The Aperol Spritz has taken the world by storm… becoming a go-to cocktail, no matter the time of year! This little drink is BIG on flavor and style, but choosing the right ingredients is the difference between a good Aperol Spritz and a great one. This guide will help you select the absolute best prosecco for Aperol spritz mixing… and the best news? It won’t break the bank!
A great Aperol Spritz does NOT have to cost a fortune. By following a few easy tips, you’ll select an ideal Prosecco to make sure your spritz cocktails are balanced and enjoyed by all of your guests. Read on for tips on selecting the best prosecco for spritz cocktails!
The Aperol Spritz – A Classic Prosecco Based Cocktail
Whether you’re a long-time Aperol Spritz fan, or hoping to perfect your new found favorite drink… you’ll know that the sparkling wine aisle can be a bit intimidating! Even when you condense your selection options down to just the Prosecco section, it’s still hard to make sense of all the options. Following some expert guidance will ensure that you find the perfect Bubbly for an enjoyable Spritz!
Prosecco – What Is It?
Let’s begin with the basics. In order for a sparkling wine to be considered Prosecco, it MUST be Italian made. Period. This sparkling wine is one that originates in the Valdobbiadene region of Veneto, Italy.
Considerations When Choosing A Prosecco For Aperol Spritz
When selecting a Prosecco specifically for Aperol Spritz cocktails, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- You need not splurge! Good news… you don’t need to go for top-of-the-line here. In fact, since you’re going to be mixing it with Aperol, a splurge on the finest Prosecco would get a bit lost in this cocktail.
- You shouldn’t skimp either. A super cheap sparkling wine is a sure way to an unbalanced bevereage (and a killer headache, to boot). Look for options that meet the following quality standards.
- Opt for a Prosecco that’s labeled ‘Dry’ or ‘Extra Dry’. Nothing overly sweet here, as overly sweet varieties will be especially likely to throw off the delicate balance of the perfect Aperol Spritz.
Prosecco Quality Standards – What To Look For
DOC Prosecco
The ‘DOC’ designation on the label means that the blend of grapes used are from the wider region that’s acceptable for Prosecco. This is an indication that it’s truly of Italian origin, and meets the quality standards to be considered ‘Prosecco’.
DOCG Prosecco
The ‘DOCG’ designation on the label is an even higher designation, and means that the grapes are from a smaller, more specific area of the region, which is known for a higher quality wine.
My Go-To Brands
LaMarca Prosecco (DOC)
LaMarca Prosecco is my #1 Choice – it’s widely distributed, and can be reliably found at most liquor stores, regardless of where you live.
These bottles tend to retail for around $20 US (give-or-take), making it an affordable, but decent quality option. When I’m pouring Aperol Spritz for guests, this is my brand of choice. It’s nice and smooth, stays bubbly in the fridge (even without a cork, for several days… really!) and has a satisfying level of dryness appropriate for balancing the sweetness and bitter profile of Aperol.
Costco’s Kirkland Asolo (White Labeled) Prosecco (DOCG)
Costco’s Kirkland brand, Asolo Prosecco is a close second, and it’s my #1 choice for stocking up for an event. If you need to supply a lot of drinks, this is a solid, affordable Prosecco!
For every day pouring, or for an affordable option for an event, I highly recommend Costco’s Kirkland Asolo Prosecco, which carries the DOCG designation for quality. This is CHEAP, and delicious! It’s a perfect choice for day-to-day Spritz drinking, or for stocking the bartender for a party! You can load up on this brand in bulk, and know that it will bring the perfect balance to your Aperol Spritz mixing.
