How To Make A Negroni Sbagliato

The Negroni has an extensive family tree, and its descendants include everything from the Boulevardier the Old Pal. There are also White Negronis and Rose Negronis, as well as the excellent mezcal Negroni (which still needs a proper name) - but today we’re going to talk about the Negroni Sbagliato.

In Italian, this word means something along the lines of “mistaken,” and it received its name because, at some point, someone made the “mistake” of using prosecco instead of gin. But here in the 21st century, we don’t consider that a mistake. It’s more of a genius-level hack to make a lighter Negroni that you can take to the beach or drink on your couch while watching Hawaii Five-O. Here’s how to make it, in four easy steps.

How It Tastes: Fizzy, Refreshing, Slightly Bitter

Drink If You Like:Negronis, Spritzes

photo credit: Emily Schindler

The  Negroni Sbagliato

You’ll Need:

• Ice

• Rocks glass

• 1 ounce Campari

• 1 ounce sweet vermouth

• 2 ounces prosecco

Step One: Sweet Vermouth

Sweet Vermouth is, um, sweet. Apologies for pointing out something so obvious, but it’s important that you know this, because Campari is extremely bitter and (most) prosecco is bone-dry. We think 1 ounce sweet vermouth is just about perfect, but if you need a little more sugar, bump the measurement up by .25 ounce - and pour that right into a rocks glass.

Step Two: Campari

Next, add one ounce Campari. You’ll recognize this as the bright red liquid that comes in a bottle labeled “Campari.”

Step Three: Prosecco

Could you use Champagne for this? Of course. Champagne is delicious, and given the opportunity, we’d probably pour it over our cereal. But Champagne is also pricey, and it tends to have an intense personality that might hijack your cocktail. So stick with a good, dry prosecco, and use that to top off your Sbagliato. Two ounces sounds perfect.

Step Four: Stir

Finally, give everything a brief, gentle stir, and garnish with an orange twist. Alternatively, take a big orange slice, stick it in the side of your drink. Once your glass is empty and you’re starting to reminisce about that Sbagliato you used to have, eat this orange wedge. It will bring you comfort. Then go ahead and make yourself another.