Lemon Spritzer Recipe (Limoncello Spritz Cocktail)

Name: Lemon Spritzer Recipe (Limoncello Spritz Cocktail)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces limoncello; 3 ounces prosecco; 1 ounce soda water; lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish

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This Lemon Spritzer recipe, also known as a Limoncello Spritz, is an Italian cocktail made from limoncello liqueur, prosecco, and soda water. This refreshing drink takes less than 5 minutes to make and is perfect for the warmer weather months.

Limoncello spritz in a clear wine class with lemon slices, ice cubes and a fresh sprig of mint.

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy, in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. Made with only lemon zest, sugar, and highly concentrated vodka, it's the second most popular liqueur in Italy. Traditionally limoncello is served chilled on its own, and after dinner as a digestive.

Inspired by the classic and ever-so-popular, Aperol Spritz, this Limoncello Spritz is a bright and refreshing cocktail to welcome in the warm seasons. The recipe has only three main ingredients and follows the classic 3:2:1 spritz ratio of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, and 1 part soda water. Super easy to make, in under 5 minutes, you are going to love this easy citrus cocktail.

If you love this recipe, check out our classic Aperol Spritz Cocktail, and Limoncello Amaretti Cookies.

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Why You Will Love This Limoncello Spritzer Recipe
Lemon Spritzer Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
How To Make a Lemon Spritzer: Step By Step
Substitutions & Variations
Storage
FAQ
Recipe
Reviews

Why You Will Love This Limoncello Spritzer Recipe

Easy cocktail recipe to make: This simple recipe can be made In 5 minutes or less.

Popular signature drink: This beautiful drink is like a glass of sunshine perfect for spring and summer.

Great for summer gatherings! You can add the ingredients directly to glasses of ice or a pitcher to serve a larger crowd.

Lemon Spritzer Ingredients

Ingredients for limoncello spritz. Bottle of prosecco, limoncello liqueur, Lax Croix sparkling water, fresh lemon and two sprigs of mint.

Ingredient Notes

Prosecco: A sparkling Italian white wine that’s traditionally produced in northern Italy. Choose your favorite brand of Prosecco that’s dry or brut.
Limoncello: This sweet lemon Italian liqueur is often served as a digestive after dinner. There are a few brands that make limoncello, but I personally like this one from Il Tramonto Liqueur.
Soda Water: A splash of extra bubbles makes this cocktail super fizzy, and lightens the taste of the limoncello liqueur and prosecco. You can use either club soda or sparkling water. La Croix has a Limoncello flavor which pairs well, otherwise, unflavored soda water is recommended.
Garnishes: Finish the drink by adding a slice of lemon and mint sprig.

How To Make a Lemon Spritzer: Step By Step

A limoncello cocktail is made with just three simple ingredients: Limoncello Liquor, Prosecco, and Soda Water.

Steps on how to make a limoncello spritz cocktail. Overview of the glass with ice and limoncello. Second photo shows a fully made cocktail with bubbles from the prosecco and sparkling water, garnished with a sprig of mint and lemon slices.

Pour it all in. Fill a glass half full with ice and pour in the limoncello. Top with Prosecco and soda water. Stir to combine.
Garnish. Add fresh lemon slices and a fresh mint sprig for garnish. Serve immediately.

Two wine glasses of Limoncello spritz with lemon slices and a sprig of mint.

Find the printable recipe with full instructions and measurements below.

Substitutions & Variations

Add Garnishes: For an ultra-chic look add a garnish to your finished drink. Fresh edible flowers, a sliced lemon wedge, fresh basil leaves, fresh mint, fresh thyme, raspberries, or strawberries all make great options.
Add Fresh Fruit: Use a cocktail muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to pulverize fresh raspberries, fresh blueberries, or fresh blackberries. Then transfer the puree to a glass with the limoncello.
Add Fresh Ginger Beer: Per William Sonoma recipes, "adding aromatic ginger beer adds a spicy note." Replace half or all of the soda water with ginger beer for a sweet ginger twist.
Add Aperol: The classic proportion for a Limoncello Aperol Spritz is 1 ounce Limoncello, 1 ounce Aperol, and 3 ounces of prosecco, feel free to adjust the proportions based on your taste preferences.
Use Champagne: Instead of Prosecco, use your favorite dry or brut champagne.

Storage

To store: Limoncello has a high enough ABV that it’s safe to store in the freezer. You can also store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Chilling limoncello at least 1 hour before drinking is highly recommended, as it brings out its flavor making it even more refreshing during a hot summer day. It will last for several months, up to 1 year after opening.

Limoncello spritz cocktail with bubbles, lemon slices, and mint.

FAQ

How to serve limoncello liqueur?

Limoncello liqueur is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator or freezer. You can serve it on its own, over ice, or in the form of a spritz cocktail.

Is limoncello gluten-free?

Yes, limoncello, prosecco, and soda water are all naturally gluten-free, but check the labels if it’s a health concern for you.

What is a Spritz Cocktail?

A spritz is an iconic Italian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif across Italy. It consists of prosecco, digestive bitters, and soda water. The perfect drink for summer.

Can I make a pitcher of limoncello spritz?

For a large group, you can make a pitcher of limoncello spritz. Chill all of the individual ingredients (unopened). Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher just before you plan to serve the drinks so the mixture doesn’t get diluted or lose its carbonation.

Don’t add ice to the pitcher. Instead, serve ice in an ice bucket alongside the pitcher and add the ice cubes directly to the wine glasses as the cocktail is served.

Ratios are the same, but in larger quantities when making a whole pitcher:
3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, 1 part soda water.
750 ml bottle of Prosecco, 16 ounces of Limoncello, and 8 ounces of club soda.

I hope you love this lemon spritzer recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

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