How to make a Negroni Sbagliato. This Italian cocktail—literally the “wrong” Negroni—swaps gin for Prosecco. The result is bitter, fruity and effervescent, making it a fantastic aperitivo served with simple nibbles.
If you enjoy the classic Negroni, you’ll appreciate this lighter, bubblier variation. The Negroni Sbagliato is believed to have been invented when a bartender accidentally reached for Prosecco instead of gin—hence the name sbagliato, meaning “wrong” in Italian.
Replacing gin with Prosecco softens the bitterness and adds a fruity sparkle. It’s refreshing, easy to make and perfect as part of an Italian-style aperitivo served alongside small plates.
Below you’ll find the simple recipe, helpful tips and ideas for snacks to serve with your Negroni Sbagliato.
Ingredients
To make a Negroni Sbagliato you’ll need red vermouth (Martini Rosso or another sweet red vermouth), Campari, and Prosecco. Finish with fresh orange—either a slice or a twist of peel for garnish—as well as plenty of ice.
How to make it
Start by filling a short glass with ice. Pour in equal parts red vermouth and Campari.
Top with an equal part of Prosecco, then gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of orange peel and serve chilled.
FAQs
A short, wide glass works best. Avoid a tall glass unless you plan to add significantly more Prosecco.
Reduce the Campari slightly or increase the Prosecco to tame bitterness and make the drink fruitier.
Food to serve with your cocktail
For an authentic aperitivo experience, serve the Negroni Sbagliato with simple Italian snacks. Marinated olives, grissini (Italian breadsticks), smoked salmon crostini or burrata with crispy ’nduja and gremolata all pair beautifully. Small plates balance the drink’s bitter-sweet profile and make sharing easy.
More Italian cocktails to try
Drinks
Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Drinks
Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz
Drinks
Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail
Drinks
Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
If you’ve tried this Negroni Sbagliato or any other recipe, please rate it and leave a comment to share how it turned out. I love hearing from readers and seeing your photos.
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Negroni Sbagliato
By Emily
5 minutes
5 minutes
1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 part Martini Rosso or red vermouth (40ml / 2.5 tbsp)
- 1 part Campari (40ml / 2.5 tbsp)
- 1 part Prosecco (40ml / 2.5 tbsp)
- Orange slices or peel for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a short glass with ice. Pour in equal parts vermouth and Campari, then add the Prosecco.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of peel and serve immediately.
Notes
- Stir it – stir before serving to fully combine the ingredients; no shaker needed.
- Ice – serve well chilled; use plenty of ice.
- Garnish – traditionally a twisted orange peel is used, but a fresh orange slice works well too.
- Serving suggestions – pair with simple Italian appetizers for the best aperitivo experience.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless stated otherwise.
- For canned or jarred tomatoes I prefer Cirio or Mutti for consistent flavour.
- All vegetables referenced are medium-sized unless noted.
- Recipes are tested using a fan (convection) oven unless specified.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and provided for guidance only.
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