Limoncello Spritz

This Limoncello Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail that combines sweet limoncello, bubbly Prosecco, and soda water. It’s the perfect sip for the long hot days of summer.

Limoncello Spritz cocktails are certainly one of my favorite Italian cocktails. A couple of summers ago, I had the chance to drink this cocktail all over the Tuscan countryside. It was an essential drink to beat the 90 degree plus Italian summer weather. 😳

I also love how many different varieties there are of Italian Spritzes like the classic Aperol Spritz. I love recreating this type of cocktail at home – once you master the basic recipe, the sky is the limit on how many variations you can make. I’ve also done Chambord, Passion Fruit, and Italicus Spritz variations with great success!

What is a Limoncello Spritz?

Originating from the Amalfi Coast, limoncello is a lemon liqueur crafted by infusing lemon zest in neutral spirits and then blending it with simple syrup. The result is a bright, sweet, and tangy digestif traditionally enjoyed after meals.​

The Limoncello Spritz follows the classic Italian spritz ratio, 3-2-1:

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts aperitif or digestif liqueur
• 1 part Soda Water

Ingredient Notes

Limoncello – You can find limoncello liqueur at most liquor stores without any issue.

Prosecco – Since limoncello is such a sweet liqueur, I highly recommend looking for a dry or brut-style bottle of prosecco. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that comes in both sweet and dry varieties. Otherwise, the drink may end up too cloying.

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 – Fresh herbs and fresh lemon slices are the perfect garnishes for a Limoncello Spritz. For herbs, a fresh mint sprig, rosemary, or fresh basil would all work well. It’s also pretty classic to add a colorful, striped paper straw.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Add the limoncello to the glass. 

Step 2: The, add the prosecco. 

Step 3: Top with the soda water. 

Step 4: Finally, garnish with a slice of lemon and/or fresh herbs.

Expert Tips

Muddle herbs, like fresh basil, mint, or thyme in the glass before adding liquids for an aromatic twist. This technique is also used in a Hugo Elderflower Spritz, another classic Italian cocktail.

Add some berries for a fruity note. This is similar to my Bramble Gin Spritz.

Chill all of your ingredients before making the cocktail to make it extra refreshing and crisp.

Serve immediately to ensure it doesn’t go flat.

Use large wine glasses or glassware specifically made for spritzes to make sure you have enough room for ice and all of the ingredients.

Making a Big Batch & Making Ahead

You can definitely make a big pitcher of Limoncello Spritz to serve to a crowd. I’ve included measurements for making a Limoncello Spritz pitcher in the recipe notes.

I would advise against making it in advance as the prosecco and soda water could go flat. I recommend just having all of your ingredients chilled and ready to go if you want to prep in advance. 

Also, pour the batch over ice in the cocktail glasses and avoid adding ice to the pitcher so as not to dilute the cocktail before serving.