Cocktails

Most Popular Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Cocktails in the World: 25 Recipes

Most popular Prosecco and sparkling wine cocktails including Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Bellini, Mimosa, Rossini and French 75

Discover the most popular Prosecco and sparkling wine cocktails in the world, including Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Bellini, Mimosa, Rossini, French 75, Kir Royale and more. Includes easy recipes, servings, ingredients, food pairings, party tips and the best sparkling wines to use.

Sparkling wine cocktails are having a major moment.

Few drinks are as naturally suited to celebrations, brunches, weddings, summer patios, garden parties and long lunches as a glass of sparkling wine mixed with fresh fruit, liqueur, herbs or citrus.

And among all sparkling wines, Prosecco has become one of the most important cocktail ingredients in the world.

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio reported that 667 million bottles of Prosecco DOC were bottled in 2025, up 1.1% from 2024, describing Prosecco DOC as the best-selling Italian sparkling wine in the world.

The cocktail category is evolving quickly too. In 2026, the Hugo Spritz has emerged as a serious challenger to the long-dominant Aperol Spritz in search interest. Axios reported that searches for “how to make a Hugo Spritz at home” surged 2,200% in a month, while Hugo Spritz overtook Aperol Spritz in Google search interest in more than a dozen U.S. states during the period analyzed.

UK Google Trends data for the 13 weeks ending July 12, 2026, showed Hugo Spritz slightly ahead of Aperol Spritz, although Google Trends measures relative search interest rather than absolute sales or consumption.

Meanwhile, the classic Aperol Spritz remains extremely important. An Ipsos Doxa survey cited by Aperol found that 45% of surveyed Italian cocktail drinkers had consumed an Aperol Spritz in the previous three months, with 25% naming it their favorite cocktail.

This guide brings together 25 of the world’s most popular Prosecco and sparkling wine cocktails, covering classic recipes, modern spritzes, brunch drinks, tropical sparkling cocktails, elegant dinner-party drinks and easy recipes for home entertaining. 


Table of Contents

  1. Why Sparkling Wine Cocktails Are So Popular
  2. Prosecco vs. Champagne in Cocktails
  3. How to Choose Prosecco for Cocktails
  4. The 25 Most Popular Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Cocktails
  5. Aperol Spritz
  6. Hugo Spritz
  7. Bellini
  8. Mimosa
  9. Rossini
  10. French 75
  11. Kir Royale
  12. Prosecco Spritz
  13. Limoncello Spritz
  14. Campari Spritz
  15. Select Spritz
  16. St-Germain Spritz
  17. Prosecco Pimm’s
  18. Poinsettia
  19. Champagne Cocktail
  20. Prosecco Margarita
  21. Old Cuban
  22. Strawberry Prosecco Spritz
  23. Peach Prosecco Spritz
  24. Cherry Prosecco Spritz
  25. Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail
  26. Grapefruit Prosecco Spritz
  27. Best Prosecco Cocktails for Brunch
  28. Best Sparkling Cocktails for Summer
  29. Best Prosecco Cocktails for Parties
  30. Best Sparkling Wine Cocktails for Food Pairing
  31. How to Make Better Sparkling Cocktails at Home
  32. Frequently Asked Questions
  33. Final Thoughts

Why Are Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Cocktails So Popular?

Sparkling wine brings several things to a cocktail automatically:

  • Carbonation
  • Acidity
  • Freshness
  • Fruit character
  • Aromatics
  • Celebration appeal

That means you don’t always need a complicated recipe.

A little elderflower liqueur, fresh mint and soda can turn Prosecco into a Hugo Spritz.

Peach purée transforms it into a Bellini.

Fresh strawberries create a Rossini.

Orange juice creates a Mimosa.

A bitter aperitivo produces a Spritz.

This versatility explains why sparkling wine works so well in both classic cocktails and modern low-ABV drinks.

Recent 2026 coverage also highlights a broader consumer preference for lighter, longer serves that suit afternoons, long lunches and early-evening occasions. The Guardian described a surge of interest in spritzes, while other current reporting has highlighted the growth of floral and fruit-forward variations.


