bitterness of Campari and the spiciness of red Vermouth remain, but the carbonation lifts the aromas and makes the drink refreshing. Perfect for warm evenings or as an aperitif when you want slightly less alcohol. The citrus notes from the peels round off the taste and provide a fresh, almost floral note.
And this is what you need for the Negroni Sbagliato
2 cl Campari
2 cl red Vermouth
6 cl chilled Prosecco
Ice cubes
1 piece peel of an organic orange (approx. 4 cm long, 2 cm wide)
1 piece peel of an organic lemon (approx. 4 cm long, 2 cm wide)
This is what matters
The Prosecco must be chilled – preferably place it in the freezer for an hour before mixing, but do not freeze. Do not simply drop the peels into the glass: first rub the rim, so that the essential oils land directly on the tongue. If you find the drink too bitter, reduce the Campari to 1.5 cl and slightly increase the Vermouth. Important: Never shake – the carbonation will be lost, and the drink will go flat.
Variations
- Sbagliato Spritz — Add 3 cl soda water and serve in a wine glass with crushed ice for an even lighter variation.
- Rosato Sbagliato — Replace the red Vermouth with a rosé Vermouth and garnish with a slice of strawberry for a fruitier note.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?
Yes, but make sure to use a dry sparkling wine (Brut or Extra Brut). Sweet variations will overpower the bitterness of the Campari and make the drink too sweet.
Why is it called Sbagliato?
Sbagliato means ‘made wrong’ or ‘mistaken’ in Italian. The name refers to the fact that Prosecco was accidentally used instead of Gin – which turned out to be a happy mistake.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
No. The Prosecco quickly loses its carbonation, and the aromas of the peels dissipate. Mix it just before serving.
