Limoncello Spritz is one of my favorite drinks to order whenever we visit Italy. And thankfully, they’re super easy to make at home too! If you’re ready to make one, simply hit the “jump to recipe” button. Otherwise have a fun little scroll to learn more about the spritz cocktail and limoncello.
What Is A Spritz?
So what is a spritz? A spritz is a cocktail made with Prosecco, liqueur, and sparkling soda. The most popular spritz you’ll see in Italy throughout the summertime is the bright orange Aperol Spritz made with the bitter orange flavored Aperol. It is quintessentially summer in Italy.
But a spritz in Italy is also consider an aperitivo, which is both the name of a drink before dinner as well as the end-of-day ritual of enjoying those drinks with friends. Pretty much an Italian happy hour!
Personally, I love a limoncello spritz because it celebrates that Italian relaxed pace of life.
Fun Facts About Limoncello
- Limoncello is served as both an aperitif, or aperitivo (to stimulate an appetite), before a meal, as well as a digestif, or digestivo (to help with digestion), after a meal.
- Limoncello is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento lemons.
- The origin of limoncello is much disputed. Some say it is a recipe from the grandmother of Maria Antonia Farace. Others say it was invented in Sicily. And another legend has it that limoncello was created by citrus-tending monks.
- There are other digestif flavors similar to limoncello, including orange, strawberry, and melon.
- Making limoncello at home is fairly easy as it is simply lemon zest, a clear spirt like vodka, and simple syrup.
How To Make A Limoncello Spritz
This recipe for limoncello spritz is fairly easy to follow. I’ve measured it out here based on mixing a fresh cocktail for one, but you could certainly double it up a make a pitcher too. Though, I prefer to pour Prosecco fresh so that it stays bubbly. The ratio for a limoncello spritz is 2 parts limoncello to 3 parts Prosecco, and topped with soda water or sparkling water.
Start by adding ice cubes into each glass you plan to serve. Top each glass with 2 ounces of limoncello. I like to use a cocktail jigger or small measuring cup to be precise.
Next, pour three ounces of Prosecco into each glass.
Top with chilled sparkling water or soda water. I’ve even used Limoncello La Croix to make my limoncello spritzers. Definitely have fun and feel free to experiment with it a little.
As for garnish, traditionally it’s a lemon slice and sprig of fresh mint. However, I like to also garnish with either a sprig of rosemary or sprig of thyme.
Limoncello Spritz
An easy summer cocktail of limoncello, Prosecco, and sparkling water. Enjoy a taste of Italy and make this limoncello spritz at home!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces limoncello
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 3 ounces sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
Add ice cubes into each glass you plan to serve. The recipe measurements above are for each serving of limoncello spritz.
Top each glass with 2 ounces of limoncello. I like to use a cocktail jigger or small measuring cup to be precise.
Next, pour three ounces of Prosecco into each glass.
Top with chilled sparkling water or soda water.
Garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint, or rosemary.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 28gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information provided is only an estimate.
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