This Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing cocktail or aperitivo drink made with sparkling Prosecco wine and sweet Limoncello liqueur. It's sweet, fizzy, and tastes like summer! Enjoy it at your next barbecue or a dinner party with friends.
The Limoncello Spritz with its sparkly and citrusy taste makes it an ideal choice for those warm, lazy afternoons or as an elegant aperitif before dinner. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated soirée or seeking a moment of solace at sunset, the Limoncello Spritz brings a touch of the Amalfi Coast right to your glass.
Originating from Italy, the Limoncello Spritz is a celebration of limoncello, a lemon liqueur that captures the essence of sun-ripened lemons. When paired with the crispness of prosecco and the lightness of soda water, it creates a balanced cocktail that's neither too sweet nor too tart. This drink not only showcases the versatility of limoncello but also encourages experimentation with garnishes and proportions to suit your taste.
For more refreshing Spritz recipes, check out this classic Aperol Spritz and this Campari Spritz.
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What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkly white wine produced in Northern Italy, named after the village of Prosecco and made using only Prosecco grapes (then renamed Glera in 2009).
Prosecco is usually served chilled, as other white wines, but it's most commonly served as apéritif, or aperitivo in Italian.
The flavor is crisp and aromatic. It has a slight bitterness which pairs incredibly well with other drinks, that's why there are so many mixed drinks using Prosecco. The most famous are the Aperol Spritz, peach Bellini, strawberry Rossini, and the classic Mimosa.
What does Spritz mean?
The classic spritz is a refreshing, low-alcohol cocktail traditionally made with a combination of prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), a dash of a bitter liqueur such as Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water. This mix is usually garnished with a slice of orange and served over ice. Originating in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1800s, the spritz was initially created as a way for the Austro-Hungarian soldiers to dilute the local wines to suit their palate, hence the term "spritzen," meaning "to spray" or "splash" in German. Over time, this delightful drink has evolved and spread globally, becoming a staple of Italian aperitivo culture—a social occasion meant to stimulate the appetite before dinner.
Substitutions and Variations
- Limoncello: If limoncello is hard to find, try using a lemon-flavored vodka mixed with a little simple syrup and fresh lemon juice.
- Prosecco: Any sparkling white wine can substitute prosecco, although the flavor profile might slightly change.
- Soda Water: Sparkling mineral water can be used as a direct substitute for soda water.
Variations
- Berry Limoncello Spritz: Add a handful of fresh berries to the mix for a fruity twist.
- Herbal Limoncello Spritz: Infuse the limoncello with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an aromatic version.
- Pink Limoncello Spritz: Use pink lemonade instead of soda water for a sweeter, more colorful drink.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Limoncello Spritz in a champagne glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint to enhance its visual appeal and aroma. It's best enjoyed when sipped slowly, allowing the flavors to unfold.
Storage
While the Limoncello Spritz is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any unused limoncello in the refrigerator for up to a year. Prosecco and soda water should be consumed soon after opening to maintain their fizziness.
Can I use homemade Limoncello?
In Italy it's very common to make homemade liqueurs. One of the most common, of course, is Limoncello.
Limoncello is very easy to make, you only need grain alcohol, lemon peels, and sugar. Here you can find the recipe for homemade Limoncello.
If you have homemade Limoncello at home, you can of course use it for this recipe. It will taste great!
Related Recipes you might like
This drink would pair well with these Aperitivo snacks:
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📖 RECIPE
Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- ½ cup Prosecco wine, cold
- ½ tablespoon Limoncello, cold
- Lemon juice, optional
- fresh Mint
- a splash of Soda
Instructions
- Fill the glasses to ¾ with the Prosecco wine. Add the Limoncello and have a taste. Add some lemon juice and soda to taste.
- Another option is to add all the ingredients in a shaker with ice cubes, mix well and then serve immediately.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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