Have you ever made a mistake that turned out to be a happy accident? That’s exactly how one of Italy’s most beloved cocktails, the Negroni Sbagliato, came to be!
In the late 1960s at Bar Basso in Milan, bartender Mirko Stocchetto was preparing a classic Negroni. Distracted for a moment, he accidentally reached for a bottle of prosecco instead of gin. Rather than starting over, he decided to taste his creation – and the Negroni Sbagliato was born! “Sbagliato” means “mistaken” or “wrong” in Italian, a playful nod to its accidental origins.
This bubbly twist on the classic Negroni quickly became a hit. It offers a lighter, more refreshing take on the original, perfect for aperitivo hour or warm summer evenings.
What You’ll Need to Make It
To make the Negroni Sbagliato at home, you’ll need:
- Jigger: This double-sided measuring tool ensures accurate pours. Most have 1 oz on one side and 2 oz on the other, with smaller measurements marked inside.
- Mixing Glass: A mixing glass is typically made of thick, sturdy glass and is used for stirring cocktails. It’s preferred over shaking for drinks that don’t contain juice, dairy, or egg whites. The glass shape allows for smooth, efficient stirring without excessive aeration.
- Bar Spoon: This long-handled spoon is essential for properly stirring cocktails. Its twisted handle helps create a smooth stirring motion, and the small bowl at the end is useful for layering drinks or measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Strainer: A Hawthorne strainer is most common for this purpose. It fits over the top of the mixing glass and has a spring around its edge, allowing you to pour the cocktail while holding back the ice.
- Ice Cube Tray: Large ice cubes melt more slowly than standard ones, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly. Look for trays that make 2-inch cubes or spheres for the best results.
- Glassware: Traditionally, a Negroni Sbagliato is served served in a rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass).
- Citrus Peeler or Knife: For creating an orange twist garnish if you prefer that over an orange slice.
Remember, while having the right tools can enhance your cocktail-making experience, don’t let a lack of specialized equipment stop you from experimenting. Many home bartenders start with basic kitchen tools and gradually build their collection over time.
What is in a Negroni Sbagliato
Only three ingredients make up this easy cocktail!
- Campari: Campari is an Italian bitter liqueur, known for its distinctive red color and complex flavor profile. It’s made from a secret blend of herbs and fruits.
- Sweet Red Vermouth: This is a fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. It’s sweet and slightly bitter, with a deep red color. Popular brands include Carpano Antica Formula, Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, or Martini & Rossi Rosso.
- Prosecco: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling white wine made primarily from Glera grapes in the Veneto region.
- Orange (for garnish): A fresh orange slice adds aroma and a hint of citrus to complement the bitter and sweet elements of the drink. Some bartenders prefer an orange peel twist instead, which can be expressed over the drink to release its essential oils.
- Ice: While not an ingredient per se, the quality of ice is crucial. Large, clear ice cubes are ideal as they melt more slowly, maintaining the drink’s temperature without over-diluting it.
Optional variations:
- In place of Prosecco, you could use other sparkling wines like Cava or even Champagne, though this would change the flavor profile somewhat.
- Some bartenders add a dash of orange bitters to enhance the citrus notes.
The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced cocktail with bitter, sweet, and effervescent elements, making the Negroni Sbagliato a complex and refreshing drink.
The Negroni Sbagliato is a testament to the magic that can happen when we embrace our mistakes. So the next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail with a story, why not try this “mistaken” Italian classic?
Here is the recipe
Negroni Sbagliato
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
- 1 ounce Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Garnish: orange peel
Instructions
- Add the Campari and Sweet Vermouth to a wine glass
- Add ice and gently top up with the prosecco
- Stir it all together