Negroni Sbagliato

In the world of cocktails, there are few beverages as iconic and revered as the Negroni. With its perfect balance of bitter Campari, herbal sweet vermouth, and robust gin, the Negroni has become a staple in bars and lounges worldwide. However, within this realm of classic cocktails, there exists a delightful and unexpected riff known as the Negroni Sbagliato.

The Negroni Sbagliato, which translates to “incorrect” or “mistaken” in Italian, is a variation of the traditional Negroni that emerged in Milan during the 1970s. As the story goes, in 1972 at Milan’s Bar Basso, a bartender named Mirko Stocchett mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin while preparing a Negroni for a customer. What could have been a disastrous error turned out to be a serendipitous discovery, giving birth to a new and refreshing cocktail.

What sets the Negroni Sbagliato apart is its substitution of gin with sparkling wine, typically Prosecco. This seemingly simple change transforms the drink into a lighter, effervescent version of its predecessor. The sparkling wine imparts a lively fizz and a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the bitter notes of Campari and the herbal complexity of sweet vermouth.

The Negroni Sbagliato retains the original cocktail’s vibrant red hue, which is achieved by combining equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth. The Campari, with its bitter orange flavor profile, adds depth and character to the drink. Meanwhile, the sweet vermouth provides a touch of sweetness and a mellowing effect, harmonizing the flavors and enhancing the overall balance.

One cannot overlook the cultural significance of the Negroni Sbagliato in the context of Italian aperitivo culture. Aperitivo, the tradition of enjoying pre-dinner drinks accompanied by light snacks, is deeply ingrained in Italian social life. The Negroni Sbagliato’s lighter and more refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for this ritual, allowing for convivial conversations and a gradual transition into the evening.

The Negroni Sbagliato’s popularity has grown steadily over the years, finding its place on cocktail menus worldwide. Bartenders and mixologists have embraced this variation, exploring further possibilities by experimenting with different sparkling wines and even introducing variations such as using champagne or other sparkling spirits. These creative interpretations showcase the versatility of the Negroni Sbagliato, proving that its “mistaken” origins have given birth to a cocktail with endless possibilities.

Negroni Sbagliato Recipe

1. 30 ml Sweet Vermouth

2. 30 ml Campari

3. 30 ml Prosecco

4. Ice

5. Garnish: Orange twist