Limoncello Spritz

This bubbly and citrusy Limoncello spritz is a great summer drink popular in all beach clubs around the world. It is a perfect drink combining Limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water.

My best tip for making the best cocktail is to follow the original cocktail ratio: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Limoncello, and 1 part soda water. This way, the cocktail will always turn out perfect.

Other cocktail recipes I tried and love making for myself and my guests: White Russian, Watermelon Margarita, Dirty Shirley, and many more (browse my drinks recipes section).

What Is A Limoncello Spritz?

The Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail that combines the bright citrus flavors of limoncello (a famous Italian liqueur made with lemon peels) with the bubbles of prosecco and soda water.

It is a lighter, citrus-forward alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz, making it a popular choice for summer sipping.

Limoncello Spritz cocktail comes from southern Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, where limoncello is traditionally produced. This refreshing drink became super popular in the early 2000s.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• If you love limoncello, this recipe will be your favorite this summer, I promise.
• It only requires three ingredients and minimal prep time. No added sugar.
• Sweeter than Aperol spritz cocktail!
• No bartending skills are necessary.
• A perfect use for an open bottle of Prosecco.

Ingredients Notes

A traditional Limoncello Spritz follows the standard 3-2-1 spritz ratio: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, and 1 part soda water. So it is easy to scale for a party crowd.

• Limoncello. If you make your own homemade limoncello, even better. But you can always buy this Italian lemon alcoholic drink.
• Prosecco (or any dry sparkling white wine)
• Sparkling water. Best to use unflavored otherwise it will change the flavor profile of the cocktail.
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: fresh lemon wheel, fresh mint

Kitchen Equipment

• Glasses (large wine glass works well)
• Bar spoon or long-handled spoon

How To Make A Limoncello Spritz Cocktail

1. Fill a large glass with ice cubes.
2. Add limoncello over the top of the ice. 
3. Slowly add Prosecco into the glass to maintain the fizz. 
4. Add club soda for a refreshing, fizzy finish.
5. Gently stir to mix the ingredients without losing the bubbles.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and fresh lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Limoncello Spritz Variations

• Basil Limoncello Spritz with fresh basil.
• Frozen Limoncello Spritz with ice like a slushy texture.
• Lavender Limoncello Spritz with a touch of lavender syrup.
• Berry Limoncello Spritz with berries as a garnish or some syrup.
• Ginger Limoncello Spritz with a splash of ginger beer instead of soda water.

Change it up by serving this bubbly cocktail in wine glasses or shot glasses at a summer party. You can change up the flavor of this delicious cocktail by using simple ingredients such as lemon juice, part club soda, simple syrup, tonic water, grapefruit juice, Italian sparkling wine, garnish with a different herb, or fresh garnishes like citrus slices, or a slice of lemon. Try it with an ice-filled glass or over ice cream.

Popular Questions

What Are The Best Limoncellos To Use To Make A Limoncello Spritz Recipe?

You can find great limoncellos at major liquor stores like Total Wine, and BevMo, and online retailers. So I recommend looking for these:

• Il Tramonto Liqueur
• Pallini Limoncello
• Luxardo Limoncello
• Villa Massa Limoncello
• Limoncello di Capri
• Meletti Limoncello
• Caravella Limoncello
• Don Ciccio & Figli Limoncello
• Danny DeVito’s Limoncello

What Percentage Of Alcohol Is In A Limoncello Spritz?

The alcohol content of a Limoncello Spritz varies depending on the limoncello and prosecco used, but on average:

• Limoncello: 25-30% ABV
• Prosecco: 11-12% ABV
• Soda water: 0% ABV

After dilution with prosecco and soda, the final drink typically has an alcohol content of around 8-12% ABV, similar to a standard Aperol Spritz.

What Is A Good Prosecco For Limoncello Spritz?

A good prosecco for a Limoncello Spritz should be dry (Brut or Extra Dry) to balance the sweetness of limoncello. Some great options include La Marca Prosecco, Mionetto Prosecco Brut, Zardetto Prosecco Brut, Bisol Jeio Prosecco, and Ruffino Prosecco. These prosecco options go well with Limoncello tang.

What Is The Difference Between A Limoncello Spritz And An Aperol Spritz?

The Limoncello Spritz and Aperol Spritz are both classic Italian cocktails made with prosecco, liqueur, and soda water, but they have distinct differences in taste, color, and character. 

The Limoncello Spritz is made with limoncello, giving it a sweet, citrusy, and refreshing flavor with a pale yellow color. Aperol Spritz uses Aperol, which has a bitter orange and herbal profile with a vibrant orange-red hue, and it is popular as an aperitif. 

Both cocktails have a similar alcohol content, usually around 8-12% ABV.

Is Limoncello Spritz Common In Italy?

Yes, but it is not as common as the Aperol Spritz. The Aperol Spritz is a staple in northern Italy, especially in cities like Venice and Milan, where the spritz tradition originated.

The Limoncello Spritz, on the other hand, is more popular in southern Italy, particularly along the Amalfi Coast and in Sorrento, where limoncello is traditionally produced.

If you love this easy drink recipe, you’re going to love these other cocktails too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Limoncello Recipes

Limoncello Tiramisu

Limoncello Cheesecake

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