Aperitivi
Negroni Sbagliato
The “mistaken” Negroni
The short answer
A Negroni Sbagliato is Campari and sweet vermouth topped with Prosecco instead of gin — lighter, sparkling and about half the strength.
- Style
- Sparkling, softer, 12% ABV
- Glass
- Rocks or wine glass over ice
- Strength
- About 12% ABV
Where it comes from
Milan, 1970s. A bartender at Bar Basso reached for the wrong bottle mid-Negroni and grabbed sparkling wine. Sbagliato means 'mistaken'. Fifty years later it outsells the original in his bar.
What you need
- 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
- 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
- 2 oz (60 ml) cold Prosecco Brut
- Wide orange peel
How Larry builds it
- 01
Build over ice. Campari and vermouth straight into the glass over a big cube.
- 02
Top gently. Add Prosecco down the side of the glass so it keeps its bubble.
- 03
One stir. A single slow turn, then the orange peel.
Larry’s rule: Born when a Milan bartender grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin. Best mistake in Italy.
Variations worth making
Sbagliato Bianco
Bianco vermouth and Select instead of Campari — pale and much softer.
Pitcher version
Batch the Campari and vermouth; top each glass with Prosecco to order.
Questions people ask
How strong is a Negroni Sbagliato?
Around 12% ABV, roughly half a standard Negroni.
Prosecco or Champagne in a Sbagliato?
Prosecco Brut. It is the Milanese original and its softer bubble suits the vermouth.
More from Aperitivi
← All 67 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/negroni-sbagliato.