Limoncello Spritz
A citrus, refreshing and bubbly liqueur cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 14.3% ABV ∙
The Limoncello Spritz is an Italian spritz of limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water, stirred over ice and served in a wine glass.
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
- A brief stir is all it needs to mix the limoncello into the Prosecco and soda; any more knocks out the bubbles.
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. Some accounts trace it to 2005 on the Amalfi Coast, crediting Amalfi lemon producer Salvatore Aceto. This attribution is not universally accepted, and at least one cocktail publication has described the Aceto creation story as disputed. Named for those Amalfi Coast roots, the drink is also known as the Amalfi Spritz.
The base format it borrows from, the spritz veneziano, dates to the 19th century, when Austrian soldiers stationed in Veneto diluted the region's strong local wines with water. That practice evolved 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.
What is the ratio for a Limoncello Spritz?
This recipe uses 45 ml limoncello, 30 ml Prosecco, and 20 ml soda water. That is more limoncello than Prosecco, so the lemon liqueur leads and the Prosecco and soda stretch it into a spritz.
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?
One is serving the spritz warm or over too little ice, which makes the limoncello taste cloying and one-note. The other is stirring too long, which knocks the fizz out of the Prosecco and soda.
