Prosecco Cocktails

Prosecco, with its characteristic freshness and enthusiasm, has become a must in the world of cocktails. This Italian sparkling wine, renowned for its versatility and pleasant fruity flavour, is the perfect choice for both, formal celebrations and casual get-togethers. 

In this guide, we offer you some of the best combinations with Prosecco, from the most iconic classics to original creations that you can't miss.

Why is Prosecco ideal for cocktails?

Unlike other sparkling wines such as Champagne or Cava, Prosecco is distinguished by its lightness and fresh notes, making it the perfect base for a wide variety of cocktails. In addition to being more affordable in price, its flavour profile - marked by fruity and floral notes - harmonises exceptionally well with other ingredients.

Why Prosecco excels in cocktails:

• Its balanced acidity enhances the flavour of fruits and liqueurs.
• The bubbly texture adds a refreshing touch.
• Versatility: It adapts to sweet, citrus and dry cocktails.

Timeless classic cocktails with Prosecco

Here are three traditional cocktails that have transcended generations:

Bellini

Created in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani at the famous Harry's Bar in Venice, the Bellini is a tribute to Italian peaches and Prosecco. Cipriani named it after the Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, as the soft pink colour of the cocktail reminded him of the shades of the artist's works. Today, it is a symbol of elegance, perfect for special occasions and brunches.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml Prosecco.
• 50 ml fresh peach puree.

Preparation:

• Chill the Prosecco beforehand.
• Pour the peach puree into a champagne flute.
• Slowly add the Prosecco and stir gently.

Tip: Choose fresh, ripe peaches for a sweet and balanced purée.

Aperol Spritz

Originally from northern Italy, Aperol Spritz has its roots in the 19th century, when Austrian soldiers ‘spritzed’ their wine with sparkling water to lighten it. The modern version, which mixes Aperol, Prosecco and soda, became popular in the 1950s and has taken the world by storm. Its slightly bitter and refreshing taste makes it the ideal aperitif for summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 90 ml of Prosecco.
• 60 ml Aperol.
• 30 ml of soda.
• Orange slice for garnish.

Preparation:

• Fill a large glass with ice.
• Pour the Prosecco first, then the Aperol and finally the soda.
• Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

Tip: For a drier Spritz, reduce the amount of Aperol.

Mimosa

This cocktail is said to have been created in 1925 at the Ritz Hotel in Paris by bartender Frank Meier. The Mimosa, a simple blend of Prosecco and orange juice, has become a classic brunch drink, prized for its freshness and ease of preparation. Its lightness and fizz make it perfect for daytime events.

Ingredients:

• 75 ml Prosecco.
• 75 ml freshly squeezed orange juice.

Preparation:

• Pour the orange juice into a champagne glass.
• Add the Prosecco carefully to maintain the bubbles.
• Stir gently and serve immediately.

Tip: Use fresh oranges for a more vibrant taste.

Creative Prosecco cocktails

In addition to the classics, Prosecco can also star in more modern and surprising combinations. These recipes will add a touch of creativity to any occasion.

Hugo

This modern cocktail originated in the Italian Alps around 2005, created by bartender Roland Gruber. Designed as a lighter alternative to the classic Spritz, the Hugo uses elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and soda. Its fresh, floral notes, along with mint, make it an ideal drink for summer evenings, and it has quickly become a favourite in Europe.

Ingredients:

• 150 ml Prosecco.
• 30 ml elderflower liqueur.
• A few fresh mint leaves.
• Soda to taste.

Preparation:

• In a large glass with ice, pour the elderflower liqueur.
• Add the Prosecco and a dash of soda.
• Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

Tip: If you prefer a milder cocktail, add more soda.

French 77

This cocktail is a variation of the classic French 75, which dates back to the First World War. The original French 75 was named after a powerful French artillery gun, reflecting the strength of the cocktail, which was made with gin and champagne. 

The French 77 keeps the gin base but adds a floral twist with elderflower liqueur, replacing the champagne with Prosecco. This gives it a more fragrant and delicate taste. It is an ideal choice for an elegant toast, with a floral and refreshing finish.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml Prosecco.
• 30 ml elderflower liqueur.
• 15 ml gin.
• Juice of half a lemon.

Preparation:

• In a cocktail shaker, mix the liqueur, gin and lemon juice with ice.
• Pour the mixture into a champagne glass and add the Prosecco.
• Stir gently and enjoy.

Tip: For a fresher taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Rossini

Named after the famous Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, this cocktail is a fruity variation on the Bellini, using strawberries instead of peaches. It is a tribute to the vibrant flavours of summer, where the sweetness of the strawberries blends perfectly with the light bubbles of the Prosecco. 

The Rossini is a refreshing and elegant choice, often enjoyed at outdoor gatherings or brunches.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml Prosecco.
• 50 ml fresh strawberry puree.

Preparation:

• Pour the strawberry puree into a champagne flute.
• Slowly add the Prosecco and stir gently.
• Garnish with a whole strawberry if desired.

Tip: Use very ripe strawberries for a sweeter and more aromatic purée.

Tips for making the best Prosecco cocktails

When making cocktails with Prosecco, it's important to keep a few things in mind for a perfect experience:

• Choose the right Prosecco: For dry cocktails, opt for a Prosecco brut or extra dry. If you prefer a sweeter touch, Prosecco dry will be the best choice.
• Keep the bubbles: Always serve Prosecco chilled, straight from the fridge, and pour gently to preserve the effervescence.
• Presentation: Garnishes make all the difference. From orange slices and strawberries to fresh herbs such as mint, visual details will elevate your cocktail.

The best prosecco for cocktails