Limoncello Spritz: A Light & Bubbly Summer Cocktail Recipe

A few summers ago, I was sitting on a sun-drenched terrace in southern Italy, watching the waves roll in and sipping something cold, lemony, and sparkling. That drink was a Limoncello Spritz. I had no idea it would become one of my all-time favorite summer cocktails.

Since then, I’ve been making this light, bubbly cocktail every chance I get. It’s the kind of drink that just feels like sunshine easy to mix up, refreshingly citrusy, and honestly kind of irresistible. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard dinner, this is the perfect drink to keep in your rotation all summer long.

What Makes This Spritz So Special

If you’re not already familiar, limoncello is a sweet Italian lemon liqueur, usually served chilled after a meal. It’s bold, bright, and packed with zesty flavor. When you mix it with a bit of bubbly Prosecco and top it off with sparkling water, something magical happens. The result is crisp, light, and fizzy, with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity.

It’s a super simple cocktail, but it tastes and looks like something you’d be served at a chic little bar overlooking the Amalfi Coast. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to bring that kind of energy into their kitchen?

The best part? It only takes a few minutes to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make one refreshing glass of Limoncello Spritz:

• 2 oz Limoncello
• 3 oz chilled Prosecco
• 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
• 3 slices of fresh lemon
• 1 fresh mint sprig
• Plenty of ice

Tools That Make It Easy

This cocktail doesn’t require a fancy bar setup. All you need is:

• A large wine glass (a stemless one works too)
• A jigger or shot glass for measuring
• A stirring spoon
• A small knife and cutting board for garnishes

If you want to get fancy, a cocktail muddler is great for gently bruising the mint, but it’s totally optional.

Make It Your Own

One of the things I love about this drink is how easy it is to tweak. Here are a few ways to switch it up based on your taste or what you have on hand:

• Swap club soda for a lemon or lime-flavored sparkling water for an extra citrusy twist
• Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral note
• Drop in a few raspberries or strawberries for a burst of color and sweetness
• Use basil instead of mint for a more herbaceous finish
• Prefer something lighter? Cut the Prosecco down to 2 oz and increase the soda for a low-alcohol version

How to Make a Limoncello Spritz

Chill your ingredients first

Make sure your Limoncello, Prosecco, and club soda are all cold before you start. This keeps the drink crisp and minimizes how much ice melts into it.

Fill your glass with ice

Use a large wine or spritz glass and load it with plenty of ice to keep the cocktail perfectly chilled from the first sip to the last.

Add the Limoncello

Pour 2 ounces of Limoncello over the ice. This is your base, and it sets the citrusy tone of the drink.

Slowly pour in the Prosecco

Add 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco. Go slow to preserve those delicate bubbles.

Top it off with club soda

Pour in 1 ounce of club soda or sparkling water. This adds lightness and that extra refreshing fizz.

Give it a gentle stir

Use a long spoon to stir once or twice, just enough to blend the flavors without flattening the bubbles.

Garnish and serve immediately

Add three thin lemon slices and a fresh mint sprig to make it beautiful and aromatic. Serve right away and enjoy.

A Few Tips for the Best Limoncello Spritz

• Chill everything ahead of time Prosecco, Limoncello, and soda. It makes a big difference
• Dry or brut Prosecco is best since it balances out the sweetness of the limoncello
• Don’t stir too much or you’ll flatten the drink
• Hosting a group? Pre-mix the limoncello and soda in a pitcher and top each glass with Prosecco right before serving
• Want extra flair? Freeze your lemon slices ahead of time and use them as decorative ice cubes

Can You Store It?

This isn’t really a make-ahead cocktail, since it’s all about those lively bubbles. But if you’re prepping for guests, you can definitely mix the limoncello and soda ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the Prosecco until you’re ready to serve.

Leftovers (if you somehow have any) can go in the fridge for a few hours, but keep in mind the fizz will fade. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

A Little Backstory

Limoncello has been made in Southern Italy for generations. Traditionally, it’s crafted from thick-skinned Sorrento lemons that are known for their fragrant oils. Families often make their own batches at home, and it’s served icy cold as a digestivo after dinner.

Turning it into a spritz is a more modern twist, but it fits perfectly with Italy’s love for aperitivo those light, early evening drinks meant to be enjoyed with good company and a few snacks before dinner. If you love a classic Aperol Spritz, this is its brighter, more citrusy cousin.

Questions You Might Be Asking

What does a Limoncello Spritz taste like?
It’s sweet, lemony, and sparkling, with a hint of bitterness from the Prosecco and a clean, crisp finish.

Can I make it without alcohol?
Definitely. Just swap the limoncello for a lemon soda or sparkling lemonade and skip the Prosecco. It’s still delicious and just as refreshing.

Can I use another sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?
Absolutely. Cava or even a dry sparkling rosé would work nicely. Just avoid anything too sweet.

How do I make a big batch for a party?
Mix limoncello and club soda in a large pitcher and refrigerate. Pour over ice and top each glass with Prosecco right before serving. Garnish just as you would for a single drink.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the Limoncello Spritz that just makes you want to slow down, breathe in the warm air, and savor the moment. It’s a feel-good drink that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or just want something crisp and cheerful at the end of the day, this cocktail always delivers.

Print