If you’re after a simple, refreshing drink to liven up your next get-together, you’re in the right spot. My Tangerine and Thyme Prosecco Cocktail is dead easy, looks gorgeous, and has this bright, crisp flavor I can’t get enough of.
I love how the sweetness of tangerine blends with the herbal kick from fresh thyme. Prosecco brings those lively bubbles—every sip feels a bit like a celebration, honestly.
This recipe is great for brunch, summer parties, or any time you want something special but don’t want to fuss. Let me show you how I throw this cocktail together in just a few minutes.
Equipment
- Jigger: I use this to measure juice and syrup so I don’t go overboard.
- Cocktail shaker: Shaking the juice and syrup with ice really brings it together.
- Fine mesh strainer: Helps me get rid of any pulp or ice bits—nobody wants a chunky cocktail.
- Muddler: I gently press the thyme, just enough to release its flavor without smashing it to bits.
- Citrus juicer or reamer: Fresh juice is a must, so I squeeze it myself.
- Champagne flute or coupe glass: Keeps those bubbles in the Prosecco alive.
- Bar spoon: Stirring in the Prosecco gently keeps it bubbly (trust me, don’t skip this).
- Small saucepan (for syrup): For the thyme simple syrup, I simmer sugar, water, and thyme together.
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh tangerine juice
- 1/2 oz thyme simple syrup
- 4 oz chilled Prosecco
- 1 small sprig fresh thyme plus extra for garnish
- Ice cubes
- 1/2 tsp tangerine zest optional, for garnish
For thyme syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Add tangerine juice and thyme simple syrup to your cocktail shaker.
- Toss in a sprig of fresh thyme and give it a gentle muddle.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake it up for about 10 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled glass—no pulp, please.
- Slowly top with Prosecco. Pour gently, or you’ll lose those bubbles.
- Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a little thyme and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of tangerine zest.
- For the thyme syrup, I mix water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar’s dissolved. Then I add the thyme sprigs, let it simmer for a couple minutes, remove from heat, and let it steep until cool. Strain out the thyme and you’re good to go.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip? There’s this gentle burst of citrus. The tangerine is bright, sweet, and has a little tang to it.
The Prosecco brings a crisp, lively fizz. It’s refreshing, and I get a hint of green apple and pear from the sparkling wine.
The thyme is subtle—not overpowering, just a touch of earthiness and a fresh aroma that lingers.
In each sip, I taste:
- Tangerine: sweet, juicy, and right up front
- Thyme: herbal, a little floral
- Prosecco: crisp, bubbly, super clean
The drink finishes clean with a soft herbal aftertaste. The fizz hangs around on my tongue, making every sip feel bright and fresh.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just have to swap out ingredients depending on what’s actually in my kitchen. Here are a few go-to substitutes that tend to work out pretty well in this cocktail.
Equipment:
- Jigger or, honestly, measuring spoons if that’s what I’ve got handy
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients:
- If I’m out of tangerine juice, fresh orange juice usually does the trick. It brings that sweet, citrusy thing I want.
- No Prosecco? Sometimes I just grab sparkling wine, or even club soda if I’m feeling lazy or want it lighter.
- Swapping out thyme for fresh basil or mint gives a different vibe, but it’s still tasty in its own way.
- When I want a deeper sweetness, honey syrup steps in for simple syrup. It’s a little richer, which I like.
Instructions:
- I measure the substitute the same as the original—no fancy math required.
- For the herbs, I just muddle whatever I’m using straight in the glass. That’s where the flavor really comes out.
- If I’m using club soda instead of sparkling wine, I pour it in at the end. Keeps things nice and fizzy, which is kind of the point, right?