Prosecco vs. Champagne in Cocktails

Both can be excellent, but they create different results.

Prosecco

Prosecco tends to bring:

  • Pear
  • Apple
  • White flowers
  • Citrus
  • Fresh fruit

Its approachable fruit character makes it especially useful in:

  • Spritzes
  • Bellinis
  • Mimosas
  • Fruit cocktails
  • Brunch drinks

Champagne

Champagne often brings:

  • Citrus
  • Apple
  • Toast
  • Brioche
  • Almond
  • Mineral notes

It is particularly effective in:

  • French 75
  • Kir Royale
  • Champagne Cocktail
  • Elegant dinner-party drinks

Cava

Cava is another excellent cocktail option.

Its traditional-method character can contribute more pronounced acidity, citrus and subtle bready notes.

A simple rule

For fresh, fruit-forward and casual cocktails: Prosecco.

For richer, more elegant and spirit-driven drinks: Champagne or premium traditional-method sparkling wine.


How to Choose Prosecco for Cocktails

Not every Prosecco style works identically in cocktails.

For most recipes, look for:

Brut

Dry, crisp and versatile.

Extra Dry

Slightly sweeter and particularly good with fruit.

Rosé

Excellent for:

  • Berry cocktails
  • Summer drinks
  • Brunch
  • Romantic occasions

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio maintains official information on the product’s regulated production area, grape requirements and styles.

For cocktails, however, the most important practical consideration is usually freshness, dryness and good carbonation.


1. Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is the world’s defining Prosecco cocktail.

The current IBA specification is simple:

  • 90 ml Prosecco
  • 60 ml Aperol
  • Splash of soda water
  • Orange slice

The ingredients are built directly into an ice-filled wine glass and stirred gently.

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Plenty of ice
  • Orange slice

Method

Fill a large wine glass with ice.

Add Prosecco.

Add Aperol.

Top with soda water.

Stir gently.

Garnish with orange.

Best Food Pairings

Aperol Spritz is excellent with:

  • Olives
  • Prosciutto
  • Bruschetta
  • Pizza
  • Caprese salad
  • Fried seafood
  • Antipasti

Its slight bitterness works particularly well with salty foods.


2. Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is one of the fastest-growing sparkling cocktails of 2026.

It generally combines:

Prosecco + elderflower + soda + mint + lime.

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio’s recipe uses 6 cl Prosecco DOC, 2 cl elderflower syrup, 6 cl soda and mint, with lime used for serving.

Hugo Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur or syrup
  • 1–2 oz soda water
  • Fresh mint
  • Lime
  • Ice

Method

Fill a large wine glass with ice.

Add Prosecco and elderflower.

Top with soda.

Add mint.

Gently stir.

Garnish with lime.

Why Hugo Is Trending

The appeal is easy to understand.

It is:

  • Floral
  • Light
  • Refreshing
  • Aromatic
  • Less bitter than Aperol
  • Easy to make

Current Google Trends data show just how dramatically Hugo Spritz interest has accelerated.

Best Pairings

Try it with:

  • Sushi
  • Goat cheese
  • Seafood
  • Salads
  • Fresh fruit
  • Light pasta

3. Bellini

The Bellini is one of the most famous Italian sparkling cocktails.

The classic combination is:

Prosecco + white peach purée.

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio says the drink was created by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1948 and uses Prosecco and white peach purée.

The IBA recipe uses 100 ml Prosecco and 50 ml white peach purée.

Bellini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3½ oz Prosecco
  • 1¾ oz white peach purée

Method

Chill the glass.

Add peach purée.

Pour in the Prosecco slowly.

Stir very gently.

Serve immediately.

Best Food Pairings

Bellinis are perfect with:

  • Brunch
  • Prosciutto
  • Seafood
  • Fresh pastries
  • Fruit
  • Light desserts
Popular Prosecco spritz cocktails including Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz and St-Germain Spritz

Popular Prosecco spritz cocktails including Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz and St-Germain Spritz

4. Mimosa

The Mimosa is one of the world’s most popular brunch cocktails.

