Prosecco Cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Bellini & Mimosa, Explained

Prosecco has become the default sparkling wine for cocktail-making, largely because its price and slightly sweeter character work better in mixed drinks than pricier, drier Champagne would.

Aperol Spritz

The most globally popular Prosecco cocktail by a wide margin, the Aperol Spritz combines Prosecco, Aperol (a bright orange Italian bitter aperitif), and a splash of soda water, served over ice with an orange slice garnish.

Recipe: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 splash soda water. Build over ice in a large wine glass, stir gently, garnish with an orange slice.

Bellini

Created at Harry's Bar in Venice, the Bellini combines Prosecco with white peach purée for a delicately fruity, pale pink-orange cocktail — traditionally served at brunch or as an aperitivo.

Recipe: 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part white peach purée. Gently stir together in a Champagne flute — avoid vigorous mixing, which can flatten the Prosecco's carbonation.

Mimosa

The simplest of the three, the Mimosa combines Prosecco (or Champagne, though Prosecco is now the far more common choice given cost) with orange juice, typically in equal parts or slightly more Prosecco than juice.

Recipe: Equal parts Prosecco and fresh orange juice, combined gently in a Champagne flute.

Why Prosecco Works Better Than Champagne Here

Prosecco's naturally fruitier, slightly sweeter character (especially in the traditional Extra Dry style) complements the fruit and bitter components in these cocktails better than Champagne's drier, more complex, yeasty profile — plus the significant price difference makes Prosecco the practical, sensible choice for cocktails where the sparkling wine gets diluted with other ingredients anyway.

Tips for Making Any Prosecco Cocktail Well

Always add the Prosecco last and pour gently, since vigorous mixing or pouring will flatten its carbonation. Use a genuinely well-chilled bottle, and don't feel obligated to use a particularly expensive Prosecco for cocktails — a solid, mid-range bottle performs perfectly well once mixed with other ingredients.