Limoncello Spritz

The perfect summer cocktail for lemon lovers, this quick and easy Limoncello Spritz is made of 3 simple ingredients. Because it is bubbly, refreshing and sweet, it’s perfect for summer parties, BBQ’s, bridal showers, etc. Also, a delicious way to enjoy the classic Italian liqueur, Limoncello. 

This is a perfect drink for a hot summer day and easy entertaining. Additionally, for a summer party this cocktail goes extremely well with Summer Pasta Salad, Dry Rubbed Wings, Burrata Caprese and Italian Lemon Pound Cake for dessert. 

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Traditional Spritz

Over the years what has defined a spritz has changed slightly. Originally it was a cocktail made of a bitter liqueur, Prosecco and sparkling water and it was designed to be enjoyed before dining (also know as an apertivo).

However, today a Spritz can have sweet liqueur and various forms of wine and water. In a nutshell, there are all kinds of delicious possibilities with the Limoncello Spritz cocktail being one of the more popular options. Note: Limoncello is a sweet Italian liqueur that originated along the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy. 

Lightened Up Limoncello Spritz

This delicious Limoncello cocktail is composed of Limoncello, Prosecco, sparkling water, ice and a garnish of your choosing. However, my favorite way to enjoy this cocktail is by making a lighter version. 

To make the lightened up version fill a 12 ounce glass with ice, preferably crushed if available. Pour 2 ounces of chilled Limoncello over the ice. Fill the rest of the glass with sparking water and stir gently. It will still have a delicious bright lemon flavor but with less alcohol and calories. 

Ingredients

• Limoncello– A sweet Italian liqueur that gives this cocktail a huge amount of personality. Either homemade or store bought Limoncello made be used. Note: Most larger grocery stores in California carry Limoncello and almost all liquor stores do as well. 
• Prosecco– Any form of a sparkling white wine, Prosecco or champagne that you enjoy may be used when making this Spritz. 
• Sparkling Water– My life is definitely brighter because of my Soda Stream and I used it to make this cocktail. Daily I drink water that has been filtered with our Berkey Water Filter and then made bubbly with the soda stream. I pour the bubbly water over ice, add a small amount of fresh lemon juice and I am in heaven. Note: Using the Berkey and Soda Stream is economically the same as purchasing sparkling water from the store but without all the need to recycle. 
• Ice– For this cocktail I made round ice cubes using this tray. 
• Garnish– Fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or orange slices are all beautiful and delicious ways to garnish this cocktail. 

Ratios {single drink vs pitcher}

The ratios for this Limoncello Spritzer are the same whether making a single drink or a pitcher. However, this drink is very easy to personalize by either increasing or decreasing any of the ingredients.

Proportions: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Limoncello and 1 part sparkling water. 

Single Drink

3 ounces (approximately 90 ml) Prosecco 

2 ounces (approximately 60 ml) Limoncello

1 ounce (approximately 30 ml) Sparkling Water

Pitcher of Limoncello Spritz

750 milliliter bottle of Prosecco 

2 cups Limoncello

1 cup Sparkling Water

How To Make Limoncello Spritz {aka Amalfi Spritz}

1. To a large wine glass  or cocktail glass add ice. 
2. Slide 2-3 lemon slices in between the ice and inside of the glass.
3. Pour limoncello over ice.
4. Add sparkling water.
5. Slowly pour in Prosecco.
6. Stir gently.
7. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Prosecco to use?

Bottomline, you want to find a Prosecco or Sparkling Wine you and your guests enjoy. However, here is a helpful list that breaks down the best in each category. 

Can homemade Limoncello be used in the recipe?

Absolutely! For anyone living in areas where lemons grow easily, making limoncello is a wonderful way to utilize extra lemons that often come from backyard lemon trees. Additionally, Homemade Limoncello tastes amazing in this Limoncello Spritz.

How long will a pitcher of this Limoncello Spritz last?

This Limoncello Spritz will be served most commonly during the summer months. With the warmer temperatures of summer this cocktail will not remain fresh and bubbly for very long. Here are a few tips when making a pitcher of this Spritz.

1. Add the limoncello, sparkling and Prosecco to the pitcher first.
2. Stir gently.
3. Layer in lemon slices. 
4. Add ice and stir gently again.
5. Serve immediately. 

Is club soda ok to use rather than sparkling water?

Club soda, seltzer, sparkling mineral water, tonic water and homemade sparkling water are all delicious in the Limoncello Spritz. The main difference is whether minerals are added and whether the bubbles are naturally occurring. Here is a helpful breakdown of these different types of water. However, my favorite is homemade sparkling water or club soda. 

More Luscious Lemon Recipes

Lemon Garlic Pasta

Sgroppino (Lemon Italian Sorbet Cocktail)

Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon Roll Cake

Sticky Lemon Chicken

Lemon Shortbread Cookies