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 (opens in new window).
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.
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Negroni Sbagliato vs. Classic Negroni
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.
Classic Negroni
- Base: gin, Campari, vermouth
- Bitter, herbal, and complex
Negroni Sbagliato
- Base: sparkling wine (Prosecco), Campari, vermouth
- Lower ABV and easier to sip
- Bittersweet with a lively, sparkling twist
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When & how to serve a Negroni Sbagliato
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.
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How to garnish your Negroni Sbagliato like a pro
A simple yet impactful garnish elevates your Negroni Sbagliato ingredients, adding a pop of color 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 flavor 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.
Also see: Drink Like an Italian: 10 Campari Cocktails to Try for an Italian Escape
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 flavors 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 flavors 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.
TOP TIP! Use Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C. (opens in new window) for the most authentic Italian sparkle.
Perfect food pairings for a Negroni Sbagliato
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.
Learn more: Negroni Variations: Creative Twists on a Classic
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 easygoing — 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.
There you have it, bestie, the ins and outs of making a truly spectacular Negroni Sbagliato. Visit the Campari (opens in new window) and Cinzano (opens in new window) websites to stock up on aperitivo essentials and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.
