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Limoncello spritz is a delicious Italian cocktail made with limoncello, prosecco wine, and club soda. Garnish with bright fruits to bring out the wow factor! This is the perfect summer cocktail to entertain guests.
Limoncello spritz is the perfect Italian cocktail made with simple ingredients. This drink falls into the classic Aperol spritz category and is made from Italian lemon liquor (Limoncello), white sparkling wine (prosecco), and club soda. The combination is light, refreshing, and perfect on a hot summer day. When garnished with a slice of lemon, bright fruits, and mint, it is eye-pleasing and mouthwatering.
Make this simple cocktail for one, or If you are entertaining guests, make a big batch and serve it in a large pitcher. Serve in a wine glass or a large wine glass filled with fresh fruits.
This drink pairs well with pineapple and mango salsa or my strawberry and dried apricot salad. The combination makes for a perfect outdoor summer meal.
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What Is Limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur from southern Italy on the Amalfi coast made from lemon peels, sugar, and vodka. Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner drink to aid in digestion.
The liquor content is around 30%. However, the percentage can vary by manufacture or if it is homemade.
Traditionally, limoncello is made from the zest of St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento lemons. Lemon zest is soaked in neutral alcohol like vodka until the oil is released, usually about two weeks. The liquor is then mixed with sugar or simple syrup. While Limoncello can easily be made at home, a bottle is easily found at most liquor stores.
What Is A Spritz?
Traditionally, a spritz is a cocktail made with a bitter liqueur, prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water. In modern adoptions, a spritz is considered a light and refreshing cocktail perfect for a summer party.
Limoncello Spritz Ingredients and Equipment
- Prosecco Wine
- Limoncello Liquor
- Club Soda
- Cocktail Jigger
- Large Wine Glass or Cocktail Glass
Limoncello Spritz Instructions
Making a limoncello spritz takes just a few minutes. Follow the steps below to make this super refreshing summer drink.
Prep
Place 3- 4 ice cubes or equivalent in a glass.
Ingredients
Add 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of limoncello, and 1 ounce of club soda or Sprite. If you do not have a way to measure ounces, use the 3:2:1 ratio when using a different unit of measurement. Stir the ingredients.
Mix and Garnish
Pour the spritz over the ice cubes and top with desired garnishes.
* Garnish suggestions include lemon slices, bright fruits, fresh mint, and a wow factor. The fruit adds color, and the mint adds sweetness.
Spritz Variations
Prosecco Alternatives - Instead of prosecco, use champagne, sparkling wine, or white wine. Ginger beer or ginger ale is another popular option; although I have not tried either, they sound delicious.
Limoncello Sorbet Spritz - In a glass, pour limoncello (2oz), soda water (2oz), a scoup of lemon sorbet. Pour processco (4oz) or a procescco alternative on top.
Mocktail or Virgin Spritz - If making a mocktail, substitute with an alcohol-free version or make a homemade version. Please note that fresh lemon juice can be added for a twist but is not a mocktail substitution.
Limoncello Gin Cocktail - If you prefer this drink with gin instead of prosecco, make it in a 1:1:4 ratio. 1 part limoncello, 1 part gin, 4 parts club soda. Garnish as desired.
Try One of My Other Cocktail Recipes
Delicious Drink Garnishes
Adding different fruits and herbs as a garnish also complements the lemon flavor and adds a splash of color.
- FRUITS
- Apple
- Apricot
- Blackberry
- Black Currant
- Cherry
- Cranberry
- Grapefruit
- Lemon Peel
- Lemon Slice
- Peach
- Pear
- Raspberry
- HERBS
- Basil
- Cayenne
- Cinnamon
- Elderflower
- Ginger
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Serving and Storing Limoncello
For the best flavor, serve chilled. The cooler temperatures bring out the lemon flavor.
Limoncello has a high percentage of alcohol and is unlikely to sour. However, it will lose its lemon flavor over time. Once opened, store at room temperature for one week, refrigerator for up to three months, or in the freezer for one year before losing flavor intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
A spritz is a cocktail made with prosecco, bitter liquor, soda, or Sprite. The sweetness in the prosecco and the bitter liquor balance each other to create a refreshing drink.
A spritzer is a tall chilled drink, whereas a spritz is a small drink with a light spray.
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy made predominantly of glera grapes. The carbonation levels vary from sparkling semi-sparkling to still.
On the other hand, Champagne can come from the Champagne region of France.
Recipe
Limoncello Spritz
Equipment
- 1 glass
- 1 cocktail jigger or other measurement tool
Instructions
- Prep: Place 3- 4 ice cubes, or equivalent in a glass.
- Mix: Add 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of limoncello, and 1 ounce of club soda or Sprite. If you do not have a way to measure ounces, use the 3:2:1 ratio when using a different unit of measurement. Stir the ingredients. Pour the drink over the ice cubes3 ounces Prosecco, 2 ounces Limoncello, 1 ounce Club Soda
- Garnish: Garnish as desired. (See post or notes for suggestions.)
Notes
- This cocktail is made using a 3:2:1 ratio. 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Limoncello, and 1 part club soda. Use this formula if making several drinks or a pitcher.
- Garnish suggestions include: Basil, mint, thyme, raspberries, blackberries,
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