The limoncello spritz is one of the best Italian aperativos (a specific name for a light drink before dinner. BRB inserting into all my vocabulary from now on). It's so refreshing, and it's bursting with lemon and bubbles. Who could say no to that?
This cocktail, is of course popular in the hot summer months. But no matter what time of year you drink it (cough all year at all times cough), it tastes like a burst of pure sunshine. Not a bad calling card in January when the sun sets at 4:30 pm.
The limoncello spritz is a classic, beloved cocktail - for good reason. It's simple, easy, elegant, and quick to prepare. And of course, it smells and tastes like a basketful of lemons.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A spritz is a type of cocktail that typically contains a splash of soda water, or sparkling wine as a part of the ingredient list.
It's a cocktail made with limoncello, prosecco, and soda water. It's usually garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Limoncello is a lemon liqueur made mostly in Southern Italy (especially in the Sorrentine Peninsula and the cost of Amalfi). It's usually served cold as an after-dinner drink (digestivo).
Yes, typically it's around 30%.
What Exactly is a Spritz?
A spritz is a cocktail that is typically topped off by something carbonated, whether it's soda water or sparkling wine.
Traditionally, it's an aperativo (before-dinner drink) from Northern Italy that contains prosecco, bitters, and soda water.
It first originated during the 1800's, when Northern Italy was under the control of the Hapsburg Empire. The Hapsburg soldiers, merchants, diplomats etc., weren't used to drinking such strong wine, so they started asking to have water added to their drinks (usually it was a combination of sparkling wine and water).
Looking for even more lemon-licious drinks? Give this amazing lemon drop martini a try!
The Spritz Ratio
You can now make any number of flavors and combinations of spritzes, as long as you remember the general ratio:
3 sparkling wine : 2 liqueur : 1 soda water
That's it!
Ingredients
I love it when ingredient lists are this short.
- Prosecco
- Limoncello
- Soda water
- Mint (for garnish)
Amazing. If your limoncello and prosecco aren't chilled, feel free to serve over ice.
How to Make a Limoncello Spritz
Just like the ingredient list, this is going to be pretty short and sweet.
Add your limoncello to a glass (with or without ice), and then top it with the prosecco and soda water.
Slap your mint leaves a couple of time to wake of the flavor.
Garnish with the mint leaves, and serve.
That's it that's the recipe.
How to Batch the Limoncello Spritz
You can definitely batch this, I just wouldn't make it too far ahead of time. You don't want to lose all the carbonation from the prosecco and the soda water. All you need to do is combine 1 bottle of prosecco, 2 cups of limoncello, and 1 cup of soda water in a pitcher. Give it a gentle stir, and then pour into individual cups over ice. Garnish again with mint.
Other Amazing Cocktails
What to Serve with a Limoncello Spritz
A limoncello spritz goes well before dinner, with seafood appetizers, or other citrusy, lemony fair. Anything Italian though, really. Try some of these awesome recipes!
📖 Recipe
Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz limoncello
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- 1 sprig fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare a wine glass or rocks glass with ice (if preferred). Pour in the limoncello, prosecco, and soda water. Slap the mint, and garnish. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
Gina Abernathy says
Cool and refreshing and a great drink for the evening.
Cara says
I totally agree, thanks Gina!
Beth says
Quick, easy and such a pretty drink!
Cara says
Right!? Thanks so much Beth!
Jess says
Such a pretty drink!
Cara says
Thanks so much Jess, I totally agree!
Sara Welch says
This was such a cool and refreshing cocktail with the perfect amount of kick! The best way to wind down after a long day, indeed!
Cara says
Thank you Sara, I so appreciate it! I love it after a long day as well!
Suja md says
Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!
Cara says
So glad you all liked it Suja!
Janessa says
This is such a great and refreshing cocktail!
Cara says
Thank you Janessa! Glad you liked it!
Kushigalu says
Refreshing cocktail recipe. Thanks alot for sharing.
Cara says
Thank you Kushigalu!
Ali says
This is such a refreshing summer drink recipe. I love how easy it is to make. This is the perfect limoncello cocktail!
Cara says
Thank you Ali! I'm so glad you liked it!
Gabby says
So cool and refreshing! I love limoncello and this is such a great way to enjoy it.
Cara says
I totally agree Gabby! Thanks so much!