Recipes › Dessert › Limoncello Spritz Recipe

Limoncello Spritz Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This refreshing Italian aperitivo combines crisp Prosecco, chilled limoncello, and sparkling water for a light, citrus-forward cocktail. Perfect for warm afternoons or as an elegant pre-dinner drink, the Limoncello Spritz delivers the bright flavors of the Amalfi Coast in every sip.

Ingredients

• 45 ml (1.5 oz) limoncello, chilled
• 90 ml (3 oz) Prosecco, chilled
• 60 ml (2 oz) sparkling water or soda water, chilled
• 1 lemon wheel or twist for garnish
• 3-4 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass or stemmed cocktail glass with ice cubes, ensuring they are well-chilled and take up about one-third of the glass.

2. Pour the chilled limoncello into the glass first, letting it coat the ice slightly.

3. Add the cold Prosecco slowly to preserve carbonation, pouring it gently to create a layered effect.

4. Top with sparkling water or soda water, filling the glass to near the rim.

5. Stir gently with a bar spoon or long cocktail spoon for 10-15 seconds to combine while maintaining carbonation.

6. Garnish with a lemon wheel floated on top or a lemon twist expressed over the drink for aroma.

7. Serve immediately while fully chilled and carbonated.

Substitutions

• Use Cava or Spanish sparkling wine instead of Prosecco for a drier profile
• Substitute ginger ale for sparkling water to add subtle spice and sweetness
• Replace limoncello with homemade lemon simple syrup (1:1 ratio lemon juice and sugar) for a lower-alcohol version
• Use club soda instead of sparkling water for a crisper, mineral finish

Tips

• Chill all components thoroughly before mixing to maintain the refreshing temperature without diluting the drink too quickly
• Use fresh lemon garnish rather than pre-cut to maximize aromatic oils and visual appeal
• Adjust the ratio of limoncello to Prosecco based on preference; use less limoncello for a lighter drink or more for intensity
• Serve in chilled glassware for the best experience, placing glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before use

The Spritz originated in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy during the Austro-Hungarian occupation, when soldiers would dilute wine with sparkling water. The Limoncello Spritz is a modern variation that celebrates Italy's famous limoncello from the Amalfi Coast and Campania region, transforming the beloved digestif into a sophisticated aperitivo.

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