Limoncello Spritz Recipe: How to Make It, What to Mix and Which Bottle to Buy
A limoncello spritz recipe needs only three things: limoncello, sparkling wine and soda water over plenty of ice. It is bright, lightly sweet and easy to make for one person or a whole table. This guide gives the exact ratio, explains how to adjust it for your taste, and shows how to choose a limoncello and a sparkling wine that suit the drink.
What is a limoncello spritz?
A limoncello spritz is a long, refreshing drink in the style of the Italian spritz. Instead of a bitter aperitif, it uses limoncello, a lemon liqueur made by steeping lemon peel in strong spirit and sweetening it with sugar. Topped with sparkling wine and soda, the result is a pale yellow drink that tastes of lemon zest rather than sharp juice.
Because the lemon flavour comes from the peel, the drink is fragrant and gently sweet rather than sour. That makes it popular as a summer aperitif and an easy batch drink for gatherings.
What do you need to make a limoncello spritz?
You need four things: a limoncello, a dry sparkling wine, soda water and ice. A wine glass or large tumbler works best, because it leaves room for ice and bubbles. Add a lemon slice, fresh mint or both if you want a garnish.
For the sparkling wine, a dry prosecco is the usual choice. Any dry sparkling wine works, and a brut style keeps the drink from becoming too sweet. Keep the bottle and the soda in the fridge until you are ready to pour.
How do you make a limoncello spritz step by step?
Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in 60 ml of limoncello, add 90 ml of chilled prosecco, then top with a splash of soda water of about 30 ml. Stir once, gently, so the bubbles stay lively. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint and serve straight away.
To make a jug for six, combine 360 ml of limoncello and 540 ml of prosecco in a jug with ice, then add the soda just before serving. Pour into glasses and garnish each one. Do not add the soda early, because it will go flat.
How can you change the strength and sweetness?
The ratio is easy to adjust. For a lighter drink, use one part limoncello to three parts prosecco and a larger splash of soda. For a stronger, sweeter spritz, use equal parts limoncello and prosecco. Taste after the first sip and adjust the next glass.
If the limoncello you chose is very sweet, choose a brut or extra brut sparkling wine and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance it. If it is on the drier side, a standard brut prosecco is perfect.
What are the best variations?
Add a few muddled raspberries or strawberries for a fruit spritz. Swap the soda for tonic for a slightly bitter edge. Use a splash of gin to make a limoncello gin spritz with more botanical depth, or replace the prosecco with a pink sparkling wine for a colourful serve.
For an after-dinner version, serve limoncello very cold on its own in a small glass and use the spritz as the aperitif before the meal.
How do you choose a good limoncello?
Look for a limoncello made from real lemon peel rather than flavouring, with a clear yellow colour and a fresh lemon smell. Check the ABV on the label, because limoncello is commonly between 25 and 30 percent, and the strength affects how much you need per drink.
Browse the full liqueur collection to compare bottles. Our range includes Bottega Limoncino and Limoncetta di Sorrento; see Bottega Limoncino limoncello and Limoncetta di Sorrento limoncello for current prices and sizes.
How should you store and serve limoncello?
Store limoncello in the fridge or freezer. Its sugar and alcohol content stop it from freezing solid, and the cold makes it thicker and more refreshing. Once opened, it keeps well for months if the cap is sealed and the bottle is kept cold and out of sunlight.
Serve limoncello chilled, in small glasses, or use it in cocktails. If you enjoy citrus drinks, explore the orange liqueur collection for triple sec and Cointreau serves as well.
What food goes well with a limoncello spritz?
The bright lemon and gentle sweetness suit light, salty and fresh foods. Try it with antipasto, olives, prosciutto and melon, seafood, grilled prawns or a simple lemon pasta. It also works with soft cheeses and with fresh fruit desserts.
Because the spritz is lightly sweet, avoid pairing it with very sweet desserts, which can make both taste flat. A salty snack is the best partner, and it keeps guests happy while they wait for dinner.
How can you make the drink look great for guests?
Presentation takes only a minute. Use a large wine glass or a stemless tumbler, fill it with ice to the top and add a long strip of lemon peel rather than just a slice. Add a sprig of mint, which brings a fresh scent every time someone lifts the glass.
For parties, freeze lemon slices or edible flowers into the ice and serve the spritz in a jug with a long spoon. Keep the ingredients cold in a bucket of ice so that each refill tastes as good as the first.
How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?
Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.
The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.
How can you drink responsibly in Australia?
The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.
Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.
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Sour Puss Apple Blended Liqueur (700ml) is a liqueurs from Wet Pussy, made in Australia. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best ratio for a limoncello spritz?
A common ratio is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello and 1 part soda water over ice. Adjust it to taste.
What sparkling wine is best in a limoncello spritz?
A dry prosecco works best because limoncello is already sweet. Any dry sparkling wine is suitable.
Can you make a limoncello spritz without soda?
Yes. Use equal parts limoncello and sparkling wine over ice, though the drink will be stronger and sweeter.
How do you store limoncello?
Keep it in the fridge or freezer. It will not freeze solid because of its alcohol and sugar content.
Where can I buy limoncello in Australia?
You can buy limoncello online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia. An adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.
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