Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

I love to make a rejuvenating prosecco cocktail that hits just the right notes of sweetness and bubbles. One of my favorite recipes begins with 4 oz of very cold prosecco, to which I add 1 oz of either Aperol for a little bitterness or St-Germain for a flirtation with flower power.

One of my go-to mixers for this is simple soda water. Adding 1 oz of that or club soda makes for a beautiful drink that’s not too sweet, with a gradient of flavor as you sip.

I serve this delightfully low-sugar cocktail over ice and look for a bold garnish—either a slice of orange or lemon, which is what I happen to have on hand, works beautifully.

Ingredients

Prosecco: Light, bubbly wine that brings a gentle sweetness and a lot of sparkle.

Aperol/Elderflower Liqueur: Provides a sweet, aromatic profile with floral and bitter notes.

Club Soda/Soda Water: This adds a delightful effervescence and reduces the potency of the alcohol even further.

Citrus Slice/Lemon Twist: Delivers a citrusy scent combined with a zesty hit of flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 oz Prosecco, chilled
• 1 oz Aperol or elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz soda water or club soda, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice or lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. To chill a glass, fill it with ice cubes.

2. Measure 1 oz of Aperol or elderflower liqueur, then pour over the ice.

3. Combine 1 ounce of soda water that has been chilled thoroughly or club soda with the other ingredients that you have in the glass.

4. Pour slowly and softly, ensuring the bubbles don’t overflow. Allow to settle for a moment.

5. With a cocktail stirrer, gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.

6. Sample the cocktail and make adjustments if required, by incorporating more liqueur to enhance sweetness or additional soda for a more effervescent experience.

7. Use either an orange slice or a twist of lemon.

8. Place the orange slice on the rim of the cocktail or drop the lemon twist into the drink.

9. Sip your chilled cocktail and savor the moment.

10. You may optionally enhance the dish’s enticing aroma and flavor profile with the addition of extra citrus zest.

Equipment Needed

1. Glass
2. Ice cube tray
3. Jigger or measuring cup
4. Cocktail stirrer
5. Knife or peeler (for citrus garnish)
6. Citrus zester (optional)

FAQ

• What is the best type of Prosecco to use in this cocktail?Prosecco dry or extra dry is preferable, as these styles neatly balance the sweetness of Aperol or elderflower liqueur.
• Can I substitute Aperol with another liqueur?Certainly, Campari can be employed to impart a more bitter taste, while elderflower liqueur can be utilized for adding a floral touch.
• What’s the difference between using soda water and club soda?Although both are effervescent waters, the flavors of club soda and sparkling mineral water can differ because of their compositions. Their distinctive tastes come from minerals either added to or present in the waters.
• Is it necessary to chill the Prosecco and soda water?Indeed, chilling not only intensifies the cocktail’s refreshing quality but also guarantees the seamless integration of its ingredients.
• How can I make this cocktail less alcoholic?The lighter version can be made by reducing the amount of Aperol or elderflower liqueur and increasing the soda water.
• What’s an optional garnish for this cocktail?An orange slice gives a cocktail a citrus touch, while a lemon twist adds zest.
• Can I prepare this cocktail in advance?Mix right before serving to keep the Prosecco and soda water effervescent.

Substitutions and Variations

If another dry sparkling wine such as Cava or Champagne is available, use that instead of Prosecco.
Substitute Campari for Aperol to create a drink with a more pronounced bitter edge, or try a flavored syrup, like raspberry, to sweeten things up.
For an added bitter-sweet profile, try tonic water instead of soda water, or use ginger ale for a spicy kick.
Instead of ice cubes, use frozen fruit like grapes or berries to avoid diluting the cocktail.
To garnish, swap an orange slice for a lime wheel or a mint sprig for a fresh aroma.