Limoncello Spritz [Italian Prosecco cocktail]

This Limoncello Spritz is a fast, easy and refreshing cocktail!

With just 3 ingredients, you can pretend you’re hanging out on the Italian coast instead of…wherever you are right now. (And if right now you’re on the Italian coast, you can make it anyway!)

Limoncello Spritz isn’t just the cocktail we need. It’s the cocktail we deserve.

Limoncello spritzer with prosecco in a wine glass with ice, a lemon slice and sprig of thyme.

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What is a Limoncello Spritz?

It’s a blast of happiness in the dead of winter. It’s bubbly joy in the middle of summer. That’s why I always keep a bottle of limoncello ready to go.

A Sicilian recipe from over 100 years ago, limoncello combines vodka, lemons and sugar to alchemize into a sharp, sweet liqueur. It’s perfect straight up, on the rocks, over ice cream or in cocktails like this Limoncello Spritz with Prosecco and soda water.

In fact, this might be one of the most popular drinks made with limoncello. Just 3 simple ingredients are quickly layered, stirred and sipped. Before you know it, you’re sitting on an outdoor patio, looking over jagged cliffs into the emerald Mediterranean Sea.

This easy prosecco cocktail is similar to the Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz. But the limoncello adds its unique sweet, tart, lemony goodness, as if lemonade got drunk.

Since limoncello is from southern Italy, this is often referred to as the Amalfi Spritz (as the Amalfi Coast runs along southern Italy). Or some call it the Limoncello Spritzer but: oof. The word “spritzer” conjures up a whole other world of sugary-sweet iced wines. I’d rather not insult it with that association.

What you need

Ingredients:

2 oz. limoncello
4 oz. Prosecco
2 oz. soda water
1 lemon slice, for garnish
1 sprig of mint, basil or thyme for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

a small measuring glass or measuring spoons
a white wine glass, highball or rocks glass
a cutting board and chef’s knife for slicing the lemon

How to make a Limoncello Spritz

Pour the limoncello, Prosecco and soda water in the order shown into a highball or large wineglass filled with ice. Stir if desired and garnish with the lemon slice and, if using, an herb sprig.

An Italian limoncello drink in a wine glass with ice cubes, a lemon slice and sprig of thyme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make a big batch for a crowd?

Yep! I include instructions in the recipe below for making a larger amount in a pitcher.

Is limoncello strong?

Most commercial brands’ alcohol content is around 24%-32% (or 48-64 proof). So yes, even though it’s easy to drink, it’s deceptively strong.

How do I store limoncello?

You can keep limoncello in your liquor cabinet, in the fridge or even in the freezer so it can really be as refreshing as possible (it will remain liquid, not freeze solid).

How and when do I serve a Limoncello Spritz?

You can use highball glasses or really big wine glasses.

It’s so easy to make it’s perfect for parties large or small

It’s a great substitute for mimosas at brunch, especially for Mother’s Day or Easter.

It would go great alongside my Grilled Italian Platter and Strawberry, Cucumber and Arugula Salad with Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing.

Or throw the necessary bottles into your cooler for a picnic.

Other cocktails and mocktails you might like: