The Negroni Sbagliato Spritz is a delightful Italian cocktail that puts a sparkling twist on the classic Negroni. It all started in the 1970s when a bartender in Milan accidentally used prosecco instead of gin. This happy mistake created a refreshing drink with Campari's bitter punch, sweet vermouth's complexity, and the effervescence of prosecco. To make it, you simply add Campari, sweet vermouth, and top it off with crisp prosecco. Garnish with an orange slice and you're ready to sip this perfect warm weather cocktail. It's a lighter, more social drink that captures the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. Keep reading to dive deeper into the history and preparation of this iconic spritz.
History
Although the Negroni Sbagliato originated in Milan in the 1970s, it was created by bartender Mirko Stocchetto, who mistakenly used prosecco instead of gin in a classic Negroni.
This happy accident gave birth to the Negroni Sbagliato, a refreshing spritz-style cocktail that's become a beloved part of Italian drinking culture.
The term "sbagliato" means "wrong" in Italian, acknowledging the cocktail's unintentional beginnings.
In the 2010s, the Negroni Sbagliato gained popularity, especially on social media, as people appreciated its light, low-alcohol profile compared to the original Negroni.
Today, it's a staple of Italy's aperitivo hours, representing a shift towards more casual, social drinking.
Recipe
The Negroni Sbagliato Spritz is a refreshing low-ABV cocktail that originated from a bartender’s mistake in Milan in the 1970s. It’s made by combining Campari, sweet red vermouth, and prosecco, creating a vibrant and effervescent drink. The Negroni Sbagliato Spritz is perfect for warm-weather gatherings, bringing a burst of flavor and a touch of Italian flair to any occasion. With its bright red hue and delightful fizz, it pairs wonderfully with light appetizers or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif. For those looking to experiment further with spritzes, there are plenty of pomegranate spritz recipe ideas that can add a unique twist to your cocktail repertoire.
To prepare this cocktail, you'll want to start by filling a glass with ice. Then, add the Campari and vermouth, gently stir, and top it off with the prosecco. Garnish the drink with an orange slice to complete the presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet red vermouth
- 3 oz prosecco
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice, add the Campari and vermouth, and stir gently. Top the drink with the prosecco, and garnish with an orange slice.
For a twist on the Negroni Sbagliato Spritz, you can experiment with different vermouths or add a splash of soda water for a spritz variation.
This will help maintain the drink's refreshing qualities while providing an opportunity to explore new flavor combinations.
Cooking Steps
First, fill a rocks glass with ice cubes to ensure your Negroni Sbagliato Spritz is perfectly chilled.
Next, slowly top the glass with 3 ounces of bubbly prosecco, allowing the sparkling wine to blend the flavors.
Finally, add 1 ounce each of Campari and sweet red vermouth, then gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 1. Fill a Rocks Glass With Ice
To start, fill a sturdy rocks glass generously with ice. Packing the ice all the way to the top helps keep your Negroni Sbagliato Spritz well-chilled and refreshing.
Large, clear ice cubes or spheres are ideal, as they melt slower and prevent too much dilution. Be sure the ice is clean and free of any impurities that could affect the flavor.
Position the ice in the glass so there's ample space to add the sparkling wine, Campari, and sweet vermouth – the classic ingredients for this iconic Italian cocktail.
The ice setup is crucial for enjoying this bubbly Negroni variation on a warm day.
Step 2. Add Prosecco
After stirring the Campari and sweet vermouth, gently pour 3 oz of chilled prosecco over the ice.
This sparkling topper transforms the classic Negroni into a lighter, more refreshing Negroni Sbagliato spritz. The bubbles from the prosecco add effervescence, balancing the bitterness of the Campari and sweetness of the vermouth.
Garnish the drink with an orange half-wheel to enhance the Negroni's citrusy aroma and visual appeal.
The Negroni Sbagliato is a perfect cocktail for sipping on a warm day, with its blend of bold flavors and refreshing carbonation.
Follow this recipe to create a delightful Negroni Sbagliato spritz at home.
Step 3. Add Sweet Vermouth
Next, pour 1 oz of sweet vermouth over the ice along with the Campari. The sweet vermouth adds a rich sweetness and complexity, balancing the bitterness of the Campari.
You can adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences for sweetness. The choice of vermouth can significantly impact the flavor profile – try Carpano Antica Formula for its depth or Mommen Pops Blood Orange for a unique twist.
Gently stir the ingredients to combine. The sweet vermouth not only enhances the drink's taste but also contributes to its vibrant color, making the Negroni Sbagliato Spritz visually appealing.
