Citrusy limoncello with bubbly sweet prosecco, topped with club soda and paired with muddled basil. Light, herbaceous and refreshing. This Limoncello Spritz is the perfect simple Summer cocktail!
This limoncello spritz recipe, also known as an Amalfi Spritz, is perfect for the Spring and Summer. It is a light, citrusy, bubbly and tart cocktail that can be used in an apertivo or digestivo.
You will particularly enjoy this drink if you go for the sweeter, lighter cocktails and spritzes. A spritz is probably my favorite cocktail! I have one for every season: Winter Aperol Spritz or Sparkling Rosé Aperol Spritz. This limoncello spritzer is perfect for Spring or Summer!
Jump to:
Highlights of this Recipe
This recipe is:
- Easy
- Refreshing
- Light
- Herbaceous
- Crowd-pleaser
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur made from lemon peels. Typically limoncello is used as an aperitif - an alcoholic drink that is best served as an apertivo (prior to eating) or a digestivo (after eating) to help digestion.
It is made by steeping lemon peels in vodka until the oil is released (taking a few months). This results in an alcohol that tastes sweet but tart, citrusy and light. It is very strong in lemon flavor. (For a homemade limoncello recipe, check out a recipe here)
What is a Limoncello Spritz?
A limoncello spritz is the lemony version of the traditional Aperol Spritz. The Limoncello Spritz swaps the Aperol for the limoncello. This limoncello spritz recipe keeps the other two ingredients - prosecco and club soda.
A limoncello spritz is also known as an Amalfi Spritz, because of where limoncello liqueur originates in Southern Italy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Limoncello.
- Prosecco. Substitute for Cava, Sparkling Wine or Champagne.
- Club Soda. Substitute for sparkling mineral water or soda water.
- Fresh Basil. Substitute for mint or thyme.
TIP! Adding basil to this limoncello cocktail elevates the herbaceous elements of the recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Muddle Basil 
Add Limoncello 
Add Prosecco & Club Soda
STEP ONE: Muddle fresh basil leaves.
STEP TWO: Add ice.
STEP THREE: Add limoncello and prosecco.
STEP FOUR: Add club soda.
STEP FIVE: Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and lemon slice.
Make a Pitcher
To make a pitcher of this limoncello spritz, simply multiply the recipe by 6.
Equipment Needed
Muddler:
- Budget Friendly: Use the bottom of a clean cooking spoon!
- Convenience Friendly: Buy a small muddler in either wood or steel.
Highball glass or large wine glass.
Variations
Want to make a variation of this Limoncello Spritz?
- Add fruit like berries (strawberries, raspberries or blackberries).
- Additional herbs like fresh mint or lavendar.
- Add a splash of elderflower liqueur, Campari or Aperol.
Tips, Tricks & Frequently Asked Questions
You should try to consume limoncello within 2 years of opening the bottle else it loses its scent and flavor.
Limoncello typically has an alcohol content from 25-30%. Because of the strong lemon flavor it does not taste too alcoholic.
Store limoncello on your bar shelf OR in the fridge.
Limoncello does not have to be refrigerated, but I highly recommend keeping it in the fridge so that it is cold when using. It tastes much better that way!
You can find limoncello at any liquor store. I actually buy mine from Trader Joe’s.
Limoncello does not have to be expensive. I purchase a $9.99 bottle from Trader Joe’s. I suggest purchasing a bottle between $10-20.
Other Bubbly or Limoncello Cocktails
- Holiday Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail
- Pink 75
- Honey Lemon Ginger Gin & Prosecco Cocktail
- Sparkling Rosé Aperol Spritz
- Spiced Orange & Cranberry Winter Aperol Spritz
- Refreshing but Strong Limoncello Cocktail
Food that Goes with a Limoncello Spritz
I suggest lemon-forward or lighter, herbaceous dishes to pair with this limoncello cocktail. Try some of the below!
- Israeli Couscous Salad with Spinach & Fennel
- Kale Fennel Dried Fig Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing
- Dairy-Free Lemon & Shrimp Risotto
- Spring Vegetarian Pasta with Butter Sauce
📖 Recipe
Basil Limoncello Spritz
Equipment
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 3 OZ Prosecco
- 2 OZ Limoncello
- 2 OZ Club Soda or Sparkling Mineral Water
- 2 Fresh Basil Leaves washed thoroughly
- Ice
Garnish (optional)
- 1 Lemon cut into wheels
- 1 Basil Leaf
Instructions
- Muddle the basil leaves.
- Add ice to fill the glass.
- Pour in limoncello, prosecco and club soda or mineral water.
- Stir.
- Garnish with a basil leaf or lemon wheel.
This looks so good!!
Thanks, Chelsea! It's perfect for the Summer!