Champagne substitutes
The closest substitute for Champagne is Prosecco, which works and barely changes the drink. Fruitier and a little sweeter. In a pinch, use Dry White Wine.
What to use instead of Champagne
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
ProseccoAlmost the same Fruitier and a little sweeter. Same amount | Same amount | 11–12% ABV |
Dry White WineLast resort Still, not sparkling: top up with a splash of soda water. Same amount | Same amount | 11–14% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Champagne, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Black Velvet
75ml (2½ oz) Champagne → 75ml (2½ oz) Prosecco
About 9% ABV → about 8% ABV−1 point
- Bucks Fizz
60ml (2 oz) Champagne → 60ml (2 oz) Prosecco
About 5% ABV → about 4% ABV−1 point
- Death in the Afternoon
135ml (4½ oz) Champagne → 135ml (4½ oz) Prosecco
About 26% ABV → about 25% ABV−1 point
- French 75
60ml (2 oz) Champagne → 60ml (2 oz) Prosecco
About 12% ABV → about 11% ABV−1 point
- Kir Royale
120ml (4 oz) Champagne → 120ml (4 oz) Prosecco
About 13% ABV → about 12% ABV−1 point
- Mimosa
75ml (2½ oz) Champagne → 75ml (2½ oz) Prosecco
About 5% ABV → about 4% ABV−1 point
- Airmail
50ml (1⅔ oz) Champagne → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Prosecco
Same strength
- Champagne Cocktail
90ml (3 oz) Champagne → 90ml (3 oz) Prosecco
Same strength
- French 75 Slush
450ml (15 oz) Champagne → 450ml (15 oz) Prosecco
Same strength
- French 95
75ml (2½ oz) Champagne → 75ml (2½ oz) Prosecco
Same strength
- Old Cuban
60ml (2 oz) Champagne → 60ml (2 oz) Prosecco
Same strength
- Pink Gin 75
60ml (2 oz) Champagne → 60ml (2 oz) Prosecco
Same strength
- Russian Spring Punch
50ml (1⅔ oz) Champagne → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Prosecco
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Champagne | Prosecco |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 12–13% ABV | 11–12% ABV |
| Sugar | 0.89 g per 100 ml | 1.5 g per 100 ml |
| Taste | Complex, Dry, Crisp, Mineral | Light, Fruity, Crisp, Slightly sweet |
| Aroma | Toast, Citrus, Yeast, Apple | Apple, Pear, Floral, Fresh |
| Finish | Long, Elegant, Effervescent | Clean, Refreshing, Effervescent |
Low and zero proof
An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Champagne: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.
- Zero-Proof French 75Zero proof
- Virgin MimosaZero proof
What is Champagne?
The prestigious French sparkling wine from the Champagne region. Used in classics like the French 75 and Champagne Cocktail.
Got Champagne? It also replaces
Questions about Champagne substitutes
What is the best substitute for Champagne?
Prosecco is the closest substitute for Champagne and barely changes the drink. Fruitier and a little sweeter. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Champagne in a Champagne Cocktail?
Prosecco: swap 90ml (3 oz) of Champagne for 90ml (3 oz) of Prosecco.
Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Champagne?
Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the French 75 and Mimosa made with non-alcoholic bottles.
Does Prosecco instead of Champagne change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Black Velvet, which goes from about 9% to about 8% ABV (before the ice melts). The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More wine substitutes
Out of Champagne?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.