The Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso, Milan
- aromstad
- Apr 6
- 1 min read
The Negroni Sbagliato which translates as the "Mistaken Negroni" was invented many decades ago as a fortuitous accident by bartender Mirko Stochetto at Bar Basso in Milano. The concoction simply replaces gin with sparkling wine: one part Campari, one part sparkling wine and one part sweet vermouth.
Bar Basso claims to be the first to introduce the aperitivo-obsessed Milanese to the concept of il aperitivo. Prior to Bar Basso cocktails were limited to the well-heeled who imbibed at luxury hotel bars and private clubs. Bar Basso brought cocktails to the everyday people, the working class. Il Aperitivo is the sacred period of time after work yet before dinner and the Milanese bars are standing room only from 6-8PM. The snacks, meant to tide you over before dinner, can easily "be" dinner unless you exercise some serious self-discipline.
But was it really a sbagliato? I think not, considering the drink now holds its own copyright!
Bar Basso clings tight to tradition: waiters in bow-ties, traditional (if somewhat tired) furnishings, sturdy barware and, of course, the cocktail list from another era. Regulars stop in daily at their regular tables for a pitstop before heading home. It's a blend of bankers in ties, laborers in jeans and everything in beween, even a tourist or two; that would be us!
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