The current IBA recipe uses equal parts:

  • 75 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 75 ml Prosecco

and may be garnished with an orange twist.

Mimosa Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2½ oz fresh orange juice
  • 2½ oz Prosecco
  • Orange twist

Method

Pour chilled orange juice into a flute.

Slowly add Prosecco.

Stir gently.

Garnish with orange.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Eggs
  • Pancakes
  • French toast
  • Fruit
  • Pastries
  • Smoked salmon

5. Rossini

The Rossini is the strawberry version of the Bellini.

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio’s recipe uses 10 cl Prosecco DOC and 5 cl fresh strawberry purée.

Rossini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3½ oz Prosecco
  • 1¾ oz fresh strawberry purée
  • Fresh strawberry

Method

Add chilled strawberry purée to a mixing glass.

Add Prosecco.

Stir gently.

Strain into a chilled flute.

Garnish with a strawberry.

Best Pairings

Try it with:

  • Brunch
  • Fruit desserts
  • Goat cheese
  • Light pastries
  • Summer salads

6. French 75

The French 75 is a classic gin-and-sparkling-wine cocktail.

While the traditional IBA recipe uses Champagne, a high-quality dry sparkling wine can be used for a Prosecco-inspired variation.

The IBA recipe calls for gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and Champagne.

French 75 Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 oz gin
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 2½ oz Champagne or dry sparkling wine
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist

Method

Shake gin, lemon and syrup with ice.

Strain into a flute.

Top with sparkling wine.

Garnish with lemon.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Oysters
  • Smoked salmon
  • Fried chicken
  • Caviar
  • Seafood appetizers

7. Kir Royale

The Kir Royale is a simple French sparkling cocktail made with crème de cassis and Champagne.

The IBA notes that a standard Kir uses dry white wine and crème de cassis, while Kir Royale replaces the still wine with Champagne.

Kir Royale Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • ½ oz crème de cassis
  • 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Optional berry garnish

Method

Pour crème de cassis into a chilled flute.

Slowly top with sparkling wine.

Serve immediately.

Prosecco Variation

Using Prosecco creates a slightly fruitier and more casual interpretation.


8. Prosecco Spritz

Not every Spritz has to use Aperol.

A basic Prosecco Spritz can be built around a dry bitter or aperitif.

The traditional structure is often described using a 3:2:1 formula of sparkling wine, aperitivo and soda water. The Prosecco DOC Consorzio notes the Venetian formula as three parts wine, two parts bitter and one part soda, while also explaining regional variations.

Prosecco Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 oz bitter aperitif
  • 1 oz soda
  • Ice
  • Orange slice

Method

Build in an ice-filled glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with orange.


9. Limoncello Spritz

The Limoncello Spritz has become one of the favorite modern Prosecco cocktails.

Limoncello Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1½ oz limoncello
  • 1 oz soda
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel

Method

Build directly in a wine glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with lemon.

Flavor

Bright, citrusy, sweet and refreshing.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Seafood
  • Lemon chicken
  • Pasta
  • Caprese salad
  • Bruschetta

10. Campari Spritz

If you prefer more bitterness than an Aperol Spritz, try Campari.

Campari Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 oz Campari
  • 1 oz soda
  • Ice
  • Orange

Method

Build in a large wine glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with orange.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Pizza
  • Fried foods
  • Aged cheese

11. Select Spritz

Select is a Venetian bitter aperitivo that can produce a more herbal and assertive Spritz.

Select Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 oz Select
  • 1 oz soda
  • Ice
  • Green olive

Method

Build over ice.

Stir gently.

Garnish with an olive.

This is particularly good for drinkers who prefer drier, more savory aperitivo flavors.


12. St-Germain Spritz

The official Prosecco DOC Consorzio recipe uses:

  • 5 cl Prosecco DOC
  • 2.5 cl St-Germain
  • 5 cl soda
  • A few drops of bitters

It is served in a wine glass with ice and an orange slice.

