Sparkling wine haters, step down. The best part about cocktails made with a little bit of bubbly is how light and refreshing they are—which means they’re the perfect drink option for the last languid days of summer. These six sippers spiked with Champagne or prosecco are basically what long, lazy weekends (like, say, this weekend) are made for.
Bellini ($12) at Cicchetti
671 N. St. Clair St., Streeterville, 312-642-1800
Bellinis are great at brunch, of course. But a fizzer this tasty (thanks to both peach purée and crème de pêche) needn’t be confined to weekend-morning consumption only.
Gilder ($12) at Nico Osteria
1015 N. Rush St., Gold Coast, 312-994-7100
Have your dessert and drink it, too—in addition to vodka and prosecco, this cocktail includes a hefty serving of housemade white peach sorbet.
French 75 ($13) at Paris Club
59 W. Hubbard St., River North, 312-595-0800
The French know how to do a Champagne cocktail. Paris Club’s got three options for a fizzy apéritif, including this classic combo with gin and lemon.
Bayonet ($11) at the Dawson
730 W. Grand Ave., West Town, 312-243-8955
This bright mix of watermelon, fresh tarragon, and plenty of bubbly practically begs to be imbibed outside. Good thing the Dawson’s patio is up to the task.
Hard Out Here for a Pimm ($9) at Three Aces
1321 W. Taylor St., University Village, 312-243-1577
The hot-weather standard Pimm’s Cup gets an extra boost of heat-relieving powers by swapping out the standard ginger beer for prosecco.
Orions Quiver ($14) at Celeste
111 W. Hubbard St., River North, 312-828-9000
File under “problems that aren’t really problems”: You can only order this mix of vodka, mint, citrus, and cava on the bar.