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).

Limoncello is made from steeping lemon peels in a neutral alcohol like vodka along with a decent amount of sugar. You can easily make Limoncello at home, as many Italians do, if you have the patience for it. This sweet-sour liqueur is the perfect candidate to star in your new favorite summer spritz!

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

• Make sure all of your ingredients are super cold before mixing up your spritzes.
• Since this is an easy 3-ingredient cocktail, there’s no way for your ingredients to hide. Buy the good stuff.
• If you’re hosting and plan on serving a Limoncello Spritz for your guests, don’t pre-make these cocktails. You want the Prosecco and soda water to be fresh and bubbly for your guests, not flat and sad and room temperature. Try setting up a serve yourself bar with simple instructions, and ice bucket, glasses, jiggers, and garnishes so you’re not stuck playing bartender the whole time.

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.