Out of Prosecco, one case
Prosecco substitute for Aperol spritz
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cava
Same amount as the Prosecco
The best substitutes for prosecco in Aperol Spritz are Cava, Champagne, or other dry sparkling wines. For non-alcoholic versions, use sparkling water, club soda, or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The key is maintaining the dry, effervescent quality.
- Best for —
- Aperol Spritz
One casethe full Aperol card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Prosecco | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CavaAperol Spritz | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | ChampagneAperol Spritz | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Other Italian sparkling winesAperol Spritz | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Sparkling water + white wineAperol Spritz | 2:1 sparkling water to dry white wineWorks | Works |
| 5 | Non-alcoholic sparkling winemocktail Aperol Spritz | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Club soda + white wineAperol Spritz | 3:1 club soda to dry white wineWorks | Works |
Cava
very similar · similar texture
Spanish sparkling wine with similar dry, crisp profile to prosecco
- Best for
- Aperol Spritz, spritz cocktails, aperitifs
Very similar to prosecco in taste and effervescence.
Champagne
similar but more complex · similar texture
French sparkling wine with more complexity than prosecco
- Best for
- Aperol Spritz, premium spritz cocktails, special occasions
More complex and expensive than prosecco but works beautifully.
Other Italian sparkling wines
similar taste and texture
Lambrusco, Franciacorta, or other Italian sparkling wines
- Best for
- Aperol Spritz, Italian cocktails, authentic spritz drinks
Lambrusco adds a slight sweetness, Franciacorta is more like Champagne.
Sparkling water + white wine
similar taste and texture
Homemade sparkling wine substitute using dry white wine and sparkling water
- Best for
- Aperol Spritz, budget-friendly spritz, quick substitutes
Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Non-alcoholic sparkling wine
similar taste and texture
Alcohol-free sparkling wine alternatives for mocktail spritzes
- Best for
- mocktail Aperol Spritz, non-alcoholic drinks, daytime drinking
Look for brands like Fre, Ariel, or other non-alcoholic sparkling wines.
Club soda + white wine
similar taste and texture
Simple substitute using club soda and dry white wine
- Best for
- Aperol Spritz, quick substitutes, budget-friendly drinks
Use a dry white wine and add a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
The longer answer
About this case
Prosecco is the traditional sparkling wine for Aperol Spritz, but when you don't have prosecco on hand, several excellent substitutes can recreate the cocktail's effervescent, refreshing character.
How it behaves in this recipe
Prosecco is essential for the classic Aperol Spritz, but finding the right substitute is crucial for recreating this beloved cocktail. The key is maintaining the dry, effervescent quality that makes the spritz so refreshing and drinkable.
Notes on Prosecco
Classic Aperol spritz
Ingredients
- 3 oz prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Add Aperol
- Top with prosecco
- Add soda water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
Cava Aperol spritz
Cava works beautifully as a prosecco substitute
Ingredients
- 3 oz Cava
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Add Aperol
- Top with Cava
- Add soda water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
Champagne Aperol spritz
Champagne adds more complexity and elegance to the spritz
Ingredients
- 3 oz Champagne
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Add Aperol
- Top with Champagne
- Add soda water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
Non-alcoholic Aperol spritz
Good for non-alcoholic versions of the classic spritz
Ingredients
- 3 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- 2 oz non-alcoholic Aperol substitute
- 1 oz sparkling water
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Add non-alcoholic Aperol substitute
- Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- Add sparkling water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
| Property | Prosecco | Cava | Champagne | Lambrusco |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | Dry, crisp, light-bodied with apple and citrus notes | Dry, crisp, similar to prosecco with slightly more body | Complex, elegant, with brioche and mineral notes | Slightly sweet, fruity, with red berry notes |
| Best for | Traditional Aperol Spritz, light and refreshing drinks | Aperol Spritz, excellent prosecco substitute | Premium Aperol Spritz, special occasions | Interesting spritz variation, sweeter profile |
| Price | Moderate, widely available | Moderate, good value | Expensive, luxury option | Moderate, unique option |
- Dryness
- Use dry sparkling wines - avoid sweet or demi-sec
- Temperature
- Serve well chilled for maximum refreshment
- Effervescence
- Good bubbles are essential for the spritz experience
- Glassware
- Wine glass or large rocks glass
- Ice
- Large ice cubes prevent dilution
- Ratio
- 3:2:1 sparkling wine to Aperol to soda water
- For sweeter spritzes, use Lambrusco or add simple syrup
- For drier spritzes, use extra brut Champagne or Cava
- For more complex spritzes, use Champagne or Franciacorta
- For budget-friendly spritzes, use Cava or homemade sparkling wine
- For non-alcoholic spritzes, use non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- For more effervescence, add extra soda water
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for prosecco in Aperol Spritz?
Cava is the closest substitute to prosecco, followed by Champagne. Both maintain the dry, effervescent quality essential for an authentic Aperol Spritz.
Can I use Champagne instead of prosecco in Aperol Spritz?
Yes! Champagne works beautifully in Aperol Spritz and adds more complexity and elegance. It's more expensive than prosecco but creates a premium spritz experience.
What's the difference between prosecco and Cava in Aperol Spritz?
Cava is very similar to prosecco in taste and effervescence, making it an excellent substitute. Both are dry, crisp, and light-bodied, good for spritz cocktails.
Can I make Aperol Spritz without sparkling wine?
Yes! Use a combination of dry white wine and sparkling water, or try non-alcoholic sparkling wine for mocktail versions. The key is maintaining the effervescent, dry quality.
What's the good ratio for Aperol Spritz?
The classic ratio is 3:2:1 prosecco to Aperol to soda water. This creates the good balance of effervescence, bitterness, and sweetness that makes the spritz so refreshing.