The Royal Strawberry isn’t a classic sparkling wine drink, but a small, sweet surprise: strawberry liqueur gives the Prosecco depth, while the fresh strawberry garnish not only looks the part but releases its aroma with every sip. Perfect for a spontaneous evening on the balcony or as an introduction to a long night – because it feels light, but with 15 % alcohol it shouldn’t be underestimated.
And this is what you need for the Royal Strawberry
3 cl strawberry liqueur (20–25 % vol.)
10 cl Prosecco (dry, 11–12 % vol.)
1 fresh strawberry (medium-sized, washed and destemmed)
This is what matters
The trick lies in the liqueur: not every strawberry liqueur is suitable. Choose a variety with natural fruit content (at least 10 % fruit content) and avoid artificially coloured products. The liqueur shouldn’t be too sweet, otherwise it will dominate the Prosecco. If the drink seems too intense, reduce the liqueur to 2 cl and increase the Prosecco to 12 cl – this keeps the balance between sweetness and fizz. Serve the drink immediately, as the carbonation of the Prosecco will gradually diminish the liqueur’s aromas.
Variations
- Royal Strawberry Rosé — Replace the Prosecco with 10 cl dry rosé sparkling wine. The drink becomes slightly more robust and pairs better with savoury snacks like olives or roasted almonds.
- Royal Strawberry Sparkling — Instead of Prosecco, use 10 cl dry sparkling wine with higher acidity (e.g. Crémant) and add 1 cl lemon juice. This makes the drink fresher and less sweet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the strawberry liqueur with strawberry syrup?
No. Strawberry syrup is too sweet and contains no alcohol – the drink loses its structure and tastes flat. If no strawberry liqueur is available, use 2 cl raspberry liqueur or 1.5 cl maraschino liqueur for a similar depth.
Why shouldn’t the strawberry float in the drink?
The strawberry releases its aroma better when it’s not completely submerged in the liqueur-Prosecco mixture. Additionally, it dilutes the drink if it sits in the glass too long. The best effect is achieved when only the cut surface is submerged in the liquid.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
No. The Prosecco quickly loses its carbonation, and the liqueur separates. Mix the drink just before serving – at most 5 minutes beforehand.
