Few beverages capture the spirit of celebration quite like a glass of something bubbly. While true Champagne holds a revered place, the expansive world of sparkling wine encompassing Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant offers a versatile, budget-friendly canvas for spectacular cocktails. These mixers aren’t just for New Year’s Eve or special occasions; they elevate any brunch, dinner party, or quiet evening into an event. Forget those overly sweet, one-note concoctions. We’ve compiled five dazzling, classic-inspired recipes that maximize flavor while keeping preparation refreshingly simple.
The french 75
Hailing from World War I-era France, the French 75 is arguably the most elegant cocktail to take its name from military artillery, a potent French 75mm field gun, to be exact. It’s a beautifully balanced combination of spirit, citrus, and sparkle, embodying refined power.
To craft this masterpiece, you’ll need Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and your chosen sparkling wine. The secret lies in the quality of the gin and the freshness of the lemon. The botanical complexity of a quality gin perhaps a London Dry style plays wonderfully against the bright, sharp lemon. Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup vigorously with ice until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into a tall, thin glass, then top with the chilled sparkling wine. Garnish with a long, elegant lemon twist. This cocktail is a masterclass in balance, a reminder that the best drinks, much like the finest vintages of Bordeaux wines, rely on impeccable structure and a harmony of elements.
The bellini
The Bellini, born in Venice in the late 1940s, is the epitome of Italian chic and simplicity. Its gorgeous pale pink hue and delicate sweetness make it a favorite for brunches and summer sipping, though it’s delightful any time of year.
Traditionally, this cocktail uses Prosecco, but any dry sparkling wine works beautifully. The core component is white peach purée. Using fresh, ripe white peaches is recommended for the most authentic and subtle flavor; simply blend peeled and pitted peaches until completely smooth. If fresh peaches aren’t available, a high-quality, unsweetened peach purée or nectar can substitute. Pour the peach purée into a chilled flute, then gently top with the Prosecco. The ratio is generally two parts sparkling wine to one part peach purée, but this can be adjusted to taste. A genuine Bellini is never stirred; the slow, gentle pour ensures the purée mixes naturally with the bubbles, creating a soft, frothy texture.
The aperol spritz
While perhaps the most ubiquitous cocktail of the last decade, the Aperol Spritz holds its place because it works. It’s the quintessential aperitivo a refreshing, slightly bitter drink designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
The standard recipe is famously known as the 3-2-1 ratio: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one splash of soda water. Build the drink directly in a large, ice-filled wine glass. Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol, and finish with a splash of soda. The key is using plenty of ice and a generous orange slice garnish, which enhances the liqueur’s citrus notes. This cocktail’s vibrant orange color and refreshing bite are a promise of relaxed, sun-drenched enjoyment.
The classic champagne cocktail
A true classic, dating back to the mid-19th century, the Champagne Cocktail is simplicity distilled into an elegant ritual. It’s perhaps the best way to elevate a truly dry, high-quality sparkling wine without overwhelming its character.
This drink relies on just four ingredients: a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, a small amount of brandy or Cognac, and sparkling wine. Place a sugar cube at the bottom of a chilled flute. Dash it generously with Angostura bitters the sugar cube should absorb the liquid and turn a rich brown. Add a splash of Cognac or brandy, then slowly fill the glass with chilled sparkling wine. The saturated sugar cube creates a slow, steady stream of bubbles. Garnish with a lemon twist or an orange wheel. The addition of the spirit adds a subtle depth and warmth that balances the sugar and the wine’s acidity.
The kir royale
Simplicity often yields the greatest results, and the Kir Royale is a case in point. This French cocktail is as effortless as it is visually stunning, making it a perfect quick-fix for entertaining.
The formula is beautifully straightforward: a small amount of crème de cassis (a sweet, dark red blackcurrant liqueur) and chilled sparkling wine. Pour a measure of the liqueur into a flute a teaspoon to a tablespoon, depending on your preferred level of sweetness and top gently with a dry, crisp sparkling wine, traditionally a Crémant de Bourgogne or, indeed, true Champagne. The dense liqueur sinks to the bottom, slowly blending into the bubbles to create a gorgeous gradient of deep red to pale pink. Garnish with a single fresh raspberry or blackberry dropped into the glass.
