Ever had one of those sweltering summer days when your regular G&T just isn’t cutting it anymore? Enter the Limoncello Spritz—the cocktail that’s about to revolutionize your porch-sitting, pool-lounging, and “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” moments. This isn’t just any cocktail; it’s sunshine in a glass with bubbles. And trust me, once you’ve made one, your friends will be inviting themselves over with suspicious regularity.
Why This Limoncello Spritz Will Ruin All Other Cocktails For You
Let’s be honest—summer cocktails should be three things: refreshing, easy to make, and potent enough to make you forget about your failed gardening attempts. This Limoncello Spritz checks all these boxes and then some.
First off, it’s ridiculously refreshing. The combination of tart limoncello, crisp prosecco, and fizzy soda water creates this perfect storm of citrusy, bubbly goodness that cools you down faster than jumping into a pool with your clothes on (not that I’m recommending that).
Second, it’s embarrassingly simple to make. We’re talking “could-do-this-half-asleep” levels of easy. No muddling, no shaking, no fancy bartending skills required. Just pour, stir, and look impressive.
And finally, it’s got that perfect alcohol balance—strong enough to feel it, light enough to have two without sending tomorrow’s you hate mail. What more could you want?
Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz limoncello (store-bought works fine, but homemade earns you extra bragging rights)
- 3 oz prosecco (chilled, please—warm prosecco is a crime we don't forgive)
- 1 oz soda water (or more if you want it lighter)
- Ice cubes (the bigger the better)
- Lemon wheel for garnish (because we're fancy like that)
- Fresh mint sprig (optional, but adds that "I definitely have my life together" vibe)
Instructions
- Start with a wine glass. Yes, specifically a wine glass—those balloon-shaped ones that make you feel sophisticated even when you're in sweatpants.
- Fill that bad boy with ice. Don't be stingy—we want this drink COLD.
- Pour in the limoncello. That's your 2 oz of liquid sunshine right there.
- Add the prosecco with a gentle pour. We're making a cocktail, not creating a fizzy volcano science experiment.
- Top with soda water. Just a splash to bring everything together.
- Give it one gentle stir. We're aiming for "combined," not "stirred into oblivion."
- Garnish with that lemon wheel and mint sprig if you're feeling fancy. Go ahead, balance it on the rim like they do in the fancy bars.
- Raise glass, sip, and immediately wonder why you haven't been making these your whole life.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients – Cold limoncello and prosecco are essential for a properly refreshing spritz that doesn’t immediately lose its bubbles.
- Balance your ratios – The perfect spritz depends on the 2:3:1 ratio (limoncello:prosecco:soda); adjust slightly for personal preference but maintain the balance.
- Don’t overstir – One gentle stir is all you need; aggressive stirring will quickly flatten your drink and ruin those delightful bubbles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm ingredients. Nothing kills a spritz faster than lukewarm prosecco. Keep everything COLD.
- Overdoing the soda water. This isn’t a lemon La Croix, people. Keep the ratio right or you’ll dilute all that lovely flavor.
- Using cheap prosecco. You don’t need Dom Perignon, but that $4 bottle with a plastic cork might make you regret your life choices tomorrow.
- Forgetting the ice. Without ice, you’re just drinking warm lemon booze. No one wants that.
Variations & Customizations
- The “I’m Being Healthy” Version: Swap the soda water for sparkling water infused with cucumber. Add extra mint. Tell yourself the antioxidants in the lemon cancel out the alcohol. (They don’t, but delusion can be delicious.)
- The “It’s Been A Day” Version: Double the limoncello, add a splash of vodka, forget the soda water. Maybe text a friend to check on you later.
- The “Brunch Appropriate” Version: Add a splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice and a few berries. Now it’s practically a smoothie, right? Right.
FAQs
Can I make this in a batch for parties?
Absolutely! Just mix the limoncello and prosecco in a pitcher right before serving, then let guests top with soda water. Don’t pre-mix everything or you’ll lose all those lovely bubbles.
I don’t like things too sweet. Can I adjust this?
Sure thing! Use less limoncello and add more soda water, or look for a “dry” limoncello which has less sugar.
How long does homemade limoncello last?
If you’re going the homemade route (overachiever!), properly stored limoncello can last up to a year in the freezer. But let’s be real—it never lasts that long because you’ll drink it all first.
Final Thoughts
The Limoncello Spritz isn’t just a drink—it’s a lifestyle choice that says, “I appreciate the finer things, but I’m not about to spend 20 minutes muddling herbs for a cocktail.” It’s the perfect balance of impressive and lazy, which, honestly, is the sweet spot we should all be aiming for in life.
Next time someone asks what you’re drinking, just smile mysteriously and say, “Oh, just a little something I whipped up.” Then watch as they take a sip and immediately demand the recipe. That, my friends, is cocktail karma.
