What Is a Negroni Spritz?

negroni spritz in a wine glass with orange slice garnish

The Negroni Spritz brings a lively twist to the classic Italian Negroni by pairing its iconic bitter-sweet character with sparkling wine. Served over plenty of ice and finished with bubbles, this cocktail achieves a lighter body and extra effervescence that makes it ideal for aperitivo hour or afternoon sipping.

Origins and Rise in Popularity

While the classic Negroni—a balanced blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—dates back to Italy in the early 20th century, the spritz version is a more recent evolution. As low-ABV and sparkling cocktails have gained momentum, the Negroni Spritz joined the ranks of modern Italian aperitivo drinks like the Aperol Spritz. Its vibrant color, bittersweet complexity, and refreshing sparkle contributed to its rapid popularity in cocktail bars and summer gatherings alike.

Core Ingredients in a Negroni Spritz

Gin: provides the botanical backbone, often classic London dry style
Campari: delivers the essential bitter citrus bite and unmistakable color
Sweet vermouth: introduces depth with notes of herbs and spice
Sparkling wine: typically prosecco, but any dry, effervescent option works
Fresh orange: expressed peel or wheel for fragrant garnish

This combination balances bitterness, botanicals, and lively bubbles—making the Negroni Spritz easy to enjoy.

Negroni Spritz Recipe (ml Measurements)

30 ml gin
30 ml Campari
30 ml sweet vermouth
60 ml prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
30 ml soda water (optional, for lighter style)
Orange wheel or peel, for garnish

How to Prepare a Negroni Spritz

Fill a large wine glass or rocks glass generously with ice.
Add 30 ml gin, 30 ml Campari, and 30 ml sweet vermouth.
Briefly stir to chill and mix the spirits.
Top with 60 ml prosecco and, if you prefer, 30 ml soda water for a lighter, more refreshing finish.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink or garnish with a fresh orange wheel.

negroni spritz recipe ingredients and glass on a bar

What Makes a Negroni Spritz Unique?

The addition of sparkling wine lifts the classic Negroni into a longer, more sessionable cocktail. Lowering the gin and boosting the bubbles transforms a dense, spirit-forward drink into something crisp and festive, while maintaining that signature bittersweet appeal. Served over ice and garnished with orange, the result offers a fresh contrast to both pure spritzes and classic stirred Negronis.

negroni spritz with orange garnish in tall wine glass

Serving Tips and Variations

For lighter bitterness, replace Campari with another red aperitivo like Select or Aperol.
Try different sparkling wines; drier prosecco sharpens, while sweeter varieties add roundness.
Arrange the orange garnish so its oils float on the surface—this amplifies aroma with every sip.