This Limoncello Spritz is going to be your new favourite cocktail. It's refreshing, bubbly and bursting with a vibrant citrus flavor. Its the perfect summer drink and will take you to the Amalfi Coast! Use my homemade limoncello recipe to make it even better.
When I think of Summer, this is the perfect drink that always hits the spot. Think of it like a cheeky adults lemonade, but better! You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this Italian cocktail which is a bonus too. I first tried this Limoncello Spritz when I travelled to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento where they are famous for their lemons and of course limoncello too. This was the most popular drink everyone was drinking.
Take a sip, close your eyes and it will transport you straight to Italy! If you’ve travelled to Italy, especially through summer, you will know that they take their apperitivo time very seriously. Whether it's after a long day at work or on the beach, Italians love to catch up on a terrace and have a drink before dinner. It's usually served with nuts, potato chips, olives or crostini.
When lemons are in season I like to make my own authentic limoncello to use in this recipe as well making a fresh limoncello tiramisu...yum! I was lucky enough to make this while travelling through Sicily, where they are known for their glorious lemons.
A very popular aperitivo is an Aperol Spritz which has a beautiful orange colour I’m sure you would have seen or heard of. However, there are many other spritz flavors to try too. A limoncello spritz is a much lighter and crisp flavor that has quickly jumped to one of my favourite drinks!
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights
- 3 Ingredients: This recipe is simple, requiring just limoncello, prosecco, and soda water
- Perfect Balance: The combination of sweet limoncello, dry prosecco and bubbles from the soda water, creates a flavor explosion that's both refreshing and satisfying
- Ready in Minutes: No fancy equipment or techniques, put it together in minutes!
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is a popular lemon Italian liqueur, usually produced in southern Italy where they are known for their lemons. Usually through the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri and Sicily.
It has a bright lemon flavor which is sort of sweet, sour and a little bitter at the same time. True limoncello is made from infused lemon peels, sugar and alcohol...that's it.
You can enjoy sipping it on its own as a digestive after a meal, or using it in other drinks and Italian cocktails for aperitif time like this limoncello spritz or desserts like a limoncello tiramisu.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Limoncello is of course the star! It's an Italian lemon liqueur with a strong citrus lemon flavour. You can purchase these liqueurs at liquor stores or Italian grocers and supermarkets. Nothing beats homemade limoncello, however if buying remember the better the quality, the better it will taste
- Prosecco is the other main ingredient which is a crisp Italian sparkling wine, similar to a cuvee. It can be drunk on its own and also used to make different cocktails and spritz. If you cant find prosecco, use a different sparkling white wine
- Soda water is the third ingredient which tones down the alcohol and gives it extra fizz. Club soda will also work or tonic water, however will make it a little sweeter. Sparkling water is another alternative however isn't as fizzy
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice or fresh herbs such as basil, fresh mint sprigs, rosemary or even thyme
How to make Limoncello Spritz
The recipe for making a Limoncello Spritz is really simple and follows a 3-2-1 ratio. Follow my simple steps below.
Step 1: Start by adding ice with 3 parts prosecco
Step 2: Add 2 parts limoncello
Step 3: Add 1 part soda water
Step 4: Give it a stir and garnish with a slice of lemon. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Make a pitcher for entertaining as a great party idea, just multiply the ingredients
- Add ice cubes in serving glasses only when ready to serve, this way it doesn't become watery
- For best results make sure your bottle of prosecco, limoncello, and glasses are nice and cold before assembling
- Use good quality prosecco, limoncello (or make your own) and soda water for the best flavor. As it's only 3 ingredients, quality is everything!
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover limoncello spritz in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 24 hours, although its best served fresh while it's still bubbly
- Freezing is not recommended after mixing, however the limoncello itself can be stored in the freeze for future cocktails
FAQs
The ratio used in my recipe is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello and 1 part soda water. You can adjust slightly to taste, but this balance keeps the cocktail light and bubbly
It’s fresh, citrusy and slightly sweet with a crisp, bubbly finish. It tastes like a cheeky adults lemonade, but better!
Limoncello is best served when it's nice and cold from the fridge or freezer. Its usually served in a small shot glass after a meal as a digestivo. You can also enjoy it in cocktails like this limoncello spritz for a lighter option
Because of its high alcohol and sugar content, limoncello lasts a long time and doesn’t spoil easily. However, if it’s stored incorrectly or kept in a warm place, it can lose its fresh flavor. You might notice a change in color or a more bitter taste over time
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Limoncello Spritz:
More Authentic Italian
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Limoncello Spritz (Easy Summer Cocktail)
Video
Ingredients
- 3 shots prosecco
- 2 shots limoncello
- 1 shot soda water
Garnish
- Lemon slice or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice and pour in three parts prosecco, two parts limoncello, and one part soda water.(Check out my homemade limoncello recipe)
- Stir together and garnish with a lemon slice or fresh herbs and enjoy your fresh Limoncello spritz!
Notes
- Ice - add ice cubes only when serving to prevent the spritz from becoming watery
- Chill - keep your prosecco, limoncello, and wine glasses well chilled for the best results
- Quality - as this simple cocktail uses only 3 ingredients, use high-quality prosecco, limoncello and soda water
- Party pitcher - multiply the ingredients and make a large pitcher, perfect for entertaining and serving guests
Alicia says
This drink is absolutely delightful and you need to run out to get the ingredients Right Now!!! I adore limoncello but it can be thick and syrupy so it's more of a sipping drink. This spritzer makes it light and refreshing so I can enjoy it with any meal and anywhere. I will be adding this to my normal rotation regardless of season! I could see it being just as delicious during the holidays with some cranberry or other berries splashed in. Love love love this recipe!!
Ayeh Manfre says
Love that you love it as much as I do Alicia!! It truly is so refreshing isn't it 🙂
Sarah says
My favorite lemonade recipe. I love lemonade and I have tried it at many restaurants and made it at home with different recipes. This is one my of favorites!
Ayeh Manfre says
So happy you loved this recipe, its one of my favourite drinks too!
Tracey Glover says
When you say Soda Water are you referring to Club Soda?
Ayeh Manfre says
It's very similar yes, but more specifically its carbonated water xx