The Negroni Sbagliato is a sparkling twist on the classic Negroni that swaps gin for Prosecco. With Campari bringing its bold bittersweet edge, and vermouth adding depth to the mix, this version is lighter, bubblier, and a touch more playful.
If you adore mixed drinks with a bubbly kiss of Prosecco, you’ve got to try this classy clinker. It got some amazing airtime on TikTok in 2022, thanks to a promo chat between two of the stars of the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon. When asked about their favourite drink, actress Emma D’Arcy named the Negroni Sbagliato (‘with Prosecco in it’).
The sparkly sidekick of the traditional Negroni, this cocktail follows the same recipe for the first two ingredients but then strays off course to become something deliciously different.
QUICK TIPS
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Serve in a Champagne flute for even more sophisticated flair.
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Go low-ABV by swapping Prosecco for soda water
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Bold cheeses like Parmesan pair beautifully with Campari-based drinks
History of the Negroni Sbagliato & why it’s so popular today
In Italian, sbagliato means ‘mistake’ or ‘broken’, and that’s exactly how this cocktail came to life. The story goes back to Milan in the 1970s, when Bar Basso owner Mirko Stocchetto accidentally grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin while mixing a classic Negroni.
The result? A glass filled with bittersweet Campari, rich vermouth, and lively bubbles that became an instant hit. What started as a happy accident is now the beloved Negroni Sbagliato recipe, proving that some mistakes are worth repeating.
The Negroni Sbagliato keeps Campari and vermouth at its core but swaps out gin for sparkling Prosecco. That simple switch changes the whole vibe of the cocktail, from bold and spirit-forward to lighter and celebratory.
The Negroni Sbagliato shines as a festive aperitivo cocktail, perfect for moments that call for bubbles and celebration. It’s a natural fit for any occasion where you want to impress without overcomplicating things.
Weddings: Swap Kir Royale for a trendy Sbagliato to give your canapé hour some modern sparkle.
New Year’s Eve: Ring in the year with a glass that feels chic, meme-worthy, and ready for the camera roll.
Aperitivo hour: Elevate your after-work catch-up with friends by turning a casual moment into a low-key celebration.
For serving, the drink works beautifully in a stemmed wine glass. The broad rim lets the Campari and vermouth aromas mingle with the sparkling wine, while the shape keeps the Prosecco lively. Holding a stemmed glass also adds an extra touch of elegance that makes every sip feel like a special occasion.
A simple yet impactful garnish elevates your Negroni Sbagliato ingredients, adding a pop of colour and a hint of citrus aroma. The classic choice is a thin orange slice or a carefully twisted orange peel. The citrus oils released when twisting the peel over the glass lend a subtle yet intriguing aroma to the cocktail without overpowering its balanced flavour profile.
For a creative twist, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few pomegranate seeds to add visual appeal and a hint of herbaceous or fruity complexity.
Common mistakes to avoid when making a Negroni Sbagliato
Over-pouring Prosecco. While Prosecco is the star of this variation, using too much can drown out the distinctive flavours of Campari and sweet vermouth. Aim for a balanced pour—about equal parts of each ingredient—to maintain the harmony that makes this cocktail so delightful.
Skipping the stir. A gentle stir after adding all the ingredients helps to mix the flavours without losing too much of the fizz. But stirring too vigorously will flatten the bubbles, leaving you with a less lively cocktail.
Using warm Prosecco. To ensure your Negroni Sbagliato is as delightful as possible, make sure the Prosecco is chilled before mixing. Using warm Prosecco not only affects the taste but also makes the cocktail less invigorating. Store your Prosecco in the fridge and pour it cold.
The sassy sipper’s signature blend of bitter, sweet, and sparkles makes it a versatile choice for pairing with food. Perfect for aperitivo boards featuring olives, charcuterie, and aged cheeses, it also shines alongside salty bites like prosciutto and Parmesan crisps.
For a more substantial pairing, try it with rich Italian dishes like mushroom risotto or a full charcuterie spread. The cocktail’s bitterness cuts through the richness of these foods, while the effervescence of Prosecco cleanses the palate between bites.
More drinks to try if you love a Negroni Sbagliato
Now that you know how to whip up the House of the Dragon cocktail that’s been on everyone’s lips, here are a few other versions of this wildly popular drink you could try at home:
Negroni: Striking, bittersweet, and perfectly balanced — a timeless aperitivo icon.
Aperol Spritz: Bright, bubbly, and effortlessly chic — the ultimate sundowner.
Sarti Spritz: Bold and bittersweet with a playful twist — pure Italian energy.
Americano: Sippable and easy-going — a classic bittersweet aperitivo.
Boulevardier: Deep, warming, and sophisticated — a Negroni with bourbon swagger.
French 75: Elegant, crisp, and sparkling — the ultimate celebratory sip.
Hugo Spritz: Light, floral, and refreshing — a breezy taste of summer in a glass.
Kir Royale: Luxurious, fruity, and effervescent — a French classic with regal flair.
In Italian, Sbagliato means “broken” or “mistaken”. The Negroni Sbagliato is a tongue-in-cheek name for a twist on the classic Negroni recipe that has Prosecco as a surprise ingredient.
The Negroni Sbagliato is equal parts sweet and bitter thanks to the combination of vermouth and Campari, with a festive, bubbly lift from effervescent Prosecco.
Milanese Bar Basso owner Mirko Stocchetto poured the sparkly 'mistake' for the first time in the 1970s. He was meant to be pouring a classic Negroni but reached for a bottle of Prosecco instead of gin.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different Prosecco brands and styles. Just make sure it’s a dry (brut) Prosecco to maintain the cocktail’s balance. A Prosecco that's too sweet might overpower the signature bittersweet profile.
No, it’s actually lighter in ABV than a traditional Negroni because it replaces gin with Prosecco. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for a less intense but equally delicious cocktail.
It’s around 15–18% ABV depending on the Prosecco used.
Swapping gin for Prosecco makes it a lower-ABV cocktail, perfect when you want something bittersweet and bubbly without being too heavy.
Absolutely. Champagne gives it a drier, more toasty character, while Prosecco keeps it fruitier and playful. Both work beautifully.
Campari is the heart of the drink, delivering its iconic bittersweet flavour and bold red hue. Without it, the Sbagliato wouldn’t have its signature balance or character.
