The Sbaglia-tonic: A Conniption Twist on a Classic Negroni
Some accidents are worth celebrating...
The Sbagliato — Italian for “mistaken” — was born when a bartender accidentally reached for sparkling wine instead of gin while making a Negroni. The result was lighter, bubbly, and refreshingly bittersweet.
Our Sbaglia-tonic takes that same happy accident and reimagines it with a distinctly Conniption edge. We swap the sparkling wine for Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic and build it around our Conniption Navy Strength Gin — bold, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.
The result? A bittersweet highball with citrus snap, botanical depth, and a perfectly modern attitude.
The Negroni is one of the world’s most beloved cocktails — a perfect balance of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. But in 1970s Milan, a bartender at Bar Basso made a fateful mistake: he grabbed Prosecco instead of gin. His guest loved the result, and the Negroni Sbagliato (“mistaken Negroni”) was born.
Our version leans into that spirit of serendipity but with a distinctly modern gin-forward approach. The Sbaglia-tonic is lighter, brighter, and more effervescent — still complex, still bold, but with a refreshing edge that makes it perfect for warm afternoons or as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Combine gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a Collins glass with ice.
Stir gently until combined.
Fill the glass to the top with tonic water.
Express an orange peel over the glass and use as garnish.
Recipe Note
Why We Love It
The Conniption Navy Strength Gin delivers the rich botanical intensity that anchors this drink — its higher proof holds up beautifully against the boldness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth. The tonic water adds effervescence and a Mediterranean hint that makes the flavors sing.
It’s a cocktail that captures what Conniption is all about: unexpected innovation, timeless craft, and flavor that sparks connection.
