19 Prosecco Cocktails: Bright, Bubbly Recipes Beyond the Mimosa
Explore 19 creative Prosecco and sparkling wine cocktails that go far beyond the standard mimosa—perfect for any season and every celebration.
There’s something undeniably festive about the pop of a Prosecco cork and the dance of tiny bubbles in a glass. While the classic mimosa will always hold a nostalgic place at brunch tables and celebrations, bubbly wine—especially lively Italian Prosecco—deserves a much bigger stage in our cocktail repertoire. Whether you’ve picked up a bottle for a quiet night in, a dinner party, or a spontaneous celebration, Prosecco can serve as the sparkling foundation for a world of easy, refreshing, and occasionally show-stopping drinks. Let this collection of 19 creative Prosecco cocktails inspire you to mix beyond the basics, swapping out spirits, juices, and bitters for drinks that suit every season and mood.
What Is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling white wine native to Northern Italy, particularly the Valdobbiadene region in the Veneto. It’s produced from the Glera grape and prized for its light body, aromatic profile, and a crisp, refreshing finish—plus those signature, lively bubbles. Prosecco stands out from Champagne not just in geography and grape variety, but also in production method; instead of aging in bottles, its secondary fermentation happens in steel tanks, making it more fruity—and usually more affordable. Don’t be fooled by its playful effervescence: while often a touch sweeter than Champagne, Prosecco comes in a range of styles from ultra-dry (brut) to more luscious (dry” or “extra dry”), but it never feels cloying. Think notes of apple, pear, lemon, light flowers, and sometimes even tropical fruit.
- Affordable: Champagne taste, without the Champagne price.
- Versatile: Delicious for sipping straight or mixing into cocktails.
- Bubbly for Every Occasion: Works just as well in light summer spritzes as it does in cozy winter cocktails.
Our Best Prosecco Cocktails, Season by Season
To help you get started (or to break out of the mimosa rut), here are 19 bubbly cocktail recipes that showcase Prosecco’s versatility. These drinks run the gamut from sophisticated aperitifs to fun, fruit-forward spritzes, ensuring there’s a sparkler for every palate and party.
1. Cynar Spritz
Swap the familiar Aperol for Cynar, a bittersweet Italian liqueur made from artichokes and herbs. When mixed with Prosecco and a splash of club soda, you get an herbal, slightly earthy riff on the classic spritz—perfect for those who like a more complex aperitivo.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, Cynar, club soda, orange slice.
- Flavor Profile: Bittersweet, herbaceous, gently fizzy.
2. Negroni Sbagliato
This “mistaken” Negroni trades traditional gin for Prosecco, yielding a lighter, bubblier, and lower-ABV take on the classic Italian cocktail. Campari and sweet vermouth keep things balanced, while the bubbles make it endlessly sippable.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, Campari, sweet vermouth.
- Flavor Profile: Bitter, citrusy, sparkling.
3. Pom Fizz
Pomegranate and Prosecco are an unexpectedly delightful duo. This jewel-toned fizz combines a homemade pomegranate syrup (or simply pomegranate juice) with your sparkling wine of choice. Bursting with tartness and brilliant color, it’s a winter favorite that’s celebratory year-round.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, pomegranate syrup or juice.
- Pro Tip: Make the syrup in advance; it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.
4. Voilà l’Été: The French 75
This classic cocktail gets a casually French update, best sipped from a simple tumbler rather than a coupe. Gin, lemon, simple syrup, and Prosecco come together for a refreshing counterpoint to heavier drinks, offering just enough sweetness and a brilliant citrusy pop.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup.
- Flavor Profile: Bright, botanical, tangy.
5. Airmail
A tropical twist on French 75 territory: rum and honey syrup anchor this effervescent drink, with Prosecco and a squeeze of lime for lift. It’s the cocktail equivalent of a long-awaited vacation.
- Key Ingredients: Rum, honey syrup, lime juice, Prosecco.
- Flavor Profile: Smooth, honeyed, citrusy, bubbly.
6. Sunrise Over The Fjord
This inspired brunch cocktail marries the zesty spirit of a mimosa with an unexpected Nordic ingredient: aquavit, a caraway- and dill-infused Scandinavian liquor. Grapefruit and lemon brighten things up, while Prosecco lends its classic sparkle.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, aquavit, grapefruit juice, lemon juice.
- Flavor Profile: Light, botanical, refreshing.
7. Smashed Blackberry-Sage Spritz
This earthy-fruity spritz starts by muddling blackberries and fresh sage before adding Prosecco and a dash of Suze (a French bitter liqueur). The result is a dappled glass of late-summer sunset—juicy, herbal, and just bitter enough.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, blackberries, sage, Suze, club soda.
- Flavor Profile: Fruity, herbal, gently bitter.
8. Sgroppino (Lemon Sorbet Cocktail)
This Venetian favorite blends sweet-tart lemon sorbet with Prosecco for a spoon-stirred, frosty treat that doubles as dessert and cocktail. It’s fit for royalty—and easy enough for a Tuesday night.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, lemon sorbet, vodka (optional).
- Texture: Effervescent, icy, ultra-refreshing.
9. Strawberry Juice & a Champagne Cocktail
Fresh strawberry juice (or puree) meets sparkling wine or Champagne for a playful, fruit-forward drink. Balance the sweetness with a dash of bitters and a twist of lemon.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco or Champagne, strawberry juice, bitters.
