Limoncello Cocktail (Spritz) Recipe – An Italian in my Kitchen

This limoncello cocktail is a simple and refreshing Italian spritz made with limoncello, prosecco and sparkling water! It’s citrusy, bubbly and easy to make to enjoy on a summer day. 

This summer cocktail is light, refreshing and will transport you to the amalfi coast of southern Italy! While frozen lemonade is perfect for pool days, this limoncello cocktail is the best aperitivo served before a meal. It’s bubbly with a vibrant citrus flavor! 

While limoncello is often served as a digestivo after a meal, it’s perfect to use in mixed cocktails before a meal. This limoncello spritz recipe combines the citrus taste of the liqueur with bubbly prosecco. Just like a classic bellini it’s a bright, crisp cocktail that has a sweet taste. 

Why I Love This Recipe

• Best summer aperitif: This cocktail is bubbly and bursting with lemon flavor! The simple ingredients go perfectly with any summer appetizer or finger food.
• Perfect for lemon lovers: This bubbly cocktail is a spin on the popular Aperol spritz. Limoncello gives it a bright lemon flavor making it so light and refreshing during warmer months!

Limoncello Spritz Ingredients

• Limoncello: I love to use homemade limoncello but store bought works too!
• Prosecco: Use a good quality one that you like.
• Sparkling water: Club soda can also be used.
• Garnish: Fresh, thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur made with lemon peels, sugar and vodka or another alcohol that is neutral tasting. It’s bright yellow in color and thick like syrup. It’s often served on its own as a sipper in a shot glass before or after a meal.

How to Make a Limoncello Spritz

Gather your chilled ingredients and a glass. In the glass, add 2-3 ice cubes then evenly add the limoncello, prosecco and water for the perfect balance. 

Gently stir to combine. Decorate with lemon slices and fresh mint.

The Best Spritz Ratio for this Cocktail

This limoncello cocktail recipe is considered a spritz and follows the standard recipe for a spritz using a ratio of 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part soda water. Using this formula you can make a spritz of any kind! 

What is the Best Glass to Serve a Spritz?

The best glass to use for this limoncello spritzer is what you have on hand! Any stemmed wine glass such as a balloon wine glass works. You can even use a stemless wine glass, standard cocktail glass or tumbler for this lemoncello spritz. I like to use chilled glasses for this refreshing cocktail. 

Tips for the Perfect Cocktail

• Cubed ice: Use cubed ice not crushed ice as crushed ice melts faster and will dilute the cocktail. 
• Quality prosecco: Since there are only three ingredients in this drink, quality is key! Use a prosecco you know and like, make your own limoncello (or purchase a favorite). 
• Serve immediately: This Italian limoncello prosecco spritzer is meant to be served immediately as the carbonation will lessen over time. 
• Chilled ingredients: I like to keep my limoncello in the freezer so it’s always cold. Because of the higher ABV in it, it does not freeze. Chill prosecco before using.
• When serving a crowd: To make a pitcher of limoncello, combine your pre-chilled ingredients in a pitcher and stir to combine. Serve ice on the side.

When Should I Serve this Italian Limoncello Cocktail Recipe?

A spritz, like this limoncello cocktail, is most often served as an aperitif. This means that it is served as a pre-dinner drink that stimulates the appetite before dinner. This is the perfect summer cocktail that can also be served on the patio or poolside on sunny days. 

More Summer Cocktail Recipes

One of my favorite summer drinks! I hope you like it too. Enjoy!

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