Lambrusco Sbagliato

If a sbagliato is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. Originally, the Negroni Sbagliato was a mistake that swapped gin for sparkling wine. Since I’m a sucker for a good Lambrusco, I thought I’d make my own sbagliato with it instead. For red wine lovers, spritz lovers, and holiday hosts, this 3-ingredient equal-parts cocktail is about to teach you that sometimes, a wrong does in fact make a right.

What is a Sbagliato?

The origin story of the Sbagliato is so delightful. Sbagliato is Italian for “wrong” or “mistaken.” Here’s the lore: a bartender in Italy was trying to make a Negroni, but grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin. Whoops! His sbagliato is our new favorite cocktail. The original recipe was a Negroni Sbagliato with Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling wine, so we’re using Lambrusco for our wine component. It’s a sparkling red wine that gives the drink a special flare for the holidays or really for whenever you’re in the mood for a red.

How to Make a Lambrusco Sbagliato

1. To a chilled glass add equal parts sweet vermouth, Campari, and Lambrusco.
2. Mix together and top with your favorite garnish. I love it with an orange slice.

Lambrusco Sbagliato Ingredients

Lambrusco

Lambrusco is an Italian sparkling red wine made from Lambrusco grapes. Some are sweet while others are dry, but they all have bright notes of red fruit, citrus, and berries. It can sometimes be hard to find Lambrusco in stores these days (try World Market!) If you can find it, don’t be tempted by the cheaper bottles as they’re going to way too sweet, like syrup! You can definitely find a delicious, dry, and balanced Lambrusco for around $20 and the few extra dollars you spend is totally worth it. I usually buy Avaline, Lucci, Medici, or Pezzuoli.

Sweet Vermouth

Sweet Vermouth is a fermented white wine, sweetened with sugar or caramel. It adds a complex, herbal note that marries really well with the Lambrusco and cuts through the bitterness of Campari. It has a similar ABV as wine.

Campari

Campari is a popular Italian liqueur. It’s often compared to Aperol, it’s orange cousin, but is twice as strong, more bitter, and more herbal and heavily spiced.