Using Prosecco in cocktails is not a new thing in mixology. There are plenty of classic cocktail recipes that include Italian sparkling wine. Alcoholic drinks like the Bellini, Barracuda, or Spritz cocktails all rely on Prosecco. But using Prosecco syrup is a pretty new way to bring the taste of Prosecco into cocktails. What started as an experiment to make sour versions of classics like the Aperol Spritz grew into a hip trend in craft cocktail bars.
I received many questions asking what Prosecco syrup is and where you can get it. The answer is simple: the best Prosecco syrup is homemade with the aid of some genuine Prosecco. The result is marvelous and is not only a perfect fit in summery cocktail creations. You can also use it to drizzle it over desserts, waffles, or ice cream.
Read on to find out how to make the perfect Prosecco simple syrup and how you can use it in cocktails.
Prosecco - The Italian sparkling wine
Prosecco is available in various types. Like other sparkling wine, it's typically consumed in a Champagne flute. Depending on the residual sugar in the Prosecco it's classified as brut Prosecco, brut nature, extra brut, extra dry, dry, or demi-sec. That also means that the calorie intake of one glass of Prosecco depends on the type you're drinking. The more residual sugar, the higher the number of calories is in your Prosecco.
How to make Prosecco syrup
Making syrup is no rocket science, at least in most cases. And making your own Prosecco syrup certainly is on the easy side. You need Prosecco, caster sugar, and just a bit of fresh lemon juice. What you don't really need is the bubbles. Of course, they won't ruin the result, but they will be gone by the end anyway. So you can use an open bottle if you should happen to have one in your fridge.
No syrup without sugar. And in this Prosecco syrup, I use standard caster sugar. In other recipes, for instance, in tropical syrup, I usually opt for darker, less refined sugars. But as well as this works in bold fruity syrups, this type of sugar would overpower the delicate taste of Prosecco.
Like a regular simple syrup, you have to heat all ingredients in a small saucepan at medium heat. Keep stirring the syrup and immediately reduce the heat once the mixture starts boiling. As soon as the sugar is completely dissolved you can remove it from the heat.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Prosecco
- 1.5 cups Caster sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a small saucepan. Turn heat to medium and gently stir the mix.
- When the mix is about to start boiling, reduce heat. Keep stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool down to room temperature.
- Strain and bottle the syrup and store it in the fridge. Use up within four weeks.
More syrup inspiration for your cocktails
Prosecco syrup is a treat, and there are many other creative syrups to sweeten cocktails. If you're a fan of bright colors in cocktails, try to make our Pink Dragonfruit syrup or the color-changing Butterfly Pea Flower syrup. If you're more into bold fruity flavors try, pineapple syrup or banana syrup are a great choice.
And for all the tiki cocktail lovers, making your very own Demerara syrup or cream of coconut will make your tiki creations even better.
But there are also other options to bring a sweeter taste to your cocktails. For instance, chamomile cordial or honey syrup is a great way to sweeten a drink and only add subtle flavor notes.
Prosecco Syrup FAQs
Our Prosecco simple syrup recipe uses equal parts of sugar and Prosecco. Meaning, for 1.5 cups of Prosecco, you should use 1.5 cups of caster sugar.
A prosecco syrup made of Brut Prosecco contains 129 calories per oz. The majority of those calories are coming from caster sugar, though.
Is this syrup considered non alcoholic ?
Hi Tina,
This one is not considered non-alcoholic. To completely remove the alcohol in the syrup you would need to "cook" the mix for a lot longer. If you need a non-alcoholic version, the safest way would be to use a non-alcoholic Prosecco.
Hope that helps,
Cheers