Limoncello Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Nothing says summer quite like a chilled glass of something bright and refreshing. When I want a drink that feels like a quick escape to southern Italy, I whip up a Limoncello Aperol Spritz.

This cocktail combines the sweet citrus of limoncello with the crisp bitterness of Aperol, making for a balanced, easy-to-make drink that honestly tastes like the Amalfi Coast in a glass.

I love how the golden hue catches the afternoon light. The bubbles lift the citrus aroma right before that first sip.

It’s light enough for a warm afternoon but still flavorful enough to serve at a gathering. Once you try it, you’ll probably see why it’s one of my favorite spritz variations.

Limoncello Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

This drink blends the citrus sweetness of limoncello with the crisp bitterness of Aperol and the lively bubbles from Prosecco. It’s light, refreshing, and honestly just easy to make for a warm afternoon or a casual get-together.

Equipment

• Wine glass or large spritz glass for serving
• Measuring jigger to keep the ratios balanced
• Bar spoon for gentle stirring
• Ice scoop or small spoon for adding ice cubes
• Citrus peeler for making a lemon twist or zest
• Small cutting board and knife for slicing lemons and mint
• Mixing glass (optional) if you want to combine before pouring
• Cocktail napkin for serving neatly

I’ve found that using chilled glassware keeps the drink cold longer. A bar spoon lets me mix gently so I don’t lose the bubbles.

Clean tools really do make a difference in the flavor and clarity.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)
• 1 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine
• 1 oz club soda or soda water
• Ice cubes to fill the glass
• Lemon slice or lemon zest for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig for aroma

If I’ve got homemade limoncello on hand, I use it for a brighter lemon flavor. Prosecco brings in those delicate bubbles, while Aperol balances out the sweetness with just a touch of bitterness.

Soda water lightens things up and keeps it crisp.

Instructions

• Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the limoncello and Aperol.
• Add the Prosecco slowly to keep the bubbles lively.
• Top with club soda or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix.
• Garnish with a lemon slice or zest and a mint sprig.

I always pour the sparkling stuff last so it stays fizzy. Stirring too hard will flatten the drink, so I try to be gentle.

Keeping the ingredients cold before mixing helps avoid too much dilution.

Notes

I like a 2:1 ratio of limoncello to Aperol for a smoother citrus taste. Using equal parts gives it a more bitter edge, kind of like a classic Aperol spritz.

If it’s tasting too sweet, I’ll splash in more soda water. For a stronger citrus kick, I toss in extra lemon zest.

Serving this with light snacks or salty appetizers makes the flavors pop. The drink looks best with bright lemon slices and fresh mint floating right on top.

Tasting Notes

Every sip bursts with a bright mix of citrus and herbs. The Limoncello brings this sweet, sunny lemon flavor that just slides across the tongue, while Aperol jumps in with a gentle bitterness to keep things balanced.

Put them together and you’ve got a refreshing Italian aperitif—light, crisp, and honestly, kind of addictive.

That first sip? I get the sparkle from the Prosecco right away, and the ice chills everything down perfectly. It’s lively, not too boozy, and feels just right as a summer cocktail before dinner.

The flavor opens sweet, then dries out a bit at the finish. I catch hints of orange peel, lemon zest, and there’s this subtle herbal thing going on.

The bubbles make it playful—easy to drink, especially when the weather’s warm.

Honestly, I love how it looks. The bright orange-yellow color makes me think of a sunset, which feels pretty inviting.

If you serve it in a tall glass with a slice of lemon or orange, it just pops.

That sweet-bitter balance keeps me coming back for slow sips. Each taste feels clean and refreshing, and there’s this light citrus note that hangs around for a second before it disappears.