Is there anything better than an ice-cold cocktail on a hot summer day? I love this zesty, tangy Limoncello Spritz which is so refreshing! The secret is to add a tiny bit of lime juice to enhance the bright lemon flavor of the Limoncello.
Limoncello Spritz is the sister of the classic Aperol Spritz. They are both made with a few simple ingredients including Prosecco and a splash of soda water but use a different Italian liqueur. The first one is served with a lemon wheel while the other has an orange garnish.
If you like a light drink with a refreshing twist, I highly recommend this Aperol tonic.
All you need to know about Limoncello
Limoncello is a very concentrated lemon liqueur that's popular in Italy. To make it, some rectified spirit is infused with the peels of lemons, then mixed with simple syrup.
It has a very intense lemon flavor and a pretty sweet taste. It's not as tart as you'd expect from lemons. Personally, it reminds me of lemon candies (but boozy).
Limoncello is always served straight from the freezer. You can sip it slowly from a shot glass (without ice) or use it in cocktails like a Limoncello Spritz or a Limoncello Martini. In Italy, it's commonly served as a digestivo after dinner.
The Limoncello Spritz is a signature cocktail from southern Italy, more specifically the Amalfi coast. It's served with Prosecco and a lot of ice. You may also know it as a Limoncello Spritzer or an Amalfi Spritz.
Why you'll love this recipe
- This Limoncello Spritz recipe is very easy to make. No bartender skills or cocktail shaker needed!
- It's a very refreshing cocktail. Think of it as a boozy lemonade.
- You can make it for two or serve it to a crowd (see tips below).
Key ingredients and substitutions
Limoncello liqueur for that intense lemon flavor. Feel free to use your own limoncello if you have a homemade bottle at home.
Lime juice adds a little tartness to the cocktail to prevent it from being overly sweet. You can replace it with fresh lemon juice.
Prosecco is an essential part of a Spritz cocktail. You can replace it with any kind of sparkling wine such as Cava or French Crémant.
Club soda or another lemonade enhances the overall lemon flavor. I prefer it over sparkling water but you could use that as well.
Fresh mint for garnish.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Elo's tips
- Always store your bottle of Limoncello in the freezer.
- Place your wine glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving, too.
- Make the cocktail in a large jug if you're hosting a summer party. You'll need 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) of Limoncello for a bottle of Prosecco. Serve it up quickly to prevent the Prosecco from going flat.
Step-by-step (with pictures)
STEP 1: Optionally rim your glass with lime sugar. Mix some white granulated sugar with freshly grated lime zest. Dip the rim of your glass in lime juice, then in the sugar mixture.
STEP 2: Fill a large wine glass with a few ice cubes. I prefer ice cubes over crushed ice as they melt slowly and don't dilute the drink as quickly.
STEP 3: Add 1 part limoncello and 1 part lime juice to the glass. Use a cocktail jigger to measure the quantities precisely.
STEP 4: Pour in the Prosecco. You can eyeball it or measure it out with a cocktail jigger.
STEP 4: Add a splash of club soda. Give it a quick stir with a cocktail stirrer or teaspoon.
STEP 5: Garnish with one or more slices of lemon and a mint sprig. Serve it right away.
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The recipe
Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ice cubes
- 1 fl. oz (30 ml) limoncello
- 1 fl. oz (30 ml) lime juice
- 3 fl. oz (90 ml) Prosecco
- 2 fl. oz (60 ml) soda water
- 1 slice of lemon preferably organic
- Mint as garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the limoncello and lime juice. Give it a quick stir.
- Fill up the glass with Prosecco.
- Finish it off with a splash of sparkling water.
- Garnish with lemon slices and a mint sprig.
Notes
- Always store your bottle of Limoncello in the freezer.
- Place your wine glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving, too.
- Mix your Limoncello Spritz in a large jug if you're hosting a party. You'll need 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) of Limoncello for a bottle of Prosecco. Serve it up quickly to prevent the Prosecco from going flat.
Nutrition
More summer cocktail recipes
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