The Negroni Sbagliato: A Beautiful Mistake Worth Making

What You'll Need

The Origin Story: A Happy Accident in Milan

Legend has it that back in the 1960s, at Bar Basso in Milan, a bartender accidentally grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin whilst mixing a Negroni. Rather than binning the whole thing and starting over (très sensible, if you ask me), they served it anyway. The customer adored it, and thus the Negroni Sbagliato—literally "mistaken Negroni"—was born. Now that's the kind of mistake I can get behind.

Fast forward to 2022, and a single viral video clip transformed this Milano classic into a global phenomenon. Suddenly, bars everywhere couldn't keep enough Prosecco chilled. The Sbagliato became the drink of choice for anyone with even a passing interest in looking sophisticated whilst getting pleasantly tipsy. Spot on, honestly.

How to Make It: The Method

Prosecco vs. Champagne: The Sparkling Debate

Now, the purists will insist on Prosecco—it's the traditional Italian choice, and Bar Basso certainly didn't use Champagne when they invented this beauty. Prosecco's lighter, fruitier character plays brilliantly with the bitter Campari without overwhelming the drink.

However (and here's where I get slightly controversial), if you fancy splashing out on Champagne or a good Crémant, I won't judge you. In fact, I might applaud. The more complex yeast notes and finer bubbles can add a certain je ne sais quoi to the whole affair. Just know that you're technically making a different drink at that point—perhaps a "Negroni Sbagliato Luxe?" Call it what you will, darling. Just make sure it's properly chilled.

How It Compares to the Classic Negroni

The classic Negroni (equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) is bold, boozy, and unapologetically bitter. It's the cocktail equivalent of a slap across the face—in the best possible way. The Sbagliato, on the other hand, is lighter, bubblier, and altogether more approachable. Think of it as the Negroni's charming younger sibling who went to finishing school.

By swapping gin for Prosecco, you're lowering the alcohol content (brilliant for afternoon drinking) and adding a festive effervescence that makes the whole thing feel celebratory. The bitterness is still there—Campari doesn't mess about—but it's softened by the bubbles. Perfect for those who find a traditional Negroni a bit too punchy.

What to Serve Alongside: The Aperitivo Experience

In Italy, the Sbagliato is an aperitivo drink—meant to be sipped before dinner whilst nibbling on salty, savoury bits. Here's what pairs beautifully:

• Olives and mixed nuts — The classic aperitivo pairing. Salty, simple, perfect.
• Prosciutto and melon — The sweet fruit balances the bitter Campari gorgeously.
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano — Sharp, nutty cheese is absolutely brilliant with this drink.
• Marinated artichokes or peppers — A bit of acidity and brine works wonders.
• Bruschetta with tomato and basil — Fresh, bright, and utterly Italian.

The key is to keep things light and flavourful. You're whetting the appetite, not filling it. Save the heavy stuff for dinner.

Why "Sbagliato" Is Brilliant

Sbagliato means "mistaken" or "incorrect" in Italian, but here's the thing: sometimes mistakes are absolutely genius. This drink proves that happy accidents can become iconic classics. It's a reminder not to take cocktails—or life—too seriously. If a bartender can accidentally create one of the world's most beloved aperitivo drinks by grabbing the wrong bottle, then perhaps we should all embrace our glorious mistakes a bit more.

Plus, it's just fun to say. Sbagliato. Roll it around your mouth a bit. Sounds like something you'd order whilst wearing oversized sunglasses at a piazza in Rome, doesn't it? Très chic.

Right then, get those bubbles chilled and your aperitivo snacks ready. It's time to make a beautiful mistake. Salute, darlings!

Written by Sophie, The Wine Insider