St-Germain Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
  • 2 oz soda
  • 2–3 drops aromatic bitters
  • Ice
  • Orange

Method

Build directly in the glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with orange.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Goat cheese
  • Sushi
  • Seafood
  • Fresh fruit
  • Salads
Prosecco and sparkling wine brunch cocktails including Bellini, Mimosa, Rossini, Kir Royale and French 75

Prosecco and sparkling wine brunch cocktails including Bellini, Mimosa, Rossini, Kir Royale and French 75

13. Prosecco Pimm’s

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio has an official recipe combining Prosecco DOC, Pimm’s, pomegranate juice and soda.

Prosecco Pimm’s Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2½ oz Prosecco
  • ¾ oz Pimm’s
  • ¼ oz pomegranate juice
  • Splash of soda
  • Ice
  • Pomegranate seeds

Method

Build in a large wine glass.

Add ice.

Add Pimm’s and pomegranate juice.

Top with soda and Prosecco.

Stir gently.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds.


14. Poinsettia

The Poinsettia is a festive sparkling cocktail combining cranberry and orange liqueur with sparkling wine.

Poinsettia Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • ½ oz orange liqueur
  • Orange twist
  • Ice optional

Method

Build gently in a flute.

Stir very lightly.

Garnish with orange.

Best Occasion

Perfect for:

  • Christmas
  • New Year’s Eve
  • Holiday brunches
  • Winter parties

15. Champagne Cocktail

The Champagne Cocktail is one of the classic sparkling cocktails.

The IBA specifies chilled Champagne, Cognac, Angostura bitters, a sugar cube and optional Grand Marnier, garnished with orange zest and a maraschino cherry.

Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • ½ oz Cognac
  • 3 oz Champagne
  • Optional Grand Marnier
  • Orange zest
  • Cherry

Method

Place the sugar cube in the glass.

Add bitters.

Add Cognac.

Top carefully with Champagne.

Garnish with orange and cherry.


16. Prosecco Margarita

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio publishes a sparkling Margarita variation using Prosecco DOC Brut, tequila, orange juice, lime juice, brown sugar and a salted rim.

Prosecco Margarita Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2½ oz Prosecco Brut
  • ¾ oz tequila
  • ¾ oz orange juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Salt for rim
  • Lime and orange

Method

Prepare a salt rim.

Add lime and sugar to the glass.

Stir.

Add tequila and orange juice.

Add ice.

Pour in half the Prosecco.

Stir gently.

Top with remaining Prosecco.

Garnish with citrus.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Tacos
  • Ceviche
  • Shrimp
  • Guacamole
  • Spicy food

17. Old Cuban

The Old Cuban combines aged rum, lime, mint, bitters and sparkling wine.

The IBA recipe specifically allows Brut Champagne or Prosecco and calls for aged rum, lime, simple syrup, mint and Angostura bitters.

Old Cuban Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz aged rum
  • ¾ oz lime juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 6–8 mint leaves
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 oz Brut Prosecco or Champagne
  • Ice

Method

Shake everything except the sparkling wine.

Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Top with Prosecco.

Garnish with mint.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Seafood
  • Sushi
  • Pork
  • Cuban food
  • Light appetizers

18. Strawberry Prosecco Spritz

A Strawberry Prosecco Spritz is ideal for summer parties.

Strawberry Prosecco Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz strawberry liqueur or purée
  • 1 oz soda
  • 2 fresh strawberries
  • Ice
  • Mint

Method

Muddle strawberries lightly.

Add ice.

Pour in strawberry ingredient.

Top with Prosecco and soda.

Stir gently.

Garnish with strawberry and mint.


19. Peach Prosecco Spritz

Peach is a natural partner for Prosecco.

Peach Prosecco Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz peach purée
  • 1 oz soda
  • Ice
  • Peach slice

Method

Build in a wine glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with peach.

This drink combines the simplicity of a Spritz with the fruit character of a Bellini.


