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This classic limoncello spritz recipe celebrates the lemon-forward flavor of a timeless Italian liqueur with the bubbly balance of prosecco and soda water! For even extra zing, you can make your own homemade Italian lemon soda using this easy lemon simple syrup recipe, too!

a bottle of prosecco pours into a wine glass with a limoncello spritz cocktail. Two other glasses of limoncello spritzes sit in the background, with a bowl of lemons and lemon slices.

In 2010 I went on a trip around Southern Italy to explore my familial roots. That’s where I first tried limoncello. Since then, I’ve been a fan of the lemony zesty, sour, sweet liqueur! I even make it (and a blood orange orangecello) myself at home! It’s sort of like a lemon head candy, in liquid, boozy form.

Looking for an appetizer to serve with your spritz? Try these easy baked sourdough crostini paired with a burrata caprese salad with balsamic glaze or these fresh marinated mozzarella balls!

why this limoncello recipe works:

🍋 zesty & refreshing. This cocktail is perfect for a hot spring or summer day. Spring and summer are known for being prime spritz cocktail seasons, and for good reason! Warm weather calls for refreshing cocktails!

🍾 bubbly & fun. Bubbles make every cocktail more fun, and the prosecco is here to play. This beverage is perfect for parties, or a fun brunch!

⏱️ quick & easy. This recipe is so simple, you don’t even need a cocktail shaker. Just layer the ingredients in your cocktail glasses, and you are good to go!

🛒 ingredients

an overhead shot of limoncello spritz cocktails.
  • limoncello – limoncello is an Italian liqueur made from high-proof vodka or grain alcohol, lemons, and sugar. It’s sour, sweet, and super lemony! You can either make your own, or you can buy a bottle at your local liquor store.
  • prosecco – this cocktail recipe has a double dose of bubbles, in part to prosecco. Prosecco is Italian sparkling wine. Like champagne, it can only be called “prosecco” if it is made within a certain region of Italy, so make sure to get a certified DOCG bottle of bubbles.
  • sparkling water – the second serving of bubbles comes from the sparkling water or soda water.
  • OPTIONAL UPGRADE: If you want an extra dose of lemon flavor, you can use San Pellegrino limonata. Alternatively, you can use homemade lemon simple syrup and soda water to make your own limonata!
  • lemons – you’ll need a few fresh lemons for garnishing this cocktail!
  • fresh mint – fresh mint isn’t necessary, but it adds a nice pop of color to the drink as a garnish.

See the recipe card for the exact quantities.

🍳 instructions

1: Garnish your glassware by layering in slices of lemon against the inside of the glass, then fill each glass with ice.

2: Pour 1 ounce of soda water into each glass. For extra lemon flavor, use sparkling Italian lemonade!

3: Pour 2 ounces of limoncello into each glass.

4: Top each glass off with 3 ounces of chilled prosecco. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint, and serve!

💡tips & tricks for getting it right

This is an easy cocktail to make, but things can go wrong! The biggest mistake I see people making with spritz cocktails is not chilling the ingredients and glassware beforehand and not layering the ingredients properly. No one wants to slurp a straight shot of limoncello.

  • layer to perfection – make sure to layer the drinks in this order: soda water, limoncello, then prosecco. Layering in this way ensures the soda water mixes in with the limoncello (without stirring!), and gives you a fun prosecco “floater.”
  • keep it cool – since this drink isn’t shaken in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, it’s important to use cold ingredients for the best flavor. Pop your limoncello in the freezer for a quick chill, and make sure your prosecco is properly chilled to the ideal temperature of 40º – 45º. If in doubt, you can pop your prosecco into a bucket of ice!
  • chill your glassware – if you have the time (and freezer space), place your glassware into the freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving these spritzes. Alternatively, you can fill each glass with ice and let it sit for up to 15 minutes to chill. You’ll want to dump excess water out of each glass before mixing to avoid a watered-down drink!

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♻️ substitutions & variations

Missing an ingredient? No problem. Check out these tried-and-true substitutions, or comment below with your question. I’m here to help you troubleshoot!

