Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco

5 from 39 votes

Light yet complex, the Negroni Sbagliato is made by swapping prosecco for gin in the classic Negroni recipe. This effervescent, bitter version of the original is refreshing and easy to make.

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Negroni Sbagliato recipe

The Negroni is one such drink. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and bitter Campari, this great cocktail has a robust flavor for the strong of heart.

Campari is an Italian apéritif with a dark red color. It is made with an infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water. Paired with fragrant gin and sweet vermouth, the resulting Negroni cocktail is packed with deep, bittersweet flavor.

(Seriously, it’s pretty bitter. If you like sweeter drinks, the Negroni is not for you! Try an Aperol Spritz if you’d like something similar but not as bitter.)

A lighter variation is the Negroni Sbagliato, which features prosecco instead of gin. This Prosecco Negroni has the sweetness of sparkling wine and tangy bubbles to combat the stark flavors of the other liquors.

More sparkling cocktails: Peach Bellini • Pink Champagne CocktailBourbon Champagne Cocktail • Champagne MargaritasChampagne Moscow Mule

A glass of Negroni sbagliato on a marble table.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This might be your new favorite drink, for a few reasons:

  • If Negronis are too strong for you, this bubbly version is much lighter.
  • With just three ingredients, it’s easy to put together.
  • The Negroni Sbagliato cocktail is a classic every Negroni lover should try once.

Impress everyone with Negroni Sbagliatos for a celebratory happy hour or a dinner party. Or sip one in observation of Negroni Week, Sept. 2025

A glass filled with red liquid on a white surface, showcasing a negroni sbagliato.

What is a Negroni Sbagliato?

The Negroni is a classic cocktail made from gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.

Sbagliato means “mistaken” or “broken” in Italian, referring to swapping the prosecco for gin in the traditional Negroni recipe.

Diehard negroni fans will prefer their negronis bubble-less, but if the bitterness is too much for you (like it is for me) you might try adding sparkling wine.

The drink saw a huge surge in popularity in 2022 when a TikTok video of an interview clip with House of the Dragon stars Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke went viral. D’Arcy explained the Negroni Sbagliato is her drink of choice. 

Tools & glassware

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

Negronis should be stirred, not shaken. You’ll need a mixing glass and a bar spoon, as well as a jigger to measure the ingredients.

The regular Negroni is typically served are served on the rocks in a rocks glass, and the Negroni Sbagliato can be as well.

They can also be served neat in a stemmed glass like a Nick & Nora glass or a champagne flute. When served without ice, it’s imperative they are stirred with ice to chill the ingredients. (And be sure your prosecco is chilled, too.)

You’ll also want to plan ahead and make some large ice cubes or large ice spheres. These melt more slowly, letting your drink stay stronger for longer.

A glass with a red negroni in it.

Ingredients

The negroni has three ingredients, usually measured in equal parts of one ounce each:

  • prosecco
  • bitter Italian liqueur such as Campari
  • sweet vermouth
  • a piece of orange zest or an orange slice

Bitter liqueurs for Negronis

Traditionally, the Negroni is made with Campari, a brand of bitter Italian liqueur with a deep red hue. It’s what’s called an apéritif, which means it’s typically enjoyed before a meal and is said to prepare the stomach for food.

Campari’s flavor is very bitter, so if you prefer something lighter, you can use another red bitter such as Aperol. Known for its role in the Aperol Spritz, this spirit is a sweeter and less bitter alternative to Campari.

Changing out the Campari in the Negroni is a great way to experiment with different flavor profiles. The folks at VinePair put together a list of more Campari alternatives you can try, including:

  • Luxardo Bitter
  • Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur
  • Contratto Bitter

Sweet vermouth

Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine. It is both sweet and red, regardless of its country of origin. It’s also known as Italian vermouth, sweet red vermouth or vermouth rosso. 

To keep this a truly Italian cocktail, go for an Italian sweet vermouth such as Cinzano Bianco, Carpano Punt E Mes or Cocchi Rosa.

Vermouth can go bad, so store open bottles in the fridge for up to a month.

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How to store vermouth

An opened bottle of vermouth should be stored in the fridge. It will taste best if enjoyed within a month, but will still taste okay for about two months total. After that, it’s time to toss it and open a new bottle of vermouth.

Prosecco for Negroni Sbagliatos 

Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, is what’s used in place of gin to make the Negroni Sbagliato. 

This sparkling wine is primarily made in the Veneto region of Italy. It’s different than champagne, which must be made in the Champagne region of France.

Prosecco is usually somewhat dry with a hint of sweetness, so aim for that when choosing a bottle. 

Two glasses of negroni sbagliato with red liquid and a gold spoon.

Variations and substitutions

Classic Negroni: The White Negroni is technically a spin on the regular, which is red in color. It’s made with Campari bitter liqueur, red vermouth and gin.