20. Cherry and Prosecco Spritz

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio has published an official Cherry and Prosecco Spritz using Prosecco DOC, cherry liqueur, soda, fresh ginger, cherries and mint.

Cherry and Prosecco Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2½ oz Prosecco
  • ¾ oz cherry liqueur
  • Splash of soda
  • 2 slices fresh ginger
  • Fresh cherries
  • Mint
  • Ice

Method

Add cherries and ginger to an ice-filled glass.

Add cherry liqueur.

Top with soda and Prosecco.

Stir gently.

Garnish with mint.


21. Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail

This is a simpler, more floral cousin of the Hugo.

Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Prosecco
  • ¾ oz elderflower liqueur
  • ½ oz soda
  • Fresh mint
  • Lime wheel

Method

Build in a flute or wine glass.

Top gently.

Garnish with mint and lime.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Sushi
  • Goat cheese
  • Light salads
  • Seafood
  • Fruit desserts
Fruity and floral sparkling wine cocktails including Strawberry Prosecco Spritz, Peach Prosecco Spritz, Cherry Prosecco Spritz, Elderflower Prosecco and Grapefruit Prosecco Spritz

Fruity and floral sparkling wine cocktails including Strawberry Prosecco Spritz, Peach Prosecco Spritz, Cherry Prosecco Spritz, Elderflower Prosecco and Grapefruit Prosecco Spritz

22. Grapefruit Prosecco Spritz

Grapefruit adds bitterness and acidity to sparkling wine.

Grapefruit Prosecco Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz elderflower liqueur
  • 1 oz soda
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit

Method

Build in a wine glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with grapefruit.

Best Pairings

Excellent with:

  • Shrimp
  • Oysters
  • Salads
  • Grilled fish
  • Goat cheese

23. Raspberry Sparkling Cocktail

Raspberries bring color and tartness.

Raspberry Sparkling Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Prosecco
  • ½ oz raspberry liqueur
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ¼ oz simple syrup
  • Fresh raspberries

Method

Shake the non-carbonated ingredients briefly with ice.

Strain into a flute.

Top with Prosecco.

Garnish with raspberries.


24. Pomegranate Prosecco Spritz

Pomegranate creates a colorful and tart sparkling cocktail.

Pomegranate Prosecco Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • ½ oz orange liqueur
  • ½ oz soda
  • Ice
  • Pomegranate seeds

Method

Build in a large wine glass.

Stir gently.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds.


25. Sparkling Berry Punch

For larger gatherings, a sparkling punch can be easier than individual cocktails.

Sparkling Berry Punch Recipe

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 bottles Prosecco
  • 8 oz mixed berry purée
  • 4 oz lemon juice
  • 4 oz simple syrup
  • 8 oz soda water
  • Fresh berries
  • Mint
  • Ice

Method

Combine fruit purée, lemon and syrup in a large pitcher.

Refrigerate.

Add Prosecco and soda just before serving.

Add fresh berries and mint.


Best Prosecco Cocktails for Brunch

Brunch is one of the most natural occasions for sparkling wine cocktails.

Top choices

Mimosa

Bellini

Rossini

Prosecco Pimm’s

Elderflower Prosecco

Best foods

Pair brunch cocktails with:

  • Eggs
  • Smoked salmon
  • Pancakes
  • French toast
  • Fresh fruit
  • Pastries
  • Prosciutto
  • Soft cheese

Best Sparkling Wine Cocktails for Summer

For summer, prioritize cocktails that are:

  • Cold
  • Light
  • Aromatic
  • Refreshing
  • Lower in perceived heaviness

Best choices

  1. Hugo Spritz
  2. Aperol Spritz
  3. Limoncello Spritz
  4. Bellini
  5. Rossini
  6. Grapefruit Spritz
  7. Strawberry Prosecco Spritz
  8. Peach Prosecco Spritz
  9. St-Germain Spritz
  10. Prosecco Pimm’s

Current coverage strongly supports the summer strength of the Spritz category, particularly floral and fruit-forward variations.


