Omit the gin from the classic Negroni, and you have yourself a Negroni Sbagliato. While the translation of Negroni Sbagliato might be "wrong Negroni," we don't see anything wrong with it. Like the classic, the Sbagliato is often served on the rocks, but it's also possible to serve in a Champagne flute to highlight the sparkling wine bubbles. Who needs Champagne when you have a delicious taste of Italy at your fingertips?
How to Make a Negroni Sbagilato
Instead of the juniper gin notes, the Negroni Sbagliato turns to sparkling wine, preferably Italian, as the base spirit. With a similar feel to the Aperol spritz, the Sbagliato is more bitter than the spritz but not as bitter as the classic Negroni.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce prosecco
- Ice
- Orange wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, add ice, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
- Stir rapidly to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Add prosecco.
- Garnish with an orange wedge.
If you're looking for a party punch to serve, get a little fancy by turning this single recipe into a party size. Because this cocktail is an easygoing bubbly, serve it in large batches using one cup of each ingredient, creating a hybrid Negroni punch.
Negroni Sbagilato Variations
While you can't necessarily swap the type of ingredients, you can experiment with different flavors and proportions.
- Try out different proportions of the ingredients. If you want a fizzier Sbagliato, use an extra quarter to half an ounce of sparkling wine, modifying the other ingredients to add up to approximately three ounces.
- Using the same math as above, you can modify the proportions of the sweet vermouth and Campari. More Campari will give the drink a more bitter flavor, while the sweet vermouth gives a bitter vanilla with a subtle sweetness.
- Different styles of sparkling wine will alter the overall taste; brut will be drier while prosecco offers a brighter taste.
- Include a few dashes of orange or lemon bitters to capitalize on the existing citrus notes.
Garnishes
If the orange wedge garnish doesn't speak to your cocktail soul, consider a few of the following.
- Opt for an orange wheel or slice instead of the wedge.
- A lemon wedge, wheel, or slice adds a similar citrus brightness to the drink.
- Consider an orange or lemon peel, twist, or ribbon for a pop of color.
- Carve a design in a citrus peel, such as a coin, star, or diamond.
A Bubbly Negroni
Hop over your Aperol spritz and scoot past your regular Negroni in favor of this fizzy delight. The Negroni Sbagliato will be your next favorite drink to serve regardless of what you're celebrating!
