What does the term "negroni sbagliato" refer to?

The term "negroni sbagliato" translates to "mistaken Negroni." This classic cocktail variation is characterized by the substitution of sparkling wine for the traditional gin component. The original Negroni is a cocktail made of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. However, the "sbagliato" variant arose from a mistake in preparation, for instance, when a bartender accidentally grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin. This variation offers a lighter, bubbly twist on the classic drink, retaining the bitterness from the Campari and the sweetness from the vermouth while adding effervescence.

This playful take on the Negroni has become popular in its own right and demonstrates the creativity and adaptability within cocktail culture. The other options do not define the negroni sbagliato accurately; while substitutions or variations exist, none match the unique characteristic of using sparkling wine, which is central to this drink's identity.