Cocktail recipe
Limoncello Spritz
Updated · by Luke, bartender
spritz · The Speakeasy Selection
About 2.2 standard drinks at the WHO reference of 10 g. About 13–15% ABV in the glass as it sits over ice. Estimated from the recipe at typical bottle strengths; yours will vary. How we calculate, and other countries' definitions →
The recipe
Ingredients
Glass Large wine glass or balloon glass
Method
- Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice — a full glass of ice keeps the drink cold without diluting too fast.
- Pour the Prosecco first , then the limoncello, then the soda water.
- Stir once, gently , to combine without knocking out the bubbles.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel tucked into the ice and a clapped mint sprig.
- Serve immediately, while lively.
Limoncello Spritz
"Sunshine, distilled and poured over ice."
At a Glance
| Vibe | Bright · Sun-soaked · Easy |
| Best For | Brunch · Aperitivo hour · Warm afternoons |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Flavour Profile
Bright lemon hits first — zesty and sweet — before the Prosecco's dry bubbles cut through and lengthen the finish. It's a drink built around freshness, with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat.
The story
The spritz format has proven it can carry almost any bittersweet liqueur: Aperol made it global, Hugo made it floral, and the Limoncello Spritz is its brightest, most unapologetically sunny variation.
Limoncello is a Southern Italian institution: a lemon-peel liqueur traditionally served ice-cold as a post-dinner digestivo along the Amalfi Coast. Lengthening it into a spritz turns that after-dinner ritual into an all-day one: lower in alcohol, longer, more refreshing. Its vivid yellow looks beautiful against blue water and white tablecloths, and it tastes like a holiday in a glass.
Variations
| Variation | Twist |
|---|---|
| Limoncello Spritz Royale | Float 10 ml gin for a drier, more structured drink |
| Basil Limoncello Spritz | Add 2–3 basil leaves to the ice for a herbal lift |
| Pink Lemon Spritz | Swap in pink lemonade or a splash of grapefruit for colour |
| Frozen Limoncello Spritz | Blend with ice for a slushy, poolside version |
| NA Limoncello-Style Spritz | Use alcohol-free limoncello and sparkling wine — same sunshine, zero proof |
What to serve with it
- Food: Grilled prawns, burrata and tomato, lemon tart, salty olives, focaccia
- Occasion: Brunch, aperitivo hour, garden parties, pre-dinner on a terrace
- Music vibe: Italian café jazz, bossa nova, breezy summer pop
Quick-reference card
Limoncello Spritz · Build over ice · Large wine glass 3 parts Prosecco · 2 parts limoncello · 1 part soda · lemon + mint Bright · low-ABV · the taste of an Italian summer
Glassware & presentation
Glass: Large wine glass or balloon (stemmed) glass Serve: Over plenty of ice Temperature: Ice cold Garnish: Lemon wheel + mint sprig (an olive or lemon twist also works)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Follow the classic spritz 3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts limoncello, one part soda water. Build it over ice in a large wine glass. If you find limoncello too sweet, push toward 3-1.5-1.5 — more soda lengthens the drink and tames the sugar.
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Absolutely, and it's where this drink shines. Homemade limoncello made from unwaxed Amalfi or Sorrento lemon peels has a brighter, less syrupy character than mass-market bottles. If yours is very strong (32%+ ABV), add a touch more soda.
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A dry Brut or Extra Dry Prosecco balances limoncello's sweetness best. Avoid anything labelled Dolce. The bubbles should be the counterweight to the liqueur — crisp and dry, not sugary.
What next?
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From the Lab
Master the craft behind this drink
The fundamentals that make this drink work — explained in The Lab.