Limoncello Spritz recipe is the perfect summer drink with its bright citrus flavor, light fizz, and cool refreshing taste. Made with chilled Limoncello, bubbly Prosecco, and a splash of soda water, this cocktail is ideal for hot days when you crave something both sweet and refreshing.
What is Limoncello Spritz?
Limoncello Spritz is a light, bubbly Italian cocktail made with Limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic spritz, known for its vibrant lemon flavor, gentle sweetness, and sparkling finish. Originating from Italy, this drink is especially popular during the summer season for its cooling, citrusy taste and low alcohol content. It’s the perfect choice for sunny afternoons, beach gatherings, or aperitivo hour with friends.
Ingredients
1. Limoncello
A sweet, lemon-flavored Italian liqueur that’s the star of this drink. It gives the spritz its vibrant citrus aroma and sweetness.
2. Prosecco
A light, sparkling white wine from Italy. It balances the sweetness of the Limoncello with crisp bubbles and floral notes.
3. Soda Water
Adds a refreshing finish and balances the alcohol content, making the drink lighter.
4. Ice Cubes, Lemon Slices & Fresh Mint
Optional garnishes that enhance aroma and visual appeal.
How to Make Limoncello Spritz?
1. Chill Your Ingredients
Start by chilling your Limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water in the fridge for a few hours. The colder the ingredients, the more refreshing the drink — and the longer it stays fizzy in the glass.
2. Prepare Your Glasses
Use large wine glasses or classic spritz glasses. Fill each glass with plenty of ice — this not only chills the drink but also helps preserve the bubbles.
3. Pour the Limoncello
Add 50 ml of chilled Limoncello to each glass. This lemon liqueur forms the sweet and zesty base of your spritz.
💡Tip: Use a measuring jigger or shot glass for accuracy. If you like it sweeter, you can slightly increase the amount.
4. Add the Prosecco
Next, slowly pour in 75 ml of chilled Prosecco to each glass. Tilt the glass slightly while pouring to preserve the bubbles and avoid spilling over the ice.
💡Tip: If you’re serving a group, you can use a bottle of Prosecco and divide it evenly while keeping the 3:2:1 ratio in mind.
5. Top with Soda Water
Add 25 ml of soda water to each glass. This lightens the drink and adds a crisp, clean finish. You can adjust this amount to your liking if you prefer it more or less bubbly.
6. Stir Gently
Use a long spoon or straw to gently stir the drink. This helps mix the ingredients without flattening the bubbles too much.
7. Garnish and Serve
Finish with a slice of lemon on the rim or floating in the drink. Add a sprig of fresh mint if you like extra aroma and a touch of green color. Serve immediately while it’s cold, fizzy, and full of flavor!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Limoncello Spritz
Chilling the Ingredients: Chilling the Limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water before making the drink is essential. It keeps your spritz cold and refreshing without needing too much ice, which can dilute the flavor. Pop them in the fridge for at least 2–3 hours before serving.
Use Quality Limoncello: The flavor of your spritz depends heavily on the quality of the Limoncello. Look for a Limoncello made with real lemon peel and natural ingredients. Homemade or artisanal brands often have a more vibrant, authentic taste. Check out our best Limoncello Recipe!
Choose a Good Prosecco: A dry or extra dry Prosecco balances the sweetness of the Limoncello perfectly. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines so the drink doesn’t become syrupy. Go for something crisp and fresh.
Stick to the 3:2:1 Ratio: The classic Limoncello:Prosecco:Soda Water ratio is 3:2:1, but you can adjust slightly to match your taste. Want it stronger? Add a bit more Limoncello. Want it lighter and more bubbly? Add more soda water.
Garnish Like a Pro: A simple lemon wheel or twist not only looks elegant but also enhances the aroma with fresh citrus oils. A sprig of mint adds a touch of cool freshness and makes it extra photogenic.
Use Large Ice Cubes: Large ice cubes melt slower than smaller ones, helping your drink stay cold without becoming watery too fast. You can even freeze lemon slices into your ice cubes for a nice visual touch!
Serve Immediately: Once the drink is assembled, serve it right away. Letting it sit too long causes the bubbles to fade and the ice to dilute the flavors.
Key Notes
- This cocktail is low in fat and calories (~160–180 kcal per serving).
- It’s alcoholic, so enjoy responsibly.
- No cooking required, just mix and serve.
- You can batch it up for parties by keeping the 2:3:1 ratio (Limoncello:Prosecco:Soda).
Serving
- Serve in large stemmed glasses to enhance the aroma and keep the drink cool.
- Pair it with light appetizers like olives, bruschetta, or cheese platters.
- Perfect for brunch, summer parties, or sunset sipping.
Ingredients
- 100 ml Limoncello (chilled)
- 150 ml Prosecco (chilled)
- 50 ml soda water (or sparkling water)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill two large wine glasses or spritz glasses with ice cubes. Pour 50 ml of Limoncello into each glass.
- Add 75 ml of Prosecco per glass. Top each with 25 ml of soda water.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill your ingredients beforehand for the best flavor and fizz.
- Adjust the Prosecco-to-Limoncello ratio based on your taste — more Limoncello for a sweeter drink, more Prosecco for a drier touch.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use Limoncello syrup and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- You can swap soda water with tonic water for a slightly bitter twist.