Limoncello Spritz
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 15.7% ABV ∙
The Limoncello Spritz is an Italian highball of limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water, stirred over ice and served in a wine glass. Sunny lemon sweetness leads, cut by a crisp Prosecco fizz and a soft soda fade that keeps the finish light rather than syrupy.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Prosecco extra dry 30 mlLimoncello liqueur 45 mlSoda water 20 ml
- Briefly stir
- Garnish with an orange slice
Tips
- Add the soda water last so its fizz survives the stir instead of dissipating underneath the other liquids.
- Stir briefly and gently — over-stirring knocks the fizz out of the Prosecco and soda before serving.
History
The Limoncello Spritz is a modern offshoot of the Venetian Spritz that swaps the classic bitter apéritif for limoncello, the lemon liqueur of southern Italy. Several Italian hospitality and tourism accounts trace it to 2005 on the Amalfi Coast, crediting Amalfi lemon producer Salvatore Aceto with the idea of mixing his limoncello with Prosecco and soda at a local promotional event, where it was first served as a "Lemon Spritz." This attribution is not universally accepted, and at least one cocktail publication has described the Aceto creation story as disputed. Because of its coastal roots, the drink is also known as the Amalfi Spritz or, further north, the Ligurian Riviera spritz.
The base format it borrows from, the spritz veneziano, dates to the late 19th century, when Austrian soldiers stationed in Veneto during Austro-Hungarian rule diluted the region's strong local wines with water, a practice that evolved through the 20th century into the sparkling-wine-and-bitter-liqueur formula used across Venice today.
FAQ
What is a Limoncello Spritz made of?
Limoncello, Prosecco extra dry, and soda water, stirred together over ice and garnished with an orange slice. Limoncello is the largest component here, which keeps the lemon flavor front and center rather than treating it as just an accent.
What is the ratio for a Limoncello Spritz?
This build is limoncello-forward rather than equal parts: limoncello makes up the largest share, with Prosecco next and a smaller splash of soda water on top. That balance keeps the lemon liqueur as the dominant flavor while the Prosecco and soda lighten it into a spritz.
What alcohol mixes well with limoncello?
Prosecco is the classic partner for limoncello, as in this build, since its dry fizz balances the liqueur's sweetness. Gin, vodka, and other neutral spirits also pair with limoncello in other drinks, but this recipe keeps it simple with Prosecco and soda water.
Do Italians drink Limoncello Spritz?
Yes, spritzing limoncello with Prosecco or sparkling wine and soda water is a common warm-weather serve in Italy, especially in the south where limoncello originates. It is typically treated as a lighter, more casual alternative to sipping limoncello straight and chilled after a meal.
What are common limoncello mistakes?
The most common mistake is skipping the chill — limoncello served warm or over too little ice turns cloying and one-note. Overpouring the liqueur relative to the Prosecco and soda is another; since limoncello is already sweet, too much of it flattens the drink instead of balancing it.
