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!
![straight on photo of a limoncello spritz with a bottle of limoncello in the back left and lemons](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Straight-On-819x1024.jpg)
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!
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Highlights of this Recipe
This recipe is:
- Easy
- Refreshing
- Light
- Herbaceous
- Crowd-pleaser
What is Limoncello?
![](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Close-Up-Limoncello-bottle-819x1024.jpg)
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
![](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ingredients-7-819x1024.jpg)
- 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
![basil muddled in a wine glass](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Process-4-819x1024.jpg)
![a large glass of limoncello and ice](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Process-2-2-819x1024.jpg)
![a large wine glass with prosecco and limoncello](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Process-3-819x1024.jpg)
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.
![](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Completed-4-819x1024.jpg)
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.
![](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Completed-3-819x1024.jpg)
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
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
![an overhead view of a limoncello spritz with lemons and a muddler underneath](https://elisetriestocook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Completed-4-360x360.jpg)
Basil Limoncello Spritz
Equipment
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.
Chelsea Vetre
This looks so good!!
Elise Shivamber
Thanks, Chelsea! It's perfect for the Summer!