Mezcal Sbagliato
A smoky evolution of the Negroni Sbagliato, where mezcal's earthy complexity meets the bittersweet effervescence of Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco.
20%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Mezcal Sbagliato emerged from the modern craft cocktail movement as a natural evolution of the Negroni family tree. Building on the viral success of the Negroni Sbagliato and the rising popularity of mezcal in the 21st century, this contemporary creation substitutes gin with smoky Mexican mezcal. The drink represents the globalization of cocktail culture, fusing Italian aperitivo traditions with artisanal Mexican spirits. While it lacks a single documented origin, it embodies the experimental spirit of craft bartenders who continuously reimagine classic templates with premium ingredients.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a mixing glass with large, clear cubes
Add mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass
Stir gently for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a single large cube
Top with chilled prosecco, pouring gently to preserve effervescence
Give one final, gentle stir to integrate ingredients
Glassware
Served over a large cube in a rocks glass
Garnish
Wide orange peel, express oils over drink
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a moderate-smokiness mezcal like Espadín to avoid overpowering other flavors
Chill all ingredients and glassware for optimal effervescence
Express orange peel oils to enhance the citrus aromatics
Use a large, clear cube to minimize dilution
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Mezcal Sbagliato.
Smoky and Strong
Increases mezcal proportion for a more spirit-forward, smokier profile.
Changes
Lighter and More Effervescent
Extra prosecco creates a spritz-like cocktail perfect for daytime drinking.
Changes
White Mezcal Sbagliato
Replaces red Campari with gentian liqueur and sweet vermouth with blanc vermouth for a lighter, more floral profile.
Changes
Spiced Mezcal Sbagliato
Adds warmth with cinnamon-infused sweet vermouth and mole bitters for an autumnal twist.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Mezcal Boulevardier
A modern classic, a smoky and complex variation of the Prohibition-era Boulevardier that swaps bourbon for mezcal.
Mezcal Negroni
A 1:1:1 riff where earthy mezcal stands in for gin, giving the Italian aperitivo a sultry, agave-smoked backbone.
Negroni Sbagliato
Equal-parts Campari, sweet vermouth and prosecco build a bubbly, lower-proof cousin of the Negroni born from a happy mistake.