Before you try to build a Champagne fountain for your holiday celebration, consider popping open some Prosecco. While similar to Champagne, Prosecco comes from the Veneto in Italy and is made with a grape called “Glera.” Glera lends a refreshing fizz that makes Prosecco an easy, informal way to celebrate. The Italian sparkling wine is also more affordable than Champagne, making it ideal for celebrations of all sizes.
All the cocktails listed below can make for easy brunch cocktails, and can also be a means to elevate the simple (yet delicious) sparkling wine. Plus, these five recipes are by far VinePair’s most searched, sought after, and replicated Prosecco cocktails, so you know they’re sure to be crowd-pleasers.
The Mediterranean Sparkling Spring
This cocktail connects the dry, star-crossed lovers: Prosecco and vodka. Combine these with lemon juice, muddled mint, and a little triple sec for a bright, refreshing beverage. One part tart, one part bubbly, this drink deserves a place in every partygoer’s glass.
The Sparkling Strawberry Bellini
While a traditional Bellini combines Prosecco and peach puree, this variation uses a blend of strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. All the elements of a perfect strawberry jam, blended with a few ounces of Prosecco, make this drink a sweet pink treat. Garnish with an additional strawberry for a little extra “oomph.”
The Prickly Pear Spritz
It seemed like everywhere you looked last summer there was someone drinking a spritz. While Aperol, Campari, and Cappelletti lovers drew divisive lines in the sand, this cocktail allows for an easy truce. Tequila motivates this mix beyond its fruit, while prickly pear syrup adds a little extra color and sweetness. Top it off with lime juice, soda water, and Prosecco for an easy, breezy cocktail.
The Ultimate Aperol Spritz
This recipe is for picky drinkers everywhere, because sometimes a simple Aperol Spritz is all you really want. Like Prosecco, the cocktail originated in northern Italy and is an easy, low-ABV option. Mix two ounces Aperol with three ounces Prosecco, add a splash of soda water, and then garnish with either green olives or an orange wedge.
The Strawberry Aperol Spritz
Finally, if every single option so far sparked your interest, you might be enticed by the perfect compromise: the strawberry Aperol Spritz. The perfect alternative to a Mimosa, and ABV so low you can drink more than one, this drink is one of the easiest ones out there. Simply mix two ounces of Prosecco with an ounce each of soda water and Aperol, and stir in two or more chopped strawberries. Garnish with one more strawberry for the perfect pièce de résistance, say voilà, and serve.
