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.
Suggested Reading
A spritz is a fizzy, refreshing, highly personal drink. And, no, you don’t have to use Aperol. You can make a spritz with just about any amaro.
The Negroni is the perfect pre-dinner drink, and few cocktails are harder to mess up.
Whether you just want a good drink or you want to bartend like a professional, here’s the equipment we recommend.