With the weather heating up and winter waving its last goodbye, we start to embrace the warmth, step outside and soak up the sun. And what better way to welcome summer than with a fresh, summery cocktail? Prosecco (proh-SEHK-koh), in being flavourful, dry (usually) and light-bodied is the perfect ingredient to our favourite summer cocktails to sip on in the sun.

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco, a sparkling white wine made in Italy, is one of those delicious, fresh and fizzy drinks that a number of people say defines the Italian philosophy that refers to the good life, known as la dolce vita.  

Interestingly enough, although Prosecco is typically sipped on in its fizzy form, it is also made in semi-sparkling and even still versions.

Prosecco usually comes in four different levels of sweetness, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry or Demi-Sec. Brut is the driest and Demi-Sec is the sweetest.

What is the difference between Prosecco and champagne?

A number of us may get confused between champagne and prosecco. Although both of these bubbly liquids may look similar, they are quite different. As experts in all things drinkable (cocktails and the like), we are here to give you little explanation before we get into just how to make the tastiest and freshest cocktails using Prosecco…

Champagne, champers, bubbly or whatever you like to call it, a product of France, it is made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Prosecco on the other hand, comes from the village of Prosecco in Italy. This tasty sparkling wine is mostly made with Glera grapes, these used to be known as Prosecco grapes, but the drink can also include Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, or some other grape varieties.

What makes Prosecco the perfect cocktail ingredient for summer?

Well, it’s simple really. Prosecco literally screams summer in its flavours and taste. The typical bottle of Prosecco has flavours and aromas of citrus fruits, pears, green apples and white spring flowers. Sound like summer yet? Prosecco is not a drink that is only savoured for special occasions, oh no. This tasty splash of summer is young and fresh, being perfect for all occasions, ideal for everyday.

So, that means that you don’t even have to wait until your next garden party to pull out the Prosecco, pour yourself a glass right now, or better yet, put together one of our cocktails below, put your feet up and live the good life with this special sparkling wine in hand.

Prosecco cocktails to splash into summer

Sgroppino

This refreshing treat of a cocktail is a slushy combination of lemon sorbet, limoncello (a drink made from lemon zest, vodka, water and sugar) and Prosecco. Typically used in Italy as a palate cleanser at the end of a dinner party, but you can enjoy this one in the sun on a warm afternoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop lemon sorbet
• 1 shot limoncello
• Top Prosecco chilled

Method:

Pour the limoncello into an Antique coupe glass, spoon in the lemon sorbet and top with Prosecco. Sprinkle with grated lemon for garnish and serve immediately with a teaspoon.

Elderflower Spritz

Elderflowers taste like flowery magic and are a beautiful floral and fragrant addition to any cocktail. This juicy but balanced mixer for sparkling summer cocktails is the perfect refreshing drink to any summer’s day.

Ingredients:

• ½  shot elderflower liqueur
• 1 shot premium gin
• ½ shot cold pressed lemon juice
• Top Prosecco

Method:

Fill a Copa glass with cubed ice. Pour in the gin, elderflower and lemon juice. Top off with Processo and if you like, add in some fresh mint leaves for that extra fresh flavour.

Hosting a summer party?

Perhaps our Prosecco summer cocktails have your mouth watering and brain ticking to plan your next summer garden party. What better way to host the ultimate summer event than by hiring a mobile bar service equipped with experts in cocktail making. Let our Thirsty Barmen know to make Thirst the mobile bar service at your party.