Best Sparkling Cocktails for Parties

For parties, simplicity matters.

Make-ahead options

Mimosas

Easy to prepare individually.

Bellinis

Pre-chill the peach purée.

Rossinis

Prepare strawberry purée in advance.

Prosecco Punch

Best choice for larger groups.

Spritzes

Fast to build individually.

Important rule

Don’t open your sparkling wine too early.

Bubbles are the whole point.


How to Keep Prosecco Cocktails Fizzy

One of the most important secrets to a great sparkling cocktail is temperature.

Food & Wine recently highlighted carbonation itself as a major factor in spritz quality and noted that chilling all components helps preserve effervescence.

Keep everything cold

Chill:

  • Prosecco
  • Glassware
  • Liqueurs
  • Juice
  • Soda

Add sparkling wine last

Don’t shake Prosecco.

Don’t vigorously stir it.

Add it gently and give the drink only a brief lift with the spoon.

Use enough ice

A properly chilled cocktail is less likely to dilute rapidly.

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio specifically recommends plenty of ice for Spritzes and explains that the classic structure depends on generous chilling.


Best Prosecco for Cocktails

Prosecco Brut

The most versatile choice.

Use it for:

  • Spritzes
  • Mimosas
  • Hugo
  • Poinsettia
  • French-style cocktails

Prosecco Extra Dry

A little softer and sweeter.

Excellent with:

  • Peach
  • Strawberry
  • Fruit purée

Prosecco Rosé

Excellent for:

  • Berry cocktails
  • Romantic occasions
  • Summer drinks
  • Festive punches

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio’s official recipes include Prosecco DOC Rosé in drinks such as its Mimosa variation and Santa’s Spritz.


Prosecco Cocktails vs. Champagne Cocktails

Use Prosecco when you want:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Casual entertaining
  • Spritzes
  • Aperitivo
  • Brunch
  • Summer drinks

Use Champagne when you want:

  • More complex toastiness
  • Formal celebrations
  • Spirit-forward cocktails
  • Luxury positioning
  • Dinner-party sophistication

There is no universal rule.

A dry Prosecco can make an excellent French 75 variation.

A Champagne can be exceptional in a Bellini-style drink.

The important thing is choosing the sparkling wine for the cocktail rather than assuming one is always better.

Elegant sparkling wine cocktails including Champagne Cocktail, Old Cuban, Prosecco Pimm's, Prosecco Margarita and Poinsettia

Elegant sparkling wine cocktails including Champagne Cocktail, Old Cuban, Prosecco Pimm’s, Prosecco Margarita and Poinsettia

Sparkling Wine and Food Pairing

Seafood

Best cocktails for food pairing:

  • French 75
  • Hugo Spritz
  • Mimosa
  • Champagne Cocktail

Sushi

Try:

  • Hugo Spritz
  • Elderflower Prosecco
  • French 75
  • Prosecco Spritz

Italian Food

Excellent choices include:

  • Aperol Spritz
  • Limoncello Spritz
  • Bellini

Spicy Food

Try:

  • Prosecco Margarita
  • Hugo Spritz
  • Limoncello Spritz
  • Peach Prosecco Spritz

Dessert

Choose:

  • Bellini
  • Rossini
  • Raspberry Prosecco
  • Poinsettia

Current Prosecco and Sparkling Cocktail Trends

The biggest story in 2026 may be the rise of floral, lighter and more approachable spritzes.

The Hugo Spritz is the clearest example.

UK Google Trends data showed Hugo slightly ahead of Aperol for the summer period studied, with recipe searches for spritzes reportedly doubling year over year in the cited analysis.

Current coverage also points toward:

  • Elderflower
  • Peach
  • Strawberry
  • Limoncello
  • Rose
  • Frozen spritzes
  • Alcohol-free spritzes

The Prosecco DOC Consorzio itself publishes a growing collection of cocktails ranging from classic Bellini and Hugo recipes to cherry, Pimm’s and other modern combinations.

This reinforces an important shift:

Sparkling cocktails are no longer just for special occasions.

