TL;DR
Yes, you can substitute prosecco with a different sparkling wine in an Aperol Spritz, but the flavor profile will change. Prosecco has distinct characteristics that complement the other ingredients, so swapping it out alters the drink. Some suitable substitutes are Cava, Franciacorta, or an affordable domestic sparkling wine. Evaluate the acidity, sweetness, and bubbles to find a prosecco alternative with a similar crisp, dry, and fruity profile. Adjust ratios and garnishes to optimize the drink. Consider the occasion and your taste preferences when deciding whether to substitute. An Aperol Spritz is traditionally made with prosecco, but variations can work well too.
What is an Aperol Spritz?
The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian aperitif cocktail originating from northern Italy in the 1950s. It is traditionally made by combining 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water, served over ice in a wine glass and garnished with an orange slice.
Aperol is an Italian orange liqueur that provides a bitterness to balance the sweetness of the prosecco. Soda water adds effervescence and dilutes the drink slightly. The resulting flavor is light, refreshing, and bittersweet.
The Aperol Spritz has a lovely orange hue and bubbly texture. It’s often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite. The relatively low alcohol content around 10% ABV makes it easy to drink.
The Aperol Spritz has gained worldwide popularity beyond Italy in recent years. It’s widely available at bars internationally. The cocktail highlights the flavors of prosecco and Aperol while remaining crisp and dry.
Why use prosecco?
Prosecco is key to the style and taste profile of an Aperol Spritz. As an Italian sparkling white wine, prosecco has several characteristics that work well in the cocktail:
Dry and crisp
Prosecco is dry, with very little residual sugar. This allows the herbal Aperol bitterness and soda water to come through rather than being obscured by sweetness.
Citrus and stone fruit notes
Prosecco has fruity aromas of lemon, orange, peach, and apricot that align with the orange flavor from Aperol. The fruitiness balances the herbal aspects.
High acidity
The acidic nature of prosecco cuts through the richness of Aperol and keeps each sip tasting clean and refreshing.
Soft effervescence
Prosecco’s fine, gentle bubbles provide an effervescent texture without being aggressive or fizzy like soda water, suiting the easy-drinking nature of the cocktail.
Light body
Prosecco has a light, delicately flavored palate that allows the Aperol and soda to shine rather than competing for prominence.
Affordable price
Basic prosecco offers an economical base compared to champagne or other expensive sparkling wines.
The blend of dryness, fruit, acidity, and soft bubbles from prosecco is central to an Aperol Spritz. No single characteristic can fully replace what prosecco brings to the drink. However, other sparkling wines can substitute when necessary.
What wines can substitute for prosecco?
Here are some of the best options for replacing prosecco in an Aperol Spritz:
Cava
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made using the same traditional method as champagne. Like prosecco, it tends towards a dry, fruity profile with medium body and bubbles. The acidity, fruitiness, and pear notes of Cava can work well in an Aperol Spritz. Choose a Brut or Extra Brut style.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is an Italian sparkling wine made with the traditional method. It has more richness and complexity than basic prosecco while remaining crisp and dry, though often at a higher price point. Franciacorta’s elegance can give an elevated experience to an Aperol Spritz.
California sparkling wine
Many California producers make affordable sparkling wines in an off-dry, fruit-forward style. These can substitute prosecco in an Aperol Spritz as long as they aren’t too sweet. Look for crisp examples with citrus or stone fruit flavors and traditionally-made bubbles.
Cremant
Cremant refers to sparkling wines made via traditional method from French regions outside Champagne. Those from Burgundy and Alsace have fresh fruit flavors that can work in an Aperol Spritz. Match the dry body and acidity of prosecco.
Lambrusco
This Italian sparkling red wine has bold berry flavors and a touch of sweetness. Though quite distinct from prosecco, a dry Lambrusco can add a fruit-forward element while the bubbles provide effervescence.
Off-dry Riesling
While not bubbly, drier-style Riesling has crisp acidity, citrus and stone fruit notes, and low alcohol similar to prosecco. The lack of bubbles provides a different textural experience.
Sparkling rosé
The red berry flavors and rosé visual of sparkling rosés can put a new spin on an Aperol Spritz. Select a dry, vibrant wine rather than sweet versions.
Beyond the varieties above, the following traits make a good prosecco substitute in an Aperol Spritz:
– Dry to off-dry palate
– High acidity
– Citrus, peach, apples, pears on the palate
– Low alcohol (11-12% ABV)
– Light to medium body
– Gentle mousse if sparkling
Avoid sweeter wines lacking acidity, as well as aggressive bubbles more suited to mimosas. The substitute wine should complement, not overpower the bitterness of Aperol.
Tips for substituting prosecco
When using an alternative sparkling wine in an Aperol Spritz, keep these tips in mind:
Adjust ratios
The standard equal parts prosecco and Aperol may need adjustment if the substitute has more or less sweetness, bubbles, alcohol or acidity. Add extra soda water or juice for a sweeter wine or increase Aperol proportions for an acidic one.
Try different garnishes
Change up the garnish from traditional orange to complement the wine choice, like berries, lemon, or olives.
Make a spritz variation
Rather than an exact Aperol Spritz replica, create your own variation using the wine’s flavor profile. Swap Aperol for liqueurs like St. Germain, Campari or Gran Gala.
