Some cocktails are born of tradition. Others? Out of pure, sparkling mistake. The negroni sbagliato is one of those rare drinks that went from bar-side blunder to viral TikTok sensation without changing a thing.
Its flavor—equal parts bitter, bubbly, and bittersweet—somehow captures the mood of late-night catchups, stylish brunches, and celebratory toasts in one simple pour.
A Mistake That Feels Intentional
The negroni sbagliato swaps the usual gin in a traditional negroni for Prosecco, making the cocktail softer, fizzier, and easier on the palate. It’s kind of like a spritz’s edgy cousin.
No need for a shaker, no hard-to-find mixers—this drink is all about minimal effort with maximum payoff.
Served over ice with an orange slice, the presentation alone makes it Instagram and TikTok-ready. And while there’s nothing complex about the technique, it still feels like something only insiders know about.
That vibe? That’s part of why it caught fire online. It feels cool, even if it’s incredibly easy to make.
Why It Took Over TikTok
When Emma D’Arcy casually mentioned a negroni sbagliato (with Prosecco in it) in a TikTok interview, the internet collectively paused. That one moment was enough to catapult this low-effort, high-style drink into every cocktail list, every party plan, and practically every search for “recipes with Campari” for months.
People love a drink that sounds exotic but requires no bartending chops. This is that drink.
And let’s be honest—saying “sbagliato” out loud makes you feel at least 40% more elegant. It rolls off the tongue like you’re already in Milan.
The Beauty of the Build
No muddling. No layering. No precise shake timing. The simplicity of this drink is what makes it show up on viral cocktail lists again and again.
It’s just three ingredients—vermouth, Campari, and Prosecco—poured over ice and stirred gently.
For those who don’t usually go for gin-heavy drinks, this twist is a gentle way into the world of bitter aperitifs. It’s lighter, friendlier, and it plays nice with a lot of foods.
Think salty olives, grilled shrimp, or a cheesy crostini. Aperitif hour = sorted.
Swaps, Tips, & Creative Variations
Making this drink your own is super simple. That’s part of what makes these kinds of recipes so shareable. Want it more floral? Use a sparkling rosé instead of regular Prosecco.
Prefer less bitterness? Go for Aperol or Cappelletti instead of Campari. For a twist with a bit more punch, try adding a dash of orange bitters.
People experimenting with variations is what fuels cocktail trends on Tiktok. Users try one take, then remix it a dozen different ways—adding herbs, changing garnishes, or even serving it as punch for parties.
There’s no wrong direction here, as long as it keeps that refreshing edge.
How to Serve It Without Overthinking It
This isn’t a drink that demands ceremony. But if you’re hosting, serving it in a chunky glass with a good slice of orange makes all the difference.
Don’t skip that garnish—its oils brighten the whole drink.
Also, always chill the Prosecco first. Warm bubbles are not the vibe. If prepping for a group, pre-mix the Campari and vermouth, then just top each glass with chilled fizz right before serving.
Keeps it easy and still fresh.
A Recipe That’s Here to Stay
The negroni sbagliato isn’t just another drink riding the wave of social media hype. Its balance of flavors, ease of assembly, and sheer photogenic appeal means it’s earned a permanent spot among go-to party cocktails.
Even though the recipe’s old, the excitement around it feels brand new.
That mix of old-world cool and modern viral fame? Pretty rare. But this drink nails it.
Tiktok Negroni Sbagliato Recipe
Equipment
- Rocks glass or tumbler
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 oz sweet red vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 2 oz Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or peel for garnish
Instructions
- Start by filling a rocks glass about halfway with ice.
- Add the sweet vermouth and Campari to the glass and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the Prosecco to top it off, and stir lightly to preserve the bubbles.
- Finish with an orange slice or twist for garnish. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Always use chilled Prosecco to keep the drink refreshing.
- Stir rather than shake to maintain carbonation.
- Don’t skip the orange garnish—it adds aromatic depth and visual appeal.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.