Limoncello Spritz – Refreshing Italian Lemon Cocktail

By Brianna Simmons · Published: May 21, 2021 · Updated: October 16, 2023

Few places have mastered the art of the simple cocktail quite like Italy. Aperitivo, or a light drink before dinner, is a treasured custom throughout Italy where relaxation and conversation over a glass of wine or a cocktail is a great way to unwind after a busy day. Citrusy and bubbly, this Limoncello Spritz is easy to make and one sip will transport you to the Amalfi coast for a taste of la dolce vita right in your own backyard.

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I first fell in love with spritzes while visiting a friend who lives in Ferarra, Italy. After arriving by train from Florence we dropped my luggage off at her place and took her daughter to a nearby park.

“This park has my favorite bar” she exclaimed and explained to me that many neighborhood parks in Italy have small kiosks where you can get a snack, coffee or a cocktail. It was here I had my first limoncello spritz sitting among a beautiful garden while children played and the day’s light turned golden as we headed toward sunset. It was lovely and I was smitten, not just with the limoncello spritz but also with the fact that this was a very typical way to spend an evening.

What is a Spritz Cocktail?

Spritzes date back to the 1800’s in the Veneto region of Northern Italy which at the time was controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Soldiers found Italian wines to be a bit too strong so they lightened their drinks with a splash of water (or “spritz” in German). Aperol spritzes are quite popular and you’ll also find other liqueurs used such as Campari, St. Germain (try my Hugo Spritz), Amaro ( take a look at my Amaro Spritz) and limoncello.

How to Make a Limoncello Spritz

This limoncello spritz follows the classic 3:2:1 spritz ratio of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts limoncello and 1 part soda water. I usually use homemade limoncello (since it’s easy to make and I get a huge batch) but there are plenty of excellent limoncellos you can purchase as well. For an individual limoncello spritz I add limoncello to a glass with ice, top with Prosecco and soda water and stir to combine. You can also easily make a pitcher of limoncello spritz using the same ratio (in this case 1 bottle of Prosecco, 2 cups of limoncello and 1 cup soda water), this is a simple batch cocktail to make for any summer party. Garnish your spritz with a slice of lemon and mint and enjoy!

If you like this Limoncello Spritz cocktail be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!

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