If you’re an avid Instagrammer or love to while away an hour scrolling through TikTok, you’ve probably heard of a Negroni Sbagliatio. Recently made super famous by Game of Thrones stars Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke (who, funnily enough, play rivals on screen), this is the cocktail that’s broken the internet. But what exactly is it, and how can you make one at home? To save you from ordering the most trendy drink at the bar, our mixology experts have put together everything you need to know to perfect the Negroni Sbagliato… with prosecco, of course.
A traditional Negroni is made of one part gin, one part Campari, and one part vermouth. But this is no typical Negroni! The Negroni Sbaglatio was invented as part of a happy accident in which a bartender poured sparkling wine into the glass instead of gin, creating a lighter, less intense version of the cocktail. Don’t doubt that a Negroni Sbagliato still packs plenty of oomph, though! This is a bitter, strong drink, but the hard edges are slightly softened.
Whilst Prosecco isn't the only sparkling wine you can use, we do agree with D'Arcy that it's the best option. A Negroni Sbagliato benefits from the punchy sweetness of prosecco, helping to add a gentler element to the cocktail. Paired with the spices of vermouth and the bitter Campari, it creates a more balanced flavour that’s softer on the taste buds.
You can play around with the prosecco you use to change the notes in your cocktail. A prosecco rosé, for example, adds a fruitier, sweeter twist for a summery drink. A dry prosecco lets the Campari’s influence shine through for a stronger, more tangy taste.
If you’re a mixologist newbie, you’ll be pleased to know that a Negroni Sbagliato is easy to make! Simply pour 25ml of Campari and 25ml of vermouth into an Old Fashioned glass. Add a large cube or two of ice before topping up with a prosecco of your choice. Stir together with a bar spoon and garnish with a sweet orange slice. Voila!
You can switch out the highball glass for a champagne flute if you prefer. Just be sure that your flute is fully chilled before pouring your drink so that you can skip the ice.
If mixing a Negroni Sbagliato has got you itching to craft more delicious cocktails, be sure to check out more at UrbanBar! Alongside recipes on our blog, we have a wide variety of online courses that make mastering mixology easy. Take a peek and start mixing professional cocktails from the comfort of your home bar.
@urbanbaruk