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.

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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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yep! I include instructions in the recipe below for making a larger amount in a pitcher.
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.
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).
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:
- Negroni Sbagliato
- Carrot Bloody Mary
- Frozen Mango Margarita
- Honeydew Mint Cooler mocktail
- Frozen Pineapple Virgin Margarita

Limoncello Spritz
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)
Instructions
To make 1 drink:
- 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.
To make 8 drinks:
- Pour 1 (750) ml bottle of limoncello and 2 (750) ml bottles of Prosecco into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir and pour into highballs or large wineglasses filled with ice. Top with soda water (you'll need about 16 oz. total). Garnish with lemon slices and, if desired, herb sprigs.
BEA says
The creamy limoncello tastes much better than the other type!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
I’m a big fan of creamy limoncello!
Anna says
If you’re making the pitcher recipe, how much soda water should be used?
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
You’d need 16 oz. total. I’ll add that to the recipe – thanks!
Anna says
Thank you!
Sarah says
I am writing this from the coast of Sicily, where I just had my first Limoncello Spritz in Taormina last night! It was so refreshing and such a pleasant change from an Aperol Spritz. Just bought a bottle of limoncello to bring home and found your recipe when looking for the proper proportions. Grazie mille!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
That’s so great! I’m so jealous that you’re in Sicily. I’ve never been but it looks beautiful. I hope you enjoy your spritz!
heather says
I love anything lemon! This sounds great for summer…if it ever comes 🙂
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Ha, I know, right? Drink it anyway so at least it’ll FEEL like summer. 😉
heather says
oh, this sounds so refreshing!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Thanks!