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!
This Limoncello Spritz makes the perfect summer drink. Think of it as lemonade, but better! You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this Italian cocktail which is a bonus too.
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 aperitif 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 a few snacks such as nuts, potato chips or olives, especially within their happy hour.
When lemons are in season I like to make my own limoncello to use in this recipe as well making a fresh limoncello tiramisu...delish!
I was lucky enough to make this while travelling in Sicily, where they are known for their glorious lemons. Through summer, you will see an abundance of lemon trees everywhere through Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento!
A very popular aperitif 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 flavours to try too! A Limoncello Spritz is a much lighter and crisp flavour that has quickly jumped to one of my favourite drinks!
Want to create an Italian night? Make this spritz for aperitif and serve with some focaccia and bread dipping oil followed by my spaghetti alla nerano.
Table of Contents
Why you'll love this cocktail
- 3 Ingredients: This recipe is simple, requiring just limoncello, prosecco, and soda water
- Perfect Balance: The combination of sweet limoncello, dry prosecco, and bubbly 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. It's made from lemon zest and peels and fresh lemon juice, sugar and alcohol.
You can enjoy sipping it on its own or adding it to other drinks and Italian cocktails such as this Limoncello Spritz.
Ingredients to make Limoncello Spritz
- Limoncello is of course the star of the drink! 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. The better the quality of the limoncello, the better the cocktail 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, which however will make it a little sweeter. Sparkling water is another alternative however it isn't as fizzy
- Garnish your Limoncello spritzer with lemon slices or fresh herbs such as basil, fresh mint, 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.
- Start by adding ice with three parts prosecco
- Add two parts limoncello
- Add one part soda water
- Give it a stir and garnish with a slice of lemon. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- If having a big party a great idea is to make a pitcher of limoncello spritz, 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 prosecco, limoncello, and glasses are nice and cold before assembling
- Use a good quality prosecco, limoncello (or make your own) and soda water for the best flavor. As it's only 3 ingredients, quality is everything!
FAQs
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 it can help with digestion
Limoncello is mainly produced in the South of Italy where most of the Italian lemon trees are grown. Areas such as the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Napoli and Sicily all produce Limoncello
More Italian Recipes
- Italian Hot Chocolate
- No Knead Focaccia
- Pasta alla Norma
- Pasta e Fagioli
- Italian Pizza
- Pastina
- Spinach Lasagna
- Mushroom and Pea Risotto
- Broccoli Pasta
- Tiramisu Cups
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Limoncello Spritz photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Limoncello Spritz (Easy Summer Cocktail)
Video
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice and pour in three parts prosecco, two parts limoncello, and one part soda water
- Stir together and garnish with a lemon slice or fresh herbs and enjoy your fresh limoncello spritz!
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