Limoncello Spritz

Don’t we all wish we were gallivanting across the Italian countryside, sipping a Limoncello Spritz and inhaling bowls of pasta? Well, you can get pretty close to recreating that vibe by making a Limoncello Spritz at home. As a classic spritz, it is by far one the easiest cocktails you will ever make. Just mix Prosecco with Limoncello (homemade or store-bought) and top with soda water in a 3:2:1 ratio. You’ll start feeling relaxed in 3…2…1. Ahhhhh! There it is.

What is a Limoncello Spritz?

You’ve probably heard of an Aperol Spritz, which is a similar Italian aperitif made with the namesake bitter orange liqueur. A Limoncello Spritz is the exact same thing, but uses Limoncello instead of Aperol. Where Aperol can sometimes be a hit or miss with picky guests, I’ve never met a single person who didn’t love a Limoncello Spritz. It’s just 3 parts Prosecco + 2 parts Limoncello + 1 part soda water (or club soda).

What Does a Limoncello Spritz Taste Like?

The Limoncello Spritz is essentially sunshine in a glass. It’s:

• Bright and lemon-forward
• Lightly sweet
• Crisp and bubbly
• Refreshing and citrusy
• Less bitter than an Aperol Spritz

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur most closely associated with Southern Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Capri. It’s made from steeping lemon peels in a neutral alcohol like vodka or Everclear along with a decent amount of sugar.

Served ice cold, limoncello is often enjoyed after dinner as a digestif, but in recent years it’s become increasingly popular in spritz cocktails.

You can easily make Limoncello at home, as many Italians do, if you have the patience for it. If you don’t want to make your own, I recommend getting a bottle of Luxardo, Meletti, or Pallini.

How to Make a Limoncello Spritz

Making a spritz is so freaking easy, it takes like 3 minutes to make. That’s why it’s usually my go-to weeknight drink. Start with a wine glass filled with ice. Add the Limoncello first, then the Prosecco, and top with soda water. Give it a gentle stir, garnish with a lemon slice and a fresh sprig of mint (if you have it), and just sit back and relax.

Tips for Making the Perfect Limoncello Spritz

• A spritz should be crisp and refreshing, so chill the limoncello and Prosecco beforehand.
• Since this is an easy 3-ingredient cocktail, there’s no way for your ingredients to hide. Buy the good stuff.
• Some limoncellos are sweeter than others. Look for one with bright natural lemon flavor instead of something overly sugary.
• Mint or basil adds a fresh garden-like element that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Use plenty of ice. Spritzes are meant to stay very cold and refreshing.
• If you prefer a slightly tarter spritz, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness nicely.

Why You’ll Love a Limoncello Spritz

• Because EVERYONE loves a Limoncello Spritz. Seriously, you can’t go wrong. If you don’t know what to serve for a holiday, birthday, brunch, pool day, beach day (you name it)… just buy some Limoncello, Prosecco (or other high-quality bubbly), and your favorite soda water. You’re set and everyone will love you.
• A Limoncello Spritz is the perfect drink for spring and summertime. The sweet and sour lemony-ness makes you feel like you’re walking through a lemon orchard in the South of Italy. What celebrates the start of the warm weather better than that?
• Whether you’re hosting a fancy holiday party or a super casual beach day, the Limoncello Spritz is versatile, easy, and special enough to suit any occasion perfectly.
• A Limoncello Spritz is one of the easiest spritz variations to make at home and perfect for anyone who loves citrus-forward cocktails.
• Compared to the bitter edge of an Aperol Spritz or the floral notes of a Hugo Spritz, the Limoncello Spritz leans sunny, juicy, and refreshing.

Batch Limoncello Spritz

Perfect for brunches, pool parties, or easy summer hosting.

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

• 2 cups limoncello
• 1 bottle Prosecco (750ml)
• 1.5 cups soda water
• Lemon slices
• Fresh mint or basil
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the limoncello and Prosecco.
2. Add lemon slices and herbs.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour in the spritz mixture.
5. Top each glass with soda water and garnish with additional lemon and herbs.

Hosting Tip

Freeze lemon slices ahead of time to use as ice cubes. They keep the spritz cold without diluting it and also make the glasses look extra beautiful for hosting.