This Limoncello Spritz is made with sweet Italian limoncello, soda water, and bubbly prosecco. It is one of the best Italian cocktails to sip on when the warm weather hits or when you are in need of a warm, Italian vacation escape.
Spritz cocktails are such great cocktails that take center stage, especially when the temperature rises. Other spritz cocktails that I love are my Wild Berry Chambord Spritz, Elderflower Hugo Spritz, and my Negroni Sbagliato Spritz.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Refreshing – A Limoncello Spritzer is the perfect drink for a warm spring or hot summer day or just anytime you want to pretend you’re vacationing on the Italian Amalfi Coast.
- Quick and easy to make – It only takes 3 simple ingredients and very little effort to make this cocktail.
- Easily to batch – It’s so easy to make a pitcher of Limoncello Spritz cocktails to serve a crowd of people! This article covers exactly how to do that.
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from soaking lemon peels in neutral-flavored alcohol then adding a sugar syrup. It results in a thick, sweet, and tart liqueur that can be drunk by itself as a digestif, which is something to sip on after a meal to help “digest.”
It is really delicious on its own but it also makes for a perfect cocktail ingredient. You can also make your own limoncello, but how to make homemade limoncello is a post for another day.
Supposedly, there are a few backstories to how limoncello was created. It is a staple liqueur on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Whatever its true origin is, it’s generally agreed upon that it’s a liqueur that originated at least 100 years ago. And most importantly (at least to me) is that it’s delicious AF.
What are Spritz Cocktails?
Spritz cocktails are an IBA (International Bartenders Association) recognized Italian cocktail that hails from the Veneto region of Italy. They date back to the 1800s when Habsburg Empire soldiers wanted to drink wine but were not accustomed to the higher alcohol content of the Venetian wine. The soldiers began asking for a spray (the German word is spritzen) of water to dilute the wine.
Spritz cocktails generally follow a 3-2-1 ratio of the ingredients. Typically 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts sweet or bittersweet liqueur, and 1 part soda water.
Other variations of the spritz cocktail have evolved over the years and include Negroni Spritz (aka Negroni Sbagliato), Hugo Spritz (mint-elderflower spritz), and the classic Aperol Spritz.
Limoncello Spritz Ingredients
- Limoncello – You can find limoncello liqueur at most liquor stores without any issue.
- Prosecco – This Italian sparkling wine is made from the Glera grape and is essential to a good Italian spritz. Since limoncello is such a sweet liqueur, look for a dry or brut-style prosecco.
- Soda water or club soda – You can use sparkling water or club soda. I sometimes make mine in my SodaStream or I’ll use the Limoncello La Croix flavored sparkling water.
- Garnishes – Herbs and fresh lemon slices are the perfect garnishes for a Limoncello Spritz. For herbs, fresh mint, rosemary, or basil would all work well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fill a wine glass (or spritz glass) with ice cubes. Add the limoncello to the glass.
Step 2: Add the prosecco.
Step 3: Top with the soda water.
Step 4: Garnish with a slice of lemon and/or a fresh herb, optional.
How to Serve a Limoncello Spritz
You can serve a Limoncello Spritz in large wine glasses or glassware that is specifically made for spritz cocktails. Below are a few cocktail glass options for a very aesthetic Limoncello Spritz.
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Tips and FAQ
Can you make a big batch of Limoncello Spritz cocktails?
Yes, you definitely can make a big pitcher to serve to a crowd. I’ve included measurements for making a Limoncello Spritz pitcher in the recipe notes.
Can I make a batch in advance?
I would advise against it as the prosecco and soda water could go flat. I recommend just having all of your ingredients ready to go.
Where can I buy those striped straws?
These cute paper straws that give that summery-vibe can be found on Amazon (see below) in several different colors.
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Related Recipes
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Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces limoncello
- 3 ounces prosecco (dry or brut style)
- 1 ounce soda water
- Sliced lemons and/or rosemary for garnish (or basil or mint, optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice and add the limoncello.
- Top with prosecco and soda water.
- Gently stir and garnish if desired.
Notes
- 2 cups limoncello
- 1 bottle prosecco (750 ml bottle, dry or brut style)
- 1 cup soda water (about ⅔ of a 12 ounce can)
Nutrition
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Cory
One of my favorite drinks!