  • sparkling wine or champagne– if you don’t have prosecco, you can still make this cocktail by using sparkling wine or even champagne.
  • orange, or another citrus– swap out the lemon sparkling water for orange sparkling water, or another citrus flavor, like an italian grapefruit soda.
  • frozen – combine your limoncello with some ice in a blender to make a frosty version of this classic cocktail.

🧰 equipment needed & storage tips

  • wine glasses – the traditional glass for a spritz cocktail is a wine glass. You can use whatever size you like, but I love using classic wine glasses for my spritz cocktails!
  • measuring beaker – I love using small measuring beakers from OXO to make cocktails at home, but you can also use a cocktail jigger to measure your liquid ingredients.
  • small cutting board and paring knife – you’ll also need a small cutting board and paring knife, to slice the lemon for garnishes.
  • straws – don’t forget the straws! I love using colorful striped straws to match my cocktails.

🫙 storage tips

While you can make this drink ahead of time, you will lose some effervescence from the sparkling water and prosecco if you prepare it too far in advance. For this reason, this drink is best served shortly after mixing.

If you must prepare it ahead of time, store it in a bottle or airtight container that can keep your bubbles safely preserved. At its maximum, this cocktail can keep for 24 hours, but it might go flat.

💬 q+a

What is limoncello?

Limoncello is a liqueur made from lemon zest, sugar, and alcohol. It is largely found in the Amalfi region of Italy, or southern or coastal regions where lemons are grown. You can make it yourself at home, or you can buy it at your local liquor store.

Where can I buy limoncello?

Most domestic liquor stores have limoncello in their “cordials” or “liqueur” section of the store. You can also make your own limoncello at home.

Do I need prosecco for this cocktail?

Traditionally, this beverage is made with prosecco. It is an Italian cocktail, by the way! If you can’t find prosecco or you don’t have it, you can use another sparkling wine to make it.

What kind of glass is a limoncello spritz served in?

Spritz cocktails are usually served in a wine glass, filled with ice. You can use whatever glasses you have on hand, though!

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a bottle of prosecco pours into a wine glass with a limoncello spritz cocktail. Two other glasses of limoncello spritzes sit in the background, with a bowl of lemons and lemon slices.

Easy Limoncello Spritz (Classic Italian Lemon Cocktail)

This refreshing limoncello spritz recipe is an Italian classic cocktail that's full of zesty lemon flavor! It's an easy-to-follow ratio of ingredients that is simple to customize and quick to mix together, making it the perfect cocktail for any occasion!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cocktail, lemon, limoncello, prosecco, spritz
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 248kcal
Author: Lindsey Neumayer

Equipment

  • 1 wine glass
  • 1 measuring beaker or cocktail jigger
  • 1 small cutting board and paring knife for slicing lemon garnishes
  • 1 straw

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce sparkling soda water
  • 2 ounces limoncello
  • 3 ounces prosecco

Instructions

  • Fill a wine glasses with ice.
  • Pour 1 ounce of soda water into the glass.
  • Next, pour in 2 ounces of limoncello into the wine glass.
  • Top the glass with 3 ounces of prosecco.
  • Garnish the glass with a slice of lemon and fresh sprig of mint.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips & tricks for getting it right:

    • layer to perfection – layer the drinks in this order: soda water, limoncello, then prosecco. Layering in this way ensures the soda water mixes in with the limoncello (without stirring!), and gives you a fun prosecco “floater.”
    • keep it cool – Pop your limoncello in the freezer for a quick chill, and make sure your prosecco is properly chilled to the ideal temperature of 40º – 45ºF. 
    • chill your glassware – place your glassware into the freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving these spritzes. Alternatively, you can fill each glass with ice and let it sit for up to 15 minutes to chill. You’ll want to dump excess water out of each glass before mixing to avoid a watered-down drink!

Variations:

Nutrition Information

Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 12mg
Total Fat: 12mg
Saturated Fat: 12mg
Trans Fat: 12mg
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 12mg
Carbohydrates: 12mg
Fiber: 12mg
Sugar: 12mg
Protein: 12mg

The information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition facts calculator and actual nutrition facts may vary.

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