Limoncello Spritz Recipe

In the Limoncello Spritz, a two-ingredient sparkler, limoncello and sparkling wine come together to yield a tangy and fragrant drink with balanced acidity. Refreshing and light, the herb garnish adds a pop of green and fresh aromatics.

Limoncello is a tangy lemon liqueur originating from Italy’s Amalfi coast. Infused with lemon peels and sweetened to counterbalance the acidity, the liqueur is typically enjoyed chilled and neat, as an after-dinner digestivo. It’s also a favorite ingredient in cocktails, desserts, and dessert cocktails. 

The traditional spritz structure follows the 3:2:1 structure: three parts sparkling wine, two parts liqueur, and one part soda water. This recipe strays from the classic formula and simplifies the spritz even further.

Why the Limoncello Spritz works

Minimal spritzes, using merely two ingredients, can often showcase a spirit or liqueur to greater effect. Like a highball, a spirit and mixer can balance and complement one another if there is structure and complexity in both parts. 

Limoncello and sparkling wine work beautifully as a light and refreshing, lower ABV cocktail. In this simple spritz, Italian sparkling wine like Prosecco adds additional citrus notes, lengthens the liqueur, and provides effervescence. The herb garnish can be considered a third ingredient, adding botanical aromas, dimension, and a splash of color.

This recipe was developed by Lucy Simon; the text was written by Prairie Rose.