Limoncello Spritz recipe
A vibrant, effervescent Italian aperitivo marrying bright lemon liqueur with crisp sparkling wine.
Method: Build and stir ·
Glass: Large wine glass filled with ice ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: Modern Classics
Ingredients
- 2 oz Limoncello (chilled)
- 3 oz Prosecco (dry or extra dry)
- 1 oz Club soda (chilled)
- 1 Lemon wheel (for garnish)
- 1 Mint sprig (optional garnish)
How to make a Limoncello Spritz
- Fill a large wine glass generously with ice cubes.
- Pour in the chilled limoncello, followed by the Prosecco.
- Top with a splash of chilled club soda.
- Gently stir the mixture from bottom to top once to integrate ingredients.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and serve immediately.
Garnish
Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and a mint sprig.
Pro tip
Always chill your limoncello and Prosecco thoroughly before assembling the drink to minimize ice melt and maintain maximum effervescence. Adjust the ratio of Prosecco slightly if you prefer a less sweet profile.
History of the Limoncello Spritz
The limoncello spritz emerged as a popular modern warm-weather refresher across coastal Italy, drawing inspiration from the timeless Venetian spritz tradition. While its exact origin remains undocumented by specific inventor records, the drink naturally evolved from the widespread commercial success of traditional Italian lemon liqueur paired with sparkling wine. It has since become a global staple of summer aperitivo culture, celebrated for its bright citrus profile and effortless preparation.
Flavour profile
Citrusy, Effervescent, Sweet, Refreshing
Variations
- Basil Limoncello Spritz — Substitute fresh basil leaves for mint to add a savory, herbaceous counterpoint to the sweet citrus.
- Limone-Amaro Spritz — Add a quarter-ounce of a bitter amaro like Montenegro to introduce complex botanical depth and reduce overall sweetness.
Practise making the Limoncello Spritz in the free Virtual Bar game.