The Aperol Spritz is a beloved classic cocktail that combines the refreshing notes of Aperol with sparkling wine, typically prosecco, and a splash of soda water. This light, zesty drink has become synonymous with sunny afternoons, casual gatherings, and Italian aperitivo culture. However, what happens when you don’t have prosecco on hand, or if you’re looking to explore alternative sparkling wines or non-alcoholic options? The good news is that there are several substitutions you can use instead of prosecco that can elevate your Aperol Spritz without compromising the character of the drink.
In this article, we will explore various alternatives to prosecco in your Aperol Spritz, from different types of sparkling wines to creative non-alcoholic substitutes. Whether you’re seeking a different flavor profile or trying to make the cocktail more accessible, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the world of Aperol Spritz alternatives!
Why Prosecco Is the Traditional Choice
Before we dive into the substitutes, it’s important to understand why prosecco is the traditional choice for an Aperol Spritz. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine known for its light, crisp, and slightly sweet characteristics. It’s produced primarily in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy, and its bubbles give the Aperol Spritz a refreshing and celebratory touch.
Prosecco complements the bitter, citrusy flavor of Aperol with its natural fruitiness and subtle sweetness, creating a balanced cocktail that’s not too sweet or too bitter. The sparkling wine’s moderate alcohol content also makes it perfect for this aperitif-style drink.
While prosecco is iconic in an Aperol Spritz, there are many reasons why you might want to explore alternatives. These might include personal preference, availability, or dietary restrictions. Let’s take a look at some of the best options to substitute prosecco.
1. Cava: Spain’s Sparkling Gem
Cava is Spain’s answer to champagne and offers a great alternative to prosecco in an Aperol Spritz. Made primarily from indigenous Spanish grape varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, cava shares many similarities with champagne, particularly its dry, crisp taste and fine bubbles. The production method, known as the “traditional method” or “méthode champenoise,” gives cava its characteristic effervescence and complex flavor profile.
Cava is typically less sweet than prosecco, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking to cut back on the sweetness of your Aperol Spritz. It has notes of citrus, green apple, and sometimes almond, which can complement Aperol’s orange and herbal flavors beautifully.
Best For: Those who prefer a drier and more complex sparkling wine in their Aperol Spritz.
2. Champagne: A Luxurious Option
If you want to elevate your Aperol Spritz to a whole new level, champagne is an ideal substitute. Made in the Champagne region of France using traditional methods, champagne brings a certain level of elegance to any cocktail. The wine’s fine bubbles, crisp acidity, and sophisticated flavor profile can bring a refined touch to your Aperol Spritz.
While champagne can be on the pricier side, it adds a richness and depth to the cocktail that prosecco sometimes lacks. Champagne’s higher acidity also balances the sweetness of Aperol well, making for a slightly more tart, sophisticated spritz.
Best For: Special occasions or when you want to make your Aperol Spritz feel more luxurious.
3. Sparkling Rosé: A Fruity Twist
If you’re a fan of fruity, aromatic cocktails, sparkling rosé can make a delightful alternative to prosecco in your Aperol Spritz. Sparkling rosé is made from red grape varieties, giving it a beautiful pink color and a fruit-forward flavor profile. You’ll find notes of berries, cherries, and sometimes floral undertones that pair exceptionally well with Aperol’s orange and herbal notes.
Sparkling rosé can be a slightly sweeter option than some of the drier wines like cava or champagne, but it still offers enough acidity to balance the sweetness of Aperol. Plus, its vibrant color adds an extra layer of visual appeal to your Aperol Spritz.
Best For: Those looking for a fruity, colorful, and slightly sweeter alternative to prosecco.
4. Lambrusco: A Bold Red Sparkler
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, consider using Lambrusco in your Aperol Spritz. Lambrusco is an Italian red sparkling wine known for its vibrant flavors of red berries, cherries, and sometimes a touch of earthiness. While most Lambruscos are red, some styles can have a slightly drier finish, making them a good choice for a less sweet spritz.
The bold, fruit-forward flavors of Lambrusco can add an interesting twist to your Aperol Spritz, creating a drink that’s rich in flavor yet refreshing. Lambrusco’s bubbles are also more pronounced than some sparkling wines, providing a fun, effervescent texture.
Best For: Those looking for a unique, fruit-forward twist on the traditional Aperol Spritz.
5. Dry Sparkling White Wine: Affordable and Versatile
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a dry sparkling white wine can be a great substitute for prosecco. Many countries produce excellent dry sparkling wines that offer a similar crispness and effervescence to prosecco without the price tag. Wines like Italy’s Franciacorta, Argentina’s Espumante, or Australia’s sparkling wines provide an array of choices for those looking to stick to a dry profile.
These wines are often made from a blend of traditional sparkling wine grapes and offer similar qualities to prosecco. The crisp acidity and clean finish of these wines ensure that the Aperol and soda water maintain their refreshing qualities.
Best For: Budget-conscious cocktail enthusiasts who still want a dry, sparkling wine in their Aperol Spritz.
6. Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wines
For those who prefer to skip the alcohol but still want the fizz in their Aperol Spritz, non-alcoholic sparkling wines are an excellent option. These drinks are made using the same methods as traditional sparkling wines, but the alcohol is removed at the end of the process. Non-alcoholic sparkling wines come in both dry and sweet varieties, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.
Many brands produce high-quality non-alcoholic sparkling wines that offer a great balance of acidity, sweetness, and bubbles. They can help you maintain the refreshing, effervescent character of the Aperol Spritz without the effects of alcohol.
Best For: Those who want a non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz without sacrificing the sparkling element.
7. Soda Water with Fruit Juice
If you’re looking for a completely non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz, you can skip the sparkling wine entirely and use soda water mixed with fruit juice. A combination of sparkling water and citrus juices (like orange or grapefruit) can mimic the refreshing qualities of prosecco while still giving the drink a light and tangy flavor.
You could also experiment with fruit syrups or purees, such as strawberry, raspberry, or peach, to add a touch of sweetness. This substitution will yield a bubbly, bright, and fruity drink that’s perfect for any occasion when you’re in the mood for a spritz without the alcohol.
Best For: A completely alcohol-free Aperol Spritz alternative that’s still light and refreshing.
8. Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda
For a bit of a zingy twist, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda can serve as an interesting alternative to prosecco. These sodas bring their own sweetness and fizz to the cocktail, but with a distinct ginger or citrus flavor that adds an exciting layer of complexity.
While not a perfect substitute for prosecco’s dry and crisp notes, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda can create a fun and flavorful twist on the Aperol Spritz, especially if you’re looking for something a little sweeter or spicier.
Best For: A sweet and slightly spicy variation of the Aperol Spritz.
Conclusion
The Aperol Spritz is a versatile and refreshing cocktail that can be customized in many ways. While prosecco is the traditional choice, there are a variety of excellent substitutes available, ranging from sparkling wines like cava, champagne, and sparkling rosé to non-alcoholic options like soda water with fruit juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wines. Each alternative offers its own unique twist on the classic cocktail, allowing you to experiment with different flavors, textures, and even alcohol levels.
Whether you’re looking for something drier, fruitier, or completely alcohol-free, there is no shortage of options when it comes to crafting the perfect Aperol Spritz. So, the next time you find yourself without prosecco, don’t worry – there are plenty of other delicious substitutes waiting to be explored.
Related topics:
- What Prosecco Is Best for Mimosas?
- What’s the Difference: Prosecco& Moscato?
- When Did Prosecco Become Popular?
