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Limoncello Spritz Recipe (Italian Summer Cocktail)

My easy and refreshing Limoncello Spritz recipe is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. With its bright lemon flavor and a few simple ingredients, you’re just a few easy steps away from being transported to the Amalfi Coast! Trust me, this is the perfect summer cocktail to enjoy with friends on a sunny day!

Although I’ve never been to the Amalfi Coast, I’ve been to almost every other region of Italy, and many times, I’ve been offered Limoncello after a meal. This delicious cocktail reminds me of the summer holidays abroad.

When I think of Italy, I think of lemon zest, bubbly prosecco, and fabulous, fresh cuisine. I also think of vibrant, fresh basil, which I use in some recipes like my Trofie al Pesto and Pesto alla Genovese. Both of these recipes would pair very well with this spritz!ย 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s light and refreshing. This recipe has the perfect balance of tangy citrus and bubbly effervescence. It’s a refreshing and elegant cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests and elevate any occasion.
  • It’s easy to make. Say goodbye to complicated cocktail recipes! My Limoncello Spritz recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirรฉe or simply unwinding after a long day, this refreshing cocktail is always a breeze to whip up. This recipe is a simple spritz ratio of 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, and one part soda water. 
  • Anytime, any place. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a brunch with friends, or enjoying a cozy evening at home, my Limoncello Spritz is the perfect drink for any occasion. Its bright, citrusy flavors and sparkling finish make it a versatile choice that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Ingredients for a limoncello spritz recipe.

  • Limoncello – Made from the zest of Amalfi Coast lemons, Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur known for its sweet and tangy flavor. It adds a refreshing citrus kick to cocktails like this easy limoncello spritz. This recipe will taste even better with homemade limoncello! 
  • Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a zesty acidity to this bubbly cocktail, balancing the sweetness of the Limoncello and enhancing its vibrant citrus flavors.
  • Prosecco – Hailing from the Veneto region of Italy, Prosecco is a sparkling wine with a light and crisp taste. It adds a touch of bubbles and sophistication to the limoncello cocktail.
  • Sparkling water – Adding sparkling water to the spritz lightens its texture and increases its refreshing qualities, creating a bubbly, citrusy cocktail. I like to use soda water rather than tonic water. 

If You’re a Fan of This Spritz Recipe… 

I have plenty of spritz recipes to enjoy during the warmer months! Below are just a few other cocktails (like the popular Aperol spritz) that I know you will love!

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.

Step 2: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and Limoncello to the glass.

Step 3: Pour in the Prosecco.

Step 4:Top off with sparkling water. Give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Limoncello Spritz cocktail!

Tips and Notes

  • Chill the ingredients. For the best results, make sure all the ingredients are well chilled before assembling the cocktail. This helps maintain the refreshing and crisp nature of the drink.
  • Use fresh ingredients. Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize the citrus flavor of the cocktail. Fresh ingredients always yield the best results.
  • Layering the ingredients wisely. When layering the ingredients in the glass, start with the heaviest and most flavorful liquids first, such as the Limoncello and lemon juice, followed by the lighter Prosecco and sparkling water. This helps create a visually appealing drink and ensures the flavors blend perfectly as you sip.

A limoncello spritz with a blue and white straw and a sprig of mint.

Recipe FAQs

Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, typically lighter and fruitier than Champagne, which comes from the Champagne region of France and has a more complex flavor profile. While you can substitute Prosecco for Champagne in some recipes, it may alter the taste slightly. For the best results in this recipe, stick with Prosecco.

Absolutely! Mix the Limoncello, lemon juice, Prosecco, and sparkling water in a large pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it’s time to enjoy, pour the pre-mixed cocktail over ice in individual glasses and garnish as desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with appetizers – Pair your spritz with a selection of light appetizers such as bruschetta, caprese skewers, or seafood crostini. The refreshing citrus flavors of the cocktail complement a variety of savory snacks. It’s the perfect drink for a summer party! Don’t forget the Lemon Ricotta Cake for dessert!
  • Set up a DIY bar – Set up a spritz bar at your next gathering, allowing guests to customize their cocktails with different garnishes and variations. Provide flavored syrups, additional fruit juices, and various sparkling water options for a fun party. Make sure to chill the ingredients, and keep a bottle of prosecco (or two, or three!) on ice. My favorite garnishes for this drink are rosemary sprigs and thin lemon slices. 

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ review below!

A limoncello spritz in a glass with a straw.

Limoncello Spritz Recipe (Italian Summer Cocktail)

Allie Hagerty
Enjoy the perfect summer sip with our refreshing Limoncello Spritz recipe. Made with zesty Limoncello, sparkling Prosecco, and a hint of lemon, it’s the ultimate cocktail for sunny days and outdoor gatherings.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

  • Wine glass
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • citrus juicer

Ingredients
  

  • Ice cubes
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 ounces Limoncello
  • 3 ounces Prosecco
  • 1 ounce sparkling water
  • Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
  • Add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the glass.
  • Pour in 2 ounces of Limoncello over the ice.
  • Top off the glass with 3 ounces of Prosecco.
  • Finish by adding 1 ounce of sparkling water.
  • Give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine.
  • Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your Limoncello Spritz!

Notes

Chill the ingredients. For the best results, make sure all the ingredients are well chilled before assembling the cocktail. This helps maintain the refreshing and crisp nature of the drink.
Use fresh ingredients.ย Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize the citrus flavor of the cocktail. Fresh ingredients always yield the best results.
Layering the ingredients wisely.ย When layering the ingredients in the glass, start with the heaviest and most flavorful liquids first, such as the Limoncello and lemon juice, followed by the lighter Prosecco and sparkling water. This helps create a visually appealing drink and ensures the flavors blend perfectly as you sip.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 0.1gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 75mgSugar: 23gCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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