here are two big trends at the moment when it comes to party night drinks – gin and prosecco. The great thing about Prosecco is that you can drink it just as it is, or you can mix it with other ingredients for a host of simple and tasty cocktails – or you can get our buff butlers to do it for you! Prosecco vs champagne When it comes to sparkling wine, the king (or queen) is always champagne. Prosecco is different champagne and a lot more budget friendly – but what is the difference? Champagne is a sparkling wine that only comes from the region of France with the same name. it is made with the ‘traditional method’ and uses chardonnay, pinot noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Prosecco comes from the Veneto region of Italy, north of Venice and is made with Prosecco grapes, also known as Glera. It is made with an affordable method known as the ‘tank method’ and this is part of why it is less expensive.
Simple prosecco cocktails
Prosecco is also a little sweeter than champagne which is known to be very dry and high in acidity. This is another reason why people go for it – it is easier to drink! And it also makes great cocktails so here are a few ideas to start your planning. Prosecco Royale One part crème de cassis liqueur mixed with one tablespoon of lemon juice and three parts prosecco. Add a cocktail stick with a couple of blackberries into each drink to serve.
Rose-ecco
This is a creation of Sophie Dahl and involves filling a glass with prosecco then adding a tablespoon of rose syrup into it. The syrup will slide to the bottom for a very pretty effect. Hibiscus prosecco If the bride is a floral fan, then pop to one of the supermarkets or specialist shops like Lakeland and find some hibiscus flowers. Add one in the bottom of the glass along with a teaspoon of syrup from the flowers then top with prosecco. Drink with the flower in as it adds to the flavour.
Sbagliato
This one is based on the Negroni cocktail and uses four parts prosecco and one part sweet vermouth (Martini) with one part Campari. Serve it with a twist of orange zest. Raspberry Prosecco Bellini Another adapted cocktail this one needs a nice champagne flute then add one part raspberry liqueur. Top with four parts prosecco and a sprig of fresh basil. Bloody Buck’s Fizz If you want a breakfast cocktail, then try this version – take 50ml blood orange juice in a glass then top with ice cold prosecco and garnish with a few little redcurrants.
Sorrento Sparkle
Two Italian classics in this one – 30ml chilled limoncello in a champagne flute then top with chilled prosecco and add a twist of lemon zest on the edge of the glass.
Green ginger fizz
Add 25ml ginger syrup from a jar of stem ginger to the glass (or use either ginger wine or liqueur if that’s easier) then add the juice of half a lime. Top with chilled prosecco and stir just a little before adding a slice of lime.
Buff Butler Blog
Hen party inspiration, planning tips, real event ideas and behind-the-scenes stories.