This limoncello spritz recipe delivers a decidedly fresh and zesty riff on the classic spritz drink. Made using Italian lemon liqueur, this limoncello cocktail has a gentle pastel yellow hue and tastes delightfully refreshing.
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The limoncello spritz is an entirely different take on the classic bittersweet Italian spritz cocktail. It is made with Italian lemon liqueur rather than more typical Italian bitters such as Aperol, and Campari for a drink that is less bittersweet.
Unlike the Aperol spritz, this drink is a bit of a wallflower to look at, yet when presented with select and aromatic garnishes it radiates charm.
There’s just a gentle hint of pastel yellow to the colour of this limoncello cocktail, but the citrus flavour takes centre stage in this libation. If you’re in the market for a long, zesty and thirst-quenching drink, give this limoncello spritz recipe a try.
What is a limoncello spritz?
A limoncello spritz is a variation on the classic Venetian spritz cocktail. It’s a combination of limoncello, Prosecco and soda water.
Served in a wine glass filled with plenty of ice this limoncello cocktail is especially refreshing in the height of summer.
Fancy more exciting spritz cocktails? Try my Spritz Bianco or my Sloe Gin Spritz.
What is limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from the zest of lemons. It often has a cloudy appearance, due to the presence of essential oil that is suspended in the drink. It also has an enchanting yellow hue.
Although it is easy to pick up in supermarkets and online, making your own limoncello liqueur is an easy task.
Where is limoncello produced?
The majority of limoncello is produced in southern Italy, around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento area and the Amalfi coast.
How do Italians drink limoncello?
Traditionally served as an after-dinner digestive (digestivo), Italians enjoy their limoncello chilled and served in small ceramic glasses that are also chilled.
Why you’ll love this limoncello cocktail
- It’s fresh and zesty.
- Deliciously ice-cold.
- And it’s not as bitter as a traditional spritz.
- It’s a quick and very simple cocktail to prepare.
- No fancy bar equipment is needed.
- Garnishes can be fun and varied.
Ingredients notes
Limoncello: it doesn’t matter if you use store-bought or homemade limoncello. What matters is picking a version you enjoy the flavour of enough to drink it just as the Italians do – ice cold. For me, that’s Villa Massa.
Prosecco: as the spritz is an Italian cocktail, ensure that you use Prosecco or another Italian sparkling white wine. Fancy less bubbles? Then opt for a still white wine. Whatever you go for, ensure it’s a dry wine rather than sweet as the lemon liqueur already adds a hint of sweetness to this drink.
Soda water: just a splash is all that is needed, (at a push still water will suffice). But don’t leave it out as it helps to create the perfect balance of flavour and a gentle boozy buzz.
Garnishes: this is a bit of a playground. At the very least, a slice of fresh lemon should be included, but additions are very welcome. I’ve included quite a few options further down in this post, so do read on.
How to mix the perfect spritz
There’s an art to mixing the perfect spritz cocktail regardless of whether it’s a classic Aperol spritz, a white spritz, or a limoncello spritz.
An incorrectly poured spritz is easy to notice when the liqueur element is boldly coloured, such as Aperol. It will sit at the bottom of the glass rather than being evenly distributed amongst the Prosecco and soda water.
This mixing issue is less easy to spot when making this limoncello spritz recipe because the lemon liqueur is a delicate colour. So, to ensure that your limoncello cocktail is perfectly poured follow these 6 steps to the letter:
- Pour the limoncello liqueur into an empty medium-sized wine glass.
- Then top up with the Prosecco.
- Finally, add the soda water.
- Now fill the glass with ice (as much as the glass can take).
- Garnish as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Full instructions and measurements are given in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How to garnish a Spritz Limoncello
The limoncello spritz is a light-hearted drink. It’s fresh, zesty, and playful. As such, garnishes can be as individual as you fancy. That said, I’d argue that a slice of lemon should always feature.
Here are a few ideas for optional extras to accompany that lonely citrus slice:
- Raspberry and thyme.
- Fresh mint.
- Strawberry.
- Fresh basil.
- Blueberries – halve 3 and tumble them into the glass.
- Rosemary.
Expert tips
- Medium-sized wine glasses allow plenty of room for lots of ice and garnishes.
- Chill all ingredients and the glass (if possible) as this limoncello cocktail is best when served ice cold.
- Use plenty of ice to ensure that the drink is well chilled.
- Always add the ingredients to the glass in the correct order to ensure that the ingredients mix properly.
- Carefully add the ice to the glass to avoid breaking it.
- Mix each drink separately, directly into each glass. Don’t present a large jugful and slosh it into the glasses at the table. The ice will fall about, creating a mess and not enough will end up in the glasses to keep the drink well-chilled as it is savoured.
- Fancy a slightly stronger drink? Add in 20ml of gin or vodka.
Frequently asked questions
This fresh and citrussy limoncello spritz recipe is undeniably a great serve for spring and summer. It will be well suited to brunch, afternoon BBQs or garden parties or just idly sipping upon as the sun goes down on a hot day.
Of course. You could alternatively try your hand at homemade limecello.
This limoncello spritz is approximately 14.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) when made with the ingredients pictured above. Villa Massa Limoncello is 30% ABV and the Prosecco is around 11% ABV.
However, the alcohol content of Prosecco and limoncello can vary considerably from brand to brand (and when using homemade liqueurs). You can easily calculate the ABV yourself if using alternative brands.
More Italian cocktails to try
Have you made this limoncello spritz recipe? I hope you enjoyed it. Why not let me know how you got along by leaving a comment or rating below. You can also show me how you garnished yours on Instagram by tagging me @jane_littlesugarsnaps.
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Recipe
Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- 60 ml Limoncello
- 90 ml Prosecco or other sparkling Italian dry white wine
- 30 ml Soda water
- 1 Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the limoncello liqueur into an empty medium-sized wine glass.
- Then top up with the Prosecco.
- Finally, add the soda water.
- Now carefully fill the glass with ice (as much as the glass can take).
- Garnish as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Medium-sized wine glasses allow plenty of room for lots of ice and garnishes.
- Chill all ingredients and the glass (if possible) as this limoncello cocktail is best when served ice cold.
- Use plenty of ice to ensure that the drink is well chilled.
- Always add the ingredients to the glass in the correct order to ensure that the ingredients mix properly.
- Carefully add the ice to the glass to avoid breaking it.
- Mix each drink separately, directly into each glass. Don’t present a large jugful and slosh it into the glasses at the table. The ice will fall about, creating a mess and not enough will end up in the glasses to keep the drink well-chilled as it is savoured.
- Fancy a slightly stronger drink? Add in 20ml of gin or vodka.
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