There’s something about a Limoncello Spritz on a warm day that just feels right. The mix of sparkling Prosecco and sweet-tart limoncello is crisp and refreshing.

This easy recipe makes it simple for anyone to bring a taste of Italy to their own home.

I love how the Limoncello Spritz balances those bright citrus flavors with a gentle fizz. It’s honestly a great pick for relaxed evenings or catching up with friends.

If you’re into classic summer cocktails, you might want to give this one a shot.

Limoncello Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Making a Limoncello Spritz is one of my favorite quick wins. It’s light, refreshing, and honestly, not a pain to put together.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Wine glass or large tumbler: I grab a wine glass to show off those bubbles.
Measuring jigger or shot glass: Getting the amounts right really does matter.

Bar spoon: Stirring gently helps keep the fizz intact.
Ice cubes: Gotta keep it cold.
Citrus peeler or sharp knife: For making those lemon garnishes look sharp.

Small plate: I like putting this under the glass for serving—just a habit.

Ingredients

2 oz Limoncello liqueur: Chilled is best trust me.
3 oz Prosecco: Any dry sparkling wine will do but Prosecco is my go-to for a classic feel.

1 oz club soda or sparkling water: Adds a little extra fizz and lightness.
Ice cubes: I fill the glass right up.
Lemon slices or twists: Garnish makes it pop visually.

Instructions

Fill my wine glass with fresh ice cubes.
Pour 2 oz of chilled Limoncello over the ice.
Add 3 oz of cold Prosecco gently to keep the bubbles.

Top with 1 oz of club soda or sparkling water.
Stir everything together slowly with a bar spoon, mixing just enough.
Garnish with a lemon slice or twist and, if I like, a fresh mint sprig.

Notes

I always chill my glass first—makes a difference. If I’m not in the mood for much sweetness, I’ll pour in a bit more club soda or reach for an extra-dry Prosecco.

Sometimes I dial back the Limoncello if I want it a little lighter. Fresh lemons for garnish not only look good but smell fantastic.

Serve this right after mixing so it stays nice and bubbly. For a group, I prep all the ingredients ahead but mix each glass to order instead of batching—it’s just better that way.

This cocktail goes nicely with light bites, like olives or a bit of cheese. Using a good-quality limoncello makes the whole drink pop.

Tasting Notes

The first thing that hits me with a Limoncello Spritz is that unmistakable lemon aroma. It’s fresh, bright, and honestly just inviting.

On the tongue, the drink is crisp and lively. The bubbles from the sparkling wine (or soda water) give it that gentle effervescence I always look for in a spritz.

The taste? It’s a sweet-tart lemon vibe, balanced and not too sugary. The limoncello brings citrusy sweetness, while the sparkling stuff keeps things refreshing.

If you throw in a mint or basil garnish, there’s a little herbal lift. Lots of ice? That cooling sensation is especially nice when it’s hot outside.

Key flavors I notice:

Lemon zest
Light sweetness
Fresh bubbles

Every sip finishes clean and kind of makes me want another. The drink stays light—never heavy or syrupy, which is exactly what I want from a spritz.

Substitute

If I don’t have limoncello, I’ll reach for another lemon-flavored liqueur. There are a few that hit that same sweet, citrusy note—even if they’re not quite the same.

When I’m skipping alcohol, sparkling lemonade steps in for limoncello. If I’m after something less sweet, I’ll just use club soda or tonic instead.

Steps to swap ingredients:

Pick a lemon or citrus-flavored drink that I like

Adjust sweetness by adding or reducing syrup
Balance with extra soda if the substitute is strong

I’ll keep tasting and tweaking until it’s just right. Sometimes it takes a few tries, but that’s half the fun, isn’t it?

Limoncello Spritz Cocktail Recipe