White Negroni: The White Negroni is a spin on the regular Negroni, which is red in color. This one is clear or slightly yellowish and is made with a clear bitter liqueur (usually Suze), clear dry vermouth and clear gin. Skip the gin for prosecco

Americano: This is what the Negroni is based on! Use Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water.

Boulevardier: If you prefer bourbon drinks, replace the gin with your favorite whiskey to make a Boulevardier!

Campari Spritz: This one is very similar to a Negroni Sbagliato, but a bit lighter. There’s no vermouth, and it has a splash of club soda for more bubbles and to lighten things up.

How to make a Negroni Sbagliato

Here’s how to make a great Negroni Sbagliato at home:

A person pouring a negroni sbagliato into a glass.
A person stirring contents of a mixing glass.

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine equal parts Campari and dry vermouth.

Gently, use a bar spoon to stir the mixture until well-chilled.

A person pouring a Negroni.
A negroni sbagliato cocktail is being poured into a glass bowl.

Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube. You can also serve it neat in a Nick & Nora glass or a champagne flute.

Top it up with chilled prosecco.

Finish it off with a piece of orange peel or an orange slice.

A hand is dipping an orange peel into a glass of red liquid, creating a negroni sbagliato.

Tips & tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making this cocktail:

  • Try different combinations of bitter liqueurs and sweet vermouths to perfect your Negroni Sbagliato.
  • Be sure to use chilled prosecco. When sparkling wine is cold, the carbonation is much fizzier.
  • Always store your open bottles of vermouth in the fridge. (This goes for dry vermouth too.) They’ll last for about 1-2 months after opening them if stored in the fridge.
  • Don’t shake the cocktail. Prepare it in a mixing glass, using a bar spoon to stir the ingredients with ice cubes.

What to serve with Negronis

Negronis are made with dry vermouth and bitter liqueurs, which are both apéritifs, so all variations are the perfect drink for aperitivo hour. 

Apéritifs are liqueurs most often enjoyed before a meal, to whet the appetite. (Bitter liqueurs are also sometimes enjoyed as digestifs, which are enjoyed after a meal to aid digestion.)

That said, these drinks go well with appetizers and canapés, especially Italian ones.

Enjoy your Negroni with Italian treats like Caprese skewers, Tuscan white bean dip or a platter of bruschetta or crostini.

A negroni sbagliato cocktail with a slice of orange next to it.

FAQ

What is a Negroni Sbagliato?

The Negroni Sbagliato is a classic cocktail from Italy made with prosecco, Campari and sweet vermouth. It has a bittersweet and tart flavor, as well as effervescent bubbles from the sparkling wine. The word “sbagliato” means “broken” in Italian, as the prosecco is “breaking” the original Negroni recipe by replacing the gin.

What does a Negroni Sbagliato taste like?

The Negroni Sbagliato is a light, herbal and bittersweet drink with a hint of bubbles from the prosecco. The bitter flavor is thanks to the addition of Campari, a bitter red liqueur from Italy. The sweet vermouth gives a hint of sugar. The prosecco helps to brighten the cocktail with its effervescent bubbles.

Can you make a Negroni Sbagliato without Campari?

Campari is the most ubiquitous bitter red liqueur, but it’s also the classic one used in Negroni cocktails. However, you can use other red bitter liqueurs instead. Try it with Aperol, Luxardo Bitter, Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur or Contratto Bitter.

More classic cocktails

— Did you make this recipe? —

Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.

A glass with a red negroni in it.

Negroni Sbagliato

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This bubbly twist on the classic Negroni cocktail is perfect for happy hour!
5 from 39 votes
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ingredients

instructions

  • In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine equal parts Campari and dry vermouth.
  • Gently, use a bar spoon to stir the mixture until well-chilled.
  • Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube. (You can also serve it neat in a Nick & Nora glass or a champagne flute.)
  • Top it up with chilled prosecco.
  • Finish it off with a piece of orange zest or an orange slice.

notes

Tips & tricks

  • Try different combinations of bitter liqueurs and sweet vermouths to perfect your Negroni Sbagliato.
  • Be sure to use chilled prosecco. When sparkling wine is cold, the carbonation is much fizzier.
  • Always store your open bottles of vermouth in the fridge. (This goes for dry vermouth too.) They’ll last for about 1-2 months after opening them if stored in the fridge.
  • Don’t shake the cocktail. Prepare it in a mixing glass, using a bar spoon to stir the ingredients with ice cubes.

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nutrition information

Yield: 1 cocktail

amount per serving:

Serving: 1cocktail Calories: 113kcal Carbohydrates: 9g Protein: 0.04g Sodium: 3mg Potassium: 45mg Sugar: 1g Calcium: 5mg Iron: 0.2mg
did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #feastandwestrecipes!

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5 from 39 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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