- Best For: Spring and early summer celebrations.
10. Aperol Spritz
No Prosecco cocktail list would be complete without this sunny Italian staple. Aperol’s bittersweet citrus flavor, club soda, and plenty of ice join Prosecco for the happiest of happy-hour spritzes.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol, club soda, orange slice.
- Flavor Profile: Citrusy, bittersweet, lively.
11. Campari Spritz
Ready for a bolder, slightly bitter riff on the classic? Swap Aperol for Campari—just as easy, still gorgeous, but with a deeper red hue and a more robust flavor.
| Ingredient | Classic Aperol Spritz | Campari Spritz |
|---|---|---|
| Prosecco | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Liqueur | Aperol | Campari |
| Soda Water | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Garnish | Orange Slice | Orange Slice |
12. Limoncello Spritz
This Italian lemon liqueur lends zesty brilliance and a touch of sweetness. Built in the glass—no shaking required—it’s as refreshing as an afternoon on the Amalfi Coast.
- Key Ingredients: Limoncello, Prosecco, club soda, lemon wheels.
13. Rhubarb Lime Spritzer
With its bracing acidity and perfumed aroma, rhubarb syrup makes an ideal partner for sparkling wine. Lime and a subtle hint of vanilla round out each fizzy sip, celebrating spring in a glass.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, rhubarb syrup, lime juice, vanilla.
14. Kiss the Ring (Blood Orange French 75 Riff)
This play on the French 75 uses blood orange juice for dazzling color, with orange liqueur like Cointreau to highlight the citrus notes. A balance of acidity and subtle sweetness makes this a party favorite.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, gin, blood orange juice, Cointreau, lemon juice.
15. Classic Mimosa (With a Twist)
Sure, it’s basic. But a mimosa made right—fresh orange juice, dry Prosecco, and even a tiny pinch of sea salt to sharpen the flavors—remains a brunch must. For a spin, add a splash of elderflower, pomegranate, or grapefruit juice.
- Key Ingredients: Orange juice, Prosecco, optional sea salt.
16. Blueberry Orange Spritz
This drink brings together juicy blueberries, fresh orange juice, and Prosecco for a light, berry-bright spritz. Ideal for sipping outdoors in the spring and summer.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, blueberries, orange juice, club soda.
17. Mulled Wine Sparkler
Bring festive cheer to your winter gatherings by topping mulled red wine with a splash of Prosecco. The result is a spiced, cherry-hued sparkler that’s perfect from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
- Key Ingredients: Prepared mulled wine, Prosecco.
18. Grapefruit Sparkler
Bright, tart grapefruit juice and a shot of gin make this sparkling cocktail crisp and invigorating. Add a rosemary sprig for an herbal note and a dramatic garnish.
- Key Ingredients: Prosecco, grapefruit juice, gin, rosemary.
19. Your Signature Prosecco Cocktail
Think of Prosecco cocktails as a blank canvas. With a bottle of bubbly, some fresh fruit, a dash of syrup, and a favorite liqueur, it’s easy to riff and make a drink that’s uniquely yours. Experiment with flavors, aromatics, and garnishes to suit the season—or your mood!
- Ideas:
- Muddle berries and herbs in the glass before adding Prosecco
- Swap orange juice for blood orange, pineapple, or mango
- Add a float of elderflower liqueur or violet syrup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Prosecco Cocktails
Q: Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco in these cocktails?
A: Absolutely. Champagne or any dry sparkling wine can substitute for Prosecco. Just note that Champagne is typically drier and more yeasty, while Prosecco is lighter and fruitier. Adjust sweetness accordingly.
Q: What’s the best way to keep Prosecco bubbly after opening?
A: Use a sparkling wine stopper to preserve carbonation and store the bottle in the fridge. Prosecco is best consumed within 23 days after opening for peak fizz and flavor.
Q: Is Prosecco always sweet?
A: No. While many Proseccos are slightly sweeter than Champagne, most are labeled as brut (dry) or extra dry (just off-dry). Always check the label for sweetness levels.
Q: What glasses should I use for sparkling cocktails?
A: While traditional flutes are classic, wide-rimmed coupes or even stemless wine glasses work beautifully for spritzes and mixed cocktails, allowing more room for ice and garnish.
Q: What are some quick ways to elevate a basic Prosecco cocktail?
A: Try fresh herbs (basil, mint, rosemary), edible flowers, flavored bitters, or a splash of fruit purée. Simple syrup infusions (ginger, basil, cardamom) also add depth.
Tips for Mixing and Serving Prosecco Cocktails
- Chill Everything: Keep your Prosecco and mixers ice-cold before assembly for optimal fizz.
- Add Bubbles Last: To preserve effervescence, pour Prosecco as the final ingredient and stir gently.
- Play with Garnishes: Citrus twists, fresh fruit, and herbs transform simple cocktails into showpieces.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate with Bubbles
From winter feasts to summer parties, Prosecco cocktails are adaptable, festive, and endlessly riffable. Whether you prefer your drinks classic, creative, sweet, bittersweet, or herbaceous, there’s a bubbly recipe here just waiting to be shaken—or stirred—into your next celebration. Raise a glass and toast to bubbles, creativity, and the simple pleasure of a well-mixed drink.
