Limoncello Spritz Cocktail

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With its vibrant citrus notes and bubbly charm, this Limoncello spritz cocktail holds the essence of sunny days and leisurely moments.

limoncello cocktail on beige marble background with props.

This Limoncello spritz cocktail will be your new summer favorite. Because, it is the perfect balance between zesty and refreshing, a boozy and light cocktail perfect for warm evenings. But that’s not all! This Limoncello spritz also equires only three ingredients and is super easy to make.

Whether you want to elevate a casual evening or celebrate a special occasion, the Limoncello spritz is a zesty ode to relaxation and pure enjoyment.

And if you like this boozy and refreshing drink, try this gin basil smash and caipiroska infused with berries. These refreshing cocktails are perfect for making good use of summer produce.

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What is a limoncello spritz?
Why you’ll love this recipe
Limoncello spritz ingredients
Tips & substitutions
How to make a limoncello spritz
Expert tip
What to serve with a limoncello spritz cocktail
Recipe FAQs
More citrus drinks
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What is a limoncello spritz?

A Limoncello spritz is a light Italian cocktail that combines the flavors of Limoncello, a lemon-flavored liqueur, with sparkling wine and sparkling water. The fusion of these ingredients creates a well-balanced cocktail that's both sweet, tarte, and fizzy.

In addition, garnishes like lemon slices and fresh herbs add a visual appeal and enhance the aromatic experience.

Limoncello spritz is a popular aperitif (pre-dinner drink) in Italy, especially during warm weather, due to its crisp and citrusy notes. It is a delightful cocktail and a celebration of the bright flavors of Italy's Amalfi Coast, where Limoncello originates.

limoncello spritz cocktail with lemon and rosemary garnish on beige marble background.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Refreshing and invigorating – The Limoncello spritz cocktail is a cooling drink, perfect for hot days or any time you want a revitalizing beverage.
Vibrant Italian flavors – This cocktail also captures the essence of Italian lemon groves with the tangy flavor of Limoncello, providing a taste of the Mediterranean in every sip.
Aperitif tradition – Embrace the Italian tradition of enjoying an aperitif before a meal. This limoncello spritz's light and tangy taste makes it an excellent choice before dinner.
Easy to prepare – With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, the Limoncello spritz cocktail is a breeze to make. So it’s a great option for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Limoncello spritz ingredients

ingredients for limoncello spritz cocktail with labels on beige marble background.

Limoncello liqueur – Limoncello is a lemon-flavored liqueur that forms the base of this cocktail. The quality and sweetness of your chosen Limoncello brand will impact the taste of the drink.
Sparkling wine or prosecco – Prosecco is a great choice due to its light and fruity character. But you can also experiment with other sparkling wines based on your preferences.
Sparkling water or club soda – Use club soda for a slightly saltier edge.
Garnishes – Thinly sliced lemon rounds add visual appeal to the cocktail and infuse it with additional lemon aroma. Herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme enhance the flavor and make the Limoncello spritz even more beautiful.

Tips & substitutions

Chill the ingredients – Ensure the Limoncello, sparkling wine, and sparkling water are properly chilled before you assemble the cocktail. This will help keep the spritz cold and refreshing.
Glassware choice – Use tall and slender glasses, such as wine glasses or flutes. They allow space for the ice, lemon slices, and mint.
Different citrus liqueur – If you prefer a different flavor, you can experiment with other citrus liqueurs like Cointreau or grapefruit liqueur.
Flavored sparkling water – Instead of plain sparkling water, use flavored sparkling water to add a different taste to your spritz.

How to make a limoncello spritz

wine glass with crushed ice ready for the cocktail.

Step 1: Fill two glasses with ice.

pouring limoncello into wine glass with crushed ice.

Step 2: Pour the Limoncello liqueur into each glass.

pouring sparkling wine into wine glass with crushed ice and limoncello.

Step 3: Add the sparkling wine and sparkling water to each glass to add some fizz.

limoncello spritz on beige background with rosemary and lemon garnish.

Step 4: Garnish each glass with lemon and fresh herbs if you like, and serve.

Expert tip

To take your Limoncello spritz cocktail to the next level, experiment with different variations of the ingredients. Use a fruiter sparkling wine or a different citrus liqueur. And play around with the garnishes for extra flavor.

What to serve with a limoncello spritz cocktail

This Limoncello spritz cocktail pairs wonderfully with light dishes that complement its citrusy nature. Here are my suggestions:

Crunchy appetizers – Serve these sardines on toast with tomato and red onion or toasted baguette slices with this vegan rosemary white bean dip for a great appetizer combination.
Light salads – For a light lunch or dinner, prepare this smoked salmon cucumber salad or roasted red pepper salad and pair it with the vibrant cocktail.
Fish & seafood – Grilled seafood like shrimp, fish, or scallops marinated with the best cajun seasoning are the perfect companions for the light Limoncello spritz.
Wraps or tacos – The Limoncello spritz cocktail is also a great contrast to these spicy harissa chicken tortilla wraps. Perfect to serve at summer gatherings as a delicious duo.
Vibrant pasta – A light pasta dish like this oven-roasted cherry tomato pasta is the perfect summer combo to nourish your body and indulge at the same time.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between prosecco and sparkling wine?

Prosecco is a specific type of sparkling wine originating from Italy. It is made primarily from the Glera grape using the Charmat method.

On the other hand, sparkling wine is a general term for any wine with bubbles. It is produced using various methods and grape varieties in different regions, including Champagne, Cava, and others.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare some components of the Limoncello spritz ahead of time.

Pre-mix the Limoncello and sparkling water (or club soda) in the desired proportions and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare your garnishes in advance. Slice the lemons, pluck the herbs, and keep them in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags in the refrigerator.

But add the sparkling wine just before serving to ensure the cocktail maintains its effervescence. Pour it over the Limoncello mixture right before serving.

How do Italians drink Limoncello?

Italians typically enjoy Limoncello as a refreshing after-dinner digestive or as a way to conclude a meal.

The most traditional way to enjoy the citrus liqueur is as a straight, chilled shot. It's typically served in a small, frozen shot glass and sipped slowly. The cold temperature and intense lemon flavor make it a delightful post-meal drink.

Besides that, Limoncello can also be used in cooking to add a lemony kick to dishes. It is used to deglaze pans, flavor sauces, or infuse marinades for seafood or chicken.

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