6 Sparkling Wine Cocktails for the Perfect Summer Evening

British summertime is here – and, predictably, it’s raining. But don’t let the weather dampen your spirits! Here at The Artisan Food Company, we think we all deserve a good tipple this summer, whether you’re enjoying some downtime at home or are heading off on a picturesque staycation. And with our delicious range of sparkling wines on offer, these cocktail ideas will help you slip seamlessly into the summer mindset.

From fancy French champagnes to bubbly Italian rosés, a good-quality sparkling wine makes the perfect alcoholic base for your next drink of choice – to be enjoyed on a crisp summer evening, preferably in the garden! Read on to discover 6 of our favourite sparkling wine cocktails to share with friends and family.

1. Bellini

It would be remiss not to begin this list with a classic Italian Bellini. Fast becoming a brunch favourite around the UK, Bellinis traditionally hail from Harry’s Bar in Venice, dating all the way back to the 1930s, and are delightfully simple to create. With no complicated shaking required, simply pour two parts (or 100ml) prosecco into a champagne flute and top off with one part (50ml) fresh peach purée. The bright colour and nectar-sweet flavour will transport you straight to the city’s elegant canals!

2. Aperol Spritz

Although there is some debate as to whether or not this classic drink classes as a cocktail, an Aperol Spritz has fast become a summertime staple in numerous destinations. Originating from the Treviso province of North-Eastern Italy – which is, of course, famous for its world-renowned prosecco production – this cocktail personifies the taste of summer. Take a large wine or gin glass and half-fill with ice cubes, before adding two parts (100ml) prosecco, one part (50ml) Aperol, and topping off with a generous splash of soda water. Decorate with a fresh slice of orange, and enjoy.

3. Raspberry Fizz

Particularly popular at weddings and garden parties, a raspberry fizz combines the fresh tartness of tangy raspberries and the sweet bubbliness of French champagne to create a sophisticated aperitif. Begin by placing four raspberries into a champagne flute and gently crushing with a mortar to release the juices. Add 25ml of raspberry liqueur, before topping with delicious champagne.

4. Kir Royale

With its deep purple colouring and sugary-sweet taste, a classic Kir Royale cocktail is an undeniable crowd-pleaser, and the perfect sparkling wine cocktail for a celebratory toast. An added bonus? It’s also one of the easiest cocktails to make! Simply pour a tablespoon of blackcurrant liqueur (or ‘crème de cassis’) into a flute and fill with champagne. To add a little flair, garnish with a floating blackberry.

5. Negroni Sbagliato

A twist on the classic Italian Negroni, a Negroni Sbagliato (which roughly translates to mean ‘negroni gone wrong’) replaces gin with prosecco to create a tangy, bitter drink which is perfect after dinner. In a mixing glass filled with ice, add 50ml sweet vermouth and 50ml Campari and stir. Strain this mixture into a tumbler half-filled with ice, and finish with a splash of prosecco, before serving with a twirl of orange zest.

Try this traditional Prosecco DOC from Valdobbiadene!

6. French 75

This sophisticated sparkling wine cocktail combines gin and champagne into one zesty aperitif, and is the perfect girls’ night tipple! Start by pouring one tablespoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of sugar syrup, and 50ml gin into a shaker before filling it with ice. Shake this well, and strain into a flute before topping slowly with champagne. Before serving, mix the drink gently with a cocktail stirrer and garnish with a twist of lemon zest.