Chill thoroughly
Make sure sparkling wines and other substitutes are chilled well before mixing for proper texture.
Consider glassware
Serve in wine glasses rather than short tumblers to preserve bubbles and aromas. Fluted champagne glasses highlight the elegance of wines like Franciacorta or Cremant.
Use fresh, quality ingredients
Even with prosecco substitutes, use fresh Aperol and soda water for best results.
Sample the base wine first
Taste the sparkling wine or substitute on its own before mixing to understand its profile, then balance accordingly.
Should you substitute prosecco in an Aperol Spritz?
Whether substituting prosecco in an Aperol Spritz is recommended depends on the situation:
When serving large groups
For parties or events, an affordable domestic sparkling wine can provide a prosecco-like base while keeping costs down.
For wine drinkers seeking variety
Wine aficionados may appreciate experiencing the cocktail with different wine types like Franciacorta or Cremant.
If prosecco is unavailable
Another crisp, dry sparkling wine can step in if prosecco isn’t accessible for whatever reason.
For those who dislike prosecco
Someone who doesn’t care for prosecco may find the drink more appealing with a different base.
If you prefer a sweeter or fruitier profile
Certain wines like off-dry Riesling or Lambrusco will alter an Aperol Spritz to be slightly sweeter or fruit-forward.
Considerations when substituting prosecco
On the other hand, there are reasons you may want to stick with the traditional prosecco:
When following a classic recipe
If mixing an Aperol Spritz for guests or at a bar, prosecco is expected.
To preserve the true Aperol Spritz flavor
The prosecco profile specifically balances and enhances the other components.
For wine purists
Wine traditionalists argue that prosecco is part of the identity of an Aperol Spritz and shouldn’t be changed.
Due to price considerations
In some regions, true Champagne, Franciacorta, and others are much pricier than basic prosecco.
If other options are of poor quality
Low quality sparkling wine substitutes can degrade the drinking experience.
Conclusion
While the classic Aperol Spritz is definitively made with prosecco, it’s possible to substitute in other dry sparkling wines and achieve tasty results if their characteristics align with the drink’s flavor profile. Considerations around taste preferences, quality, price, and occasion can help determine when to stick with prosecco or try variations with Cava, Franciacorta, California bubbly, or other options. The optimal substitute depends on the specific brand and cuvée chosen. With adjustments to ratios and garnishes plus fresh ingredients, prosecco alternatives can put a new spin on the Aperol Spritz while retaining its refreshing, bittersweet essence.
Related Questions
What is the alcohol content of an Aperol Spritz?
The alcohol content of a standard Aperol Spritz made with 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water is typically around 10-12% ABV. This depends on the exact ABV of the specific prosecco and Aperol used in the drink. Prosecco is usually 11-12% ABV. Aperol has an ABV of 11%. The soda water does not contribute any additional alcohol. Combined, this creates a light, easy-drinking cocktail.
What prosecco is best for Aperol Spritz?
The most suitable prosecco for an Aperol Spritz is an extra dry or brut style. These have barely perceptible sweetness, allowing the herbal bitterness of Aperol to shine. Recommended options include:
– Ruffino Prosecco Brut
– La Marca Prosecco Brut
– Zonin Prosecco Brut
– Martini & Rossi Prosecco Brut
– Maschio Prosecco Treviso Brut
Avoid cheaper, sweeter prosecco that can overwhelm the palate. Higher quality prosecco brings more subtle fruit flavors and bubbles.
What can I use if I don’t have prosecco?
If you don’t have a bottle of prosecco available, possible substitutes include:
– Spanish Cava, preferably brut or extra brut
– Dry Italian sparkling wines like Franciacorta or Trento Classico
– Non-vintage Champagne
– Dry California sparkling wines
– French Cremant such as Blanquette de Limoux
– German Sekt
In a pinch, a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vinho Verde can work, though it won’t have the carbonation. Omit soda water in this case. Always use fresh Aperol and optimal ice/garnishes.
Can I use champagne instead of prosecco in an Aperol Spritz?
It’s certainly possible to make an Aperol Spritz with Champagne instead of prosecco. However, champagne is much more expensive, so it’s not ideal for the basic proportions of the drink. Vintage champagnes also offer complexity that can be lost when mixed.
Non-vintage or grower Champagne can substitute prosecco nicely with the crisp acidity and citrus notes. Adjust ratios to 1 part Champagne, 1 part Aperol, 1 part soda as Champagne is stronger. Make sure to thoroughly chill the Champagne to preserve its nuanced bubbles. Add a lemon twist for an elegant finish.
What is a good sparkling wine for Mimosas?
The best sparkling wines for Mimosas feature bright fruit flavors and a crisp, dry effervescence to complement fresh orange juice. Recommended options include:
| Sparkling Wine | Notes |
|---|---|
| Prosecco | Citrus and peach notes, budget-friendly |
| Cava | Dry, apple and pear flavors |
| Cremant | Delicate bubbles, white fruit |
| Moscato D’Asti | Sweet, orange blossom aromas |
| Sparkling Rosé | Elegant berry and floral notes |
Avoid low quality sweet wines with aggressive bubbles. Champagne offers amazing flavor but is expensive for mixing.