The Limoncello Spritz is the bright, fruity answer to the Aperol Spritz. Instead of bitter orange, this glass gets Italian lemon liqueur – sweet, fragrant, and with a refreshing acidity that brightens up the Prosecco. Perfect for anyone who prefers something less bitter but still wants a sprightly, refreshing aperitif. The drink can be made in three minutes, needs only three ingredients, and tastes like summer, no matter the season.
And this is what you need for the Limoncello Spritz – the recipe
9 cl Prosecco
6 cl Limoncello (lemon liqueur)
3 cl Soda
Garnish: 1 lemon slice
What matters most
Limoncello is not a neutral liqueur – it contains a lot of citrus oil that pairs with the carbonation of the Prosecco. If you find the drink too sweet, reduce the Limoncello to 4 cl and balance it with 2 cl more Soda. Important: Use a high-quality lemon liqueur that doesn’t just taste of sugar. Cheap syrup-based liqueurs make the Spritz flat and leave an artificial aftertaste. A good Limoncello should be drinkable neat – try it in a shot glass first. The ice should be fresh but not too large, or it will dilute the drink too quickly. If you like it extra lemony, rub some lemon zest around the rim of the glass before adding the slice.
Variations
- Limoncello Spritz with herbs — Add 2 fresh basil leaves or a rosemary sprig, gently press them, then garnish with the lemon slice. Pairs well with a drier Prosecco.
- Limoncello Spritz with grapefruit — Replace the lemon slice with a grapefruit slice and add 1 cl grapefruit juice. Makes the drink slightly more tart and complex.
- Limoncello Spritz non-alcoholic — Replace the Prosecco with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and the Limoncello with a non-alcoholic lemon liqueur or 4 cl lemon syrup. Top up with Soda.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Sekt instead of Prosecco?
Yes, but make sure it’s not too sweet. A dry Sekt (Brut) works better than a sweet one. The drink will taste slightly stronger.
Why does my Spritz look cloudy?
This happens when the Limoncello is poured in too quickly or too cold. Pour it slowly over the back of a bar spoon to distribute it evenly. Cloudiness isn’t harmful, but it’s less visually appealing.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
No, the Spritz relies on freshness and carbonation. Prepare it just before serving, or it will go flat and lose its sparkle.
What’s the ideal glass?
A large wine glass or a stemmed aperitif glass. The important thing is that it has enough volume for the aromas to develop. Too-small glasses make the drink too concentrated.