They are increasingly associated with:

  • Long lunches
  • Garden gatherings
  • Aperitivo
  • Brunch
  • Daytime celebrations
  • Early-evening drinking

That “daycap” style of drinking has been highlighted in recent coverage of the Spritz boom.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Prosecco cocktails?

The most recognizable include Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Bellini, Mimosa, Rossini, Limoncello Spritz, St-Germain Spritz and Prosecco Pimm’s.

What is the most popular sparkling wine cocktail?

The Aperol Spritz remains one of the world’s most recognized sparkling cocktails, although Hugo Spritz interest is rising rapidly in 2026.

What is the best Prosecco for cocktails?

A dry Prosecco Brut is the safest all-purpose choice because it balances sweetness from fruit purées and liqueurs.

Can I use Prosecco instead of Champagne in cocktails?

Usually, yes. Prosecco works particularly well in Bellinis, Mimosas, Spritzes and many fruit-based sparkling cocktails.

What is the difference between a Bellini and a Rossini?

A Bellini uses white peach purée, while a Rossini uses fresh strawberry purée.

What is the difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Hugo Spritz?

Aperol Spritz uses a bitter orange aperitivo, while Hugo typically uses elderflower, soda, mint and lime. The Hugo is generally more floral and less bitter.

What is the best sparkling cocktail for brunch?

A Mimosa, Bellini or Rossini is an excellent choice.

What is the best sparkling cocktail for summer?

The Hugo Spritz and Aperol Spritz are two of the strongest choices, followed by Limoncello Spritz and fruit-forward Prosecco cocktails.

What is the easiest Prosecco cocktail?

The simplest is probably a basic Prosecco Spritz: Prosecco, aperitivo, soda and ice.

Can I make Prosecco cocktails in advance?

Prepare the non-carbonated ingredients in advance, but add Prosecco shortly before serving.

Why do Prosecco cocktails lose their bubbles?

They can lose carbonation because of warm ingredients, rough stirring, over-dilution or leaving the bottle open too long.

What fruit works best with Prosecco?

Excellent choices include:

  • Peach
  • Strawberry
  • Raspberry
  • Cherry
  • Pomegranate
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Orange

Final Thoughts: The Best Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Sparkling wine cocktails occupy a unique position in the cocktail world.

They can be elegant without being intimidating, refreshing without being boring and festive without requiring complicated equipment.

The Aperol Spritz remains the classic benchmark.

The Hugo Spritz represents the newest major trend.

The Bellini is one of Italy’s great cocktail traditions.

The Mimosa dominates brunch.

The Rossini brings strawberries into the sparkling-wine world.

The French 75 combines gin and bubbles with timeless elegance.

The Kir Royale proves that sometimes two ingredients are enough.

And modern drinks such as Limoncello Spritz, St-Germain Spritz, Prosecco Pimm’s and Cherry Prosecco Spritz show how much room there is for experimentation.

The current Prosecco market is substantial: the Prosecco DOC Consortium reported 667 million bottles bottled in 2025, reinforcing the category’s enormous global scale.

At the same time, cocktail culture is moving toward lighter, longer and more aromatic drinks, with Hugo Spritz search interest becoming an especially notable 2026 story.

For home bartenders, that is excellent news.

You don’t need dozens of spirits.

Keep:

  • A bottle of dry Prosecco
  • Fresh lemons and limes
  • A few seasonal fruits
  • Soda water
  • One bitter aperitivo
  • One floral liqueur
  • Fresh mint

and you can create an enormous number of sparkling cocktails.

For brunch, make a Mimosa or Bellini.

For an aperitivo, choose an Aperol or Hugo Spritz.

For summer, try Limoncello, Strawberry or Grapefruit Spritz.

For a romantic evening, serve Rossinis or Prosecco Rosé cocktails.

For dinner, make a French 75 or Old Cuban.

And for a large party, prepare a sparkling punch.

The secret is always the same:

Keep the sparkling wine cold, add it gently, use fresh ingredients and let the bubbles do the work.