Step 4. Add Campari
Begin by measuring 1 oz of Campari, which is an Italian bitter liqueur known for its distinctive herbal and citrus flavors, and pour it into a mixing glass filled with ice.
Gently stir the Campari with the ice to chill and dilute the drink slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
This classic Italian Negroni variation uses Campari instead of gin, balancing the sweetness of the red vermouth.
The bitterness of the Campari plays a crucial role in creating the signature Negroni Sbagliato flavor profile, which is then topped with the effervescence of Prosecco for a refreshing spritz.
Step 5. Stir Gently to Combine
Gently stir the Campari and sweet vermouth with a long bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds to blend the flavors while preserving the effervescence of the prosecco.
This gentle stirring ensures even distribution without diluting the Negroni Sbagliato. The long bar spoon provides better control, minimizing the risk of splashing.
Avoid vigorous shaking, as this can break the bubbles in the prosecco and alter the drink's refreshing character.
After stirring, pour the prosecco on top gently to maintain its carbonation and enhance the lightness of the Negroni Sbagliato Spritz.
Final Thoughts
Although the Negroni Sbagliato Spritz may have originated from a bartending mistake, it's a delightful and refreshing cocktail that has rightfully earned its place in the aperitivo canon.
With its lower alcohol content, the Negroni Sbagliato Spritz is perfect for social gatherings, especially in warm weather. The equal parts of Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with crisp prosecco and a garnish of orange, create a balanced and bubbly drink that appeals to those seeking flavorful yet lower-calorie options.
The cocktail's resurgence in popularity, thanks to its presence on social media platforms, showcases the enduring appeal of Italian aperitivo culture and the continued evolution of mixology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Negroni Spritz and a Negroni Sbagliato?
The main difference between a Negroni Spritz and a Negroni Sbagliato is the base spirit. A Negroni Spritz uses gin, while a Negroni Sbagliato swaps gin for Prosecco, a sparkling wine.
This makes the Negroni Sbagliato lighter and less alcoholic. The Negroni Spritz also has soda water, giving it a more refreshing, bubbly profile.
Both celebrate Italian aperitif culture, but the Sbagliato offers a mellower, more casual drinking experience.
What Is a Negroni Sbagliato Taste Like?
The Negroni Sbagliato has a distinctive taste that balances the bitter notes of Campari with the sweet vermouth, creating a complex and flavorful cocktail.
The bubbles from the prosecco add a refreshing effervescence, making it lighter and more approachable than its gin-based counterpart.
The citrusy orange garnish complements the herbal bitterness, resulting in a well-rounded, sessionable drink perfect for warm weather sipping.
Is Negroni Sbagliato With Prosecco Good?
The Negroni Sbagliato with prosecco is a fantastic choice! The bubbly prosecco gives it a refreshing, lighter feel compared to the traditional Negroni.
The bitterness of Campari and sweetness of vermouth create a nicely balanced flavor, and the vibrant colors make it visually appealing too.
At just 208 calories per serving, it's a great low-calorie cocktail option.
Whether you're relaxing on a warm day or gathering with friends, the Negroni Sbagliato with prosecco is sure to delight your taste buds.
What Is Stanley Tucci's Negroni Recipe?
You're in luck! Stanley Tucci's classic Negroni recipe is straightforward and delicious. He uses equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin – the hallmarks of a traditional Negroni.
Tucci emphasizes using high-quality Italian ingredients for the best flavor, like a premium vermouth and fresh Campari. He stirs the cocktail over ice until it's perfectly chilled, then garnishes it with an orange slice or twist.
Tucci's Negroni is balanced, refreshing, and a true Italian classic.
Conclusion
The negroni sbagliato spritz is a delightful cocktail that combines the bold flavors of the negroni with the refreshing effervescence of sparkling wine. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to the world of mixology, this easy-to-make drink is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this unique and captivating twist on a classic aperitif. For those looking for a lighter, more refreshing option, try swapping out the sparkling wine for soda water and adding a splash of fresh lemon juice and muddled basil to create a refreshing lemon basil cocktail. This variation on the negroni sbagliato spritz offers a zesty and herbaceous profile that is perfect for warm summer evenings or casual gatherings with friends. Experiment with different garnishes and citrus twists to customize this cocktail to your own personal taste preferences. Cheers to enjoying a creative and delicious drink!
In the vast and diverse world of coffee, coffee alternatives, and tea, Olivia has found her calling. As an author and a dedicated coffee and tea aficionado, her work for Cappuccino Oracle reflects her profound love and understanding of the intricate complexities found within these beverages. Olivia’s passion for the subject serves as both a catalyst for her creativity and a connection point with her audience.
