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If you need a refreshing spring or summer cocktail, this Limoncello Spritz is ready in just 2 minutes with limoncello, prosecco, club soda, and ice. It’s cold, bubbly, slightly sweet, and bursting with lemon flavor, the kind of easy limoncello cocktail you can pour right in the glass and serve sunny-day fresh.
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Kellie’s Note
When Life Gives You Lemons
Whatever the sunny occasion may be, this limoncello spritz is here to save the day! It’s citrusy, slightly sweet, bubbly and refreshing as can be. Everything about this easy lemon spritz recipe practically screams summer.
I think my favorite thing about this cocktail recipe is that it only calls for 3 ingredients and does not require muddling, shaking, or any complicated bar setup. After testing this simple 3-2-1 balance, I love how the prosecco keeps the drink crisp, the limoncello brings that sweet lemon flavor, and the club soda keeps it light and bubbly. It’s exactly the kind of cocktail I like serving at parties because you can pour it right in the glass instead of staying behind the bar while everyone else is having fun.
Garnishing the glass with fresh herbs (mint or basil both work) and a lemon slice is also a must. Limoncello already smells lovely, so adding even more fresh aromatics to the glass makes each sip all the more pleasant. Because this spritz recipe is so simple, I’ve also included a few easy variations to try. Just scroll down a little bit to check those out!
Ingredients for Limoncello Spritz
This 3-ingredient limoncello cocktail is simple, so each ingredient matters. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Limoncello: This sweet Italian lemon liqueur gives the spritz its bright citrus flavor and sunny yellow color. It is typically made by infusing lemon zest into alcohol, then sweetening it with sugar or simple syrup.
- Prosecco: Use a dry or brut prosecco so the cocktail stays crisp and balanced. Limoncello is already sweet, so a drier bubbly keeps the drink from tasting too sugary. Champagne or cava can also work in a pinch.
- Club Soda: Club soda keeps the cocktail light, fizzy, and refreshing. Sparkling water also works well. Tonic water will add a slightly bitter flavor, while flavored seltzer can add a fun fruit twist.
- Ice: Crushed ice makes the drink extra cold and refreshing, but regular ice cubes work too.
- Optional Garnishes: Lemon slices reinforce the citrus flavor, mint adds a cool fresh aroma, and basil gives the drink a slightly herbal, summery finish.
How to Make a Limoncello Spritz
The easiest way to remember a limoncello spritz is the 3-2-1 ratio: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, and 1 part club soda. For one drink, that means 3 ounces prosecco, 2 ounces limoncello, and 1 ounce club soda poured over ice.
- Fill the glass. Add crushed ice or ice cubes to a chilled wine glass.
- Pour the cocktail. Add 2 ounces limoncello, 3 ounces prosecco, and 1 ounce club soda.
- Stir gently. Give it a very light stir so you do not flatten the bubbles.
- Garnish and serve. Add a lemon slice and fresh mint or basil, then serve right away.
Kellie’s Variations to Try
Once you know the basic 3-2-1 ratio, this limoncello spritz is easy to customize. Keep the limoncello, prosecco, and club soda balance the same, then try one of these simple variations:
- Make it sweeter. Add a touch of honey simple syrup if you want a softer, sweeter finish.
- Make it fruity. Muddle strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries in the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.
- Use flavored bubbles. Swap the club soda for lemon, berry, or citrus-flavored seltzer.
- Keep it extra cold. Freeze lemon slices or berries and use them in place of some of the ice.
- Add a floral twist. Stir in a very small splash of lavender simple syrup. A little goes a long way.
Can I make it ahead of time?
I do not recommend fully mixing a limoncello spritz ahead of time because the prosecco and club soda will lose their bubbles. For easy entertaining, chill the limoncello, prosecco, and club soda in advance, slice the lemons, wash the herbs, and set out the glasses. Then pour each spritz right before serving so it stays cold, bubbly, and fresh.
Kellie’s Tips for the Best Spritz Cocktail
- Use chilled ingredients. Cold limoncello, prosecco, and club soda make the spritz more refreshing and help the ice melt more slowly.
- Choose dry prosecco. A dry or brut prosecco balances the sweetness of the limoncello.
- Stir gently. You only need a light stir to combine the drink. Too much stirring can flatten the bubbles.
- Adjust to taste. If the cocktail tastes too sweet, add a splash more prosecco or club soda. If you want more lemon flavor, add a little more limoncello.
- Serve immediately. This cocktail is best right after pouring, while the prosecco and club soda are still bubbly.
What to Serve with a Limoncello Spritz
This bright lemon cocktail is perfect for spring and summer entertaining, especially before dinner or with lighter appetizers. Serve it with fresh salads, grilled seafood, grilled chicken, bruschetta, salty snacks, or simple Italian-inspired bites and Charcuterie Boards. The lemony sweetness of the spritz works especially well with fresh herbs, citrusy dishes, and anything served outdoors on a warm day.
Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Equipment
- 1 wine glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Limoncello
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounce club soda, or flavored sparkling water
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Mint, basil and sliced lemons, optional
Instructions
- Add the ice to a chilled glass.
- Top with the limoncello, Prosecco and club soda.
- Stir gently and garnish with mint, basil, or lemon slices.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use dry or brut prosecco for the best balance.
- Serve immediately so the spritz stays bubbly.
- For a fruit variation, muddle berries in the glass before adding ice.
- For a lighter drink, add an extra splash of club soda or sparkling water.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Easy Summer Cocktails
If you love light, refreshing cocktails, try one of these easy summer drink recipes next.
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Yes, you can scale the ingredients for a pitcher, but wait to add the prosecco and club soda until just before serving. This keeps the cocktail bubbly and fresh.
Yes. Sparkling water works well in a limoncello spritz. Use plain sparkling water for the cleanest flavor or a lemon-flavored seltzer for extra citrus flavor.
A dry or brut prosecco is best because limoncello is already sweet. A drier prosecco keeps the cocktail balanced, crisp, and refreshing.
Yes, a limoncello spritz is lightly sweet and lemony. For a less sweet drink, add a little more prosecco or club soda.
A wine glass is classic for a spritz, but a stemless wine glass or highball glass also works.
