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Limoncello Spritz

Here are the secrets to making a limoncello spritz, a delightful Italian cocktail bursting with sunshine lemon flavor and a…

Here are the secrets to making a limoncello spritz, a delightful Italian cocktail bursting with sunshine lemon flavor and a delightful fizz. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to transport you to a carefree summer state of mind.

Limoncello spritz in stemmed glass with mint.

Here’s an Italian cocktail that’s bubbly and flavored with pure lemon: the Limoncello Spritz! Limoncello is a liqueur that’s often sipped for after-dinner shots, but this ultra strong lemon elixir shines in mixed drinks, too.

Why we love this recipe: This spin on the popular Aperol spritz is full of bright lemon flavor from the limoncello. As two cocktail experts and certified mixologists, we think it’s even better than the original! It’s bubbly and effervescent, with a searing citrus bite.

What’s a spritz?

The spritz is a drink invented in Italy that combines three ingredients: liqueur, sparkling wine (usually Prosecco) and soda water. You can make a spritz of any type using these two ingredients and any mixer of your choosing. The basic spritz ratio is 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part soda water.

Ingredients in a limoncello spritz

The limoncello spritz is a spin on the popular Aperol spritz, an Italian aperitif. While the spritz concept has been around for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the Aperol spritz took the form it has today. The limoncello spritz just substitutes limoncello for Aperol, an Italian amaro.

Spritzes are trending in popularity, so it’s not a surprise that this sunny spin is a top choice when it comes to summer cocktails. Here’s what you need to make a limoncello spritz:

Limoncello: A sweet, lemon-flavored liqueur originating from southern Italy.
Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from Italy’s Veneto region, known for its delicate flavor and light bubbles. You can use any type of champagne if desired.
Soda water: Use club soda or unflavored sparkling water (we use our SodaStream to make it at home). Avoid tonic water, since it is flavored with quinine and lightly sweetened.

Tip: A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces!

How to make a limoncello spritz

The limoncello spritz is an incredibly easy to make drink! The spritz requires no cocktail shaker or juicing of citrus: you can build the drink it right in the glass. This makes it a great choice for entertaining, especially in the summer. Here are the basic steps for how to make a limoncello spritz:

Step 1: Add the limoncello to a glass with ice. Add Prosecco and soda water.

Step 1: Stir 2 oz limoncello in a glass with ice to make it cold. Add 3 oz Prosecco and 1 oz soda water.

Step 2: Garnish with mint and serve the limoncello spritz.

Step 2: Garnish with fresh mint and serve.

More about limoncello

If you’ve ever visited Italy, you know limoncello. But what actually is it this ultra strong yellow liquid?

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur made by infusing lemon peels into vodka or other neutral spirits. It’s got a searing, straightforward lemon flavor and is the second most popular liqueur in Italy after Campari. You can get it everywhere in Italy, and it’s often served as shots after a big meal.
How much does limoncello cost? Limoncello has become very popular in the US, so you should be able to find it easily at your local liquor store. It costs about $20.
What else can limoncello be used for? The most popular use for limoncello is drinking it as shots, but it’s equally as good in cocktails! Try it in a Limoncello Mojito with lime and rum, or a Limoncello Martini with vodka and lemon juice.

Step it up: try clear ice!

Want to take your limoncello spritz to the next level? Try making clear ice! This type of ice is crystal clear and looks like what you’d get at a fancy bar. But you can make it at home! All you need is a cooler and 24 hours. Go to How to Make Clear Ice.

Other spritz recipes

The spritz is one of the most refreshing cocktails of all time! There are lots of different styles of spritz recipes to try after you try this limoncello spritz:

Try the famous and undeniably delicious Aperol Spritz, aka Spritz Veneziano.
Go for a refreshingly floral St Germain Spritz.
Try the Hugo, an Italian elderflower spritz with Prosecco and mint.
Sip the caramel-flavored Amaro Spritz.
Try the bitter and bubbly Campari Spritz.

Aperol Spritz

Hugo Cocktail

Amaro Spritz

Campari Spritz

More lemon cocktails

Lemon flavored cocktails are some of the most refreshing alcoholic drinks! They’ve earned a place in our hearts for their forward citrusy flavor. Here are a few more lemon cocktails if you love limoncello:

Go classic with a sugar-rimmed Lemon Drop Martini
Make a Limoncello Mojito or Limoncello Martini with this lemon liqueur.
Try the famous Classic Whiskey Sour, built on whiskey, lemon and simple syrup
Sip on the retro Gin Fizz Cocktail with frothy egg-white foam topping
Go down-home with easy Vodka Lemonade

Frequently asked questions

What is a Limoncello Spritz?

This refreshing Italian cocktail is a delightful blend of limoncello, prosecco, and soda water. It’s a close cousin to the Aperol Spritz, but with a brighter lemon flavor.

Is a Limoncello Spritz strong?

Compared to some cocktails, it’s on the lighter side. The prosecco has a lower alcohol content than some spirits, and the limoncello typically has less alcohol than rum or vodka. However, always drink responsibly.

What’s the ideal ratio for a Limoncello Spritz?

The classic ratio is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, and 1 part soda water. Feel free to adjust these proportions to your taste preference.

Do I need a special glass for a Limoncello Spritz?

Not at all! A stemmed wine glass or a tumbler filled with ice works perfectly.

What are some fun garnishes for a Limoncello Spritz?

A lemon wedge is a classic and refreshing choice. You can also get creative with a sprig of fresh mint, a few raspberries, or even a thin slice of orange.

Limoncello Spritz

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

Print Recipe

Description

Want a bubbly citrus cocktail? Try the limoncello spritz! Here are the secrets to making this delightful Italian cocktail, bursting with sunshine lemon flavor and a delightful fizz. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to transport you to a carefree summer state of mind.

Ingredients

2 ounces (4 tablespoons) limoncello, chilled if possible
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) soda water
Ice (try clear ice!)
For the garnish: mint, lemon rounds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Add the limoncello to a glass filled with ice and stir.
Top with the sparkling wine and soda water. Add mint and serve.

Category: Drink
Method: Poured
Cuisine: Cocktails
Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Limoncello spritz

Beer Margarita

Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! This beer margarita recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic, blending tangy…

Beergarita, beerita: call it what you will! This beer margarita recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic, blending tangy lime and tequila with the crispness of your favorite beer. It’s easy to make, perfect for parties, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why not add a little lager to your margarita? Yes, a beer margarita is a fun spin on the classic margarita, also known as a beergarita or a beerita. Turns out, hops pair perfectly with the tart lime and orange perfume of a margarita.

Why we love this recipe: Many beer margarita recipes call for frozen limeade concentrate. But that’s not what a great cocktail is made of, is it? This beer margarita recipe has no limeade: just pure lime juice against the citrus and bitter notes of a beer. It became an instant favorite around here!

Want more beer cocktails? Try the Michelada or Chelada!

What’s in a beer margarita?

As the name suggests, a beer margarita is simply a margarita served with beer. The margarita itself is a classic alcoholic drink on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. The beerita adds beer to the mix, along with a little simple syrup:

Tequila
Cointreau (orange liqueur)
Lime juice
Beer
Simple syrup

As mentioned above: most beer margarita recipes call for frozen limeade concentrate. For our take, we wanted to stick with the classic margarita: so we simply used our margarita recipe, plus beer and a hint of simple syrup. The flavor is so pure, tangy, and nuanced from the beer: it was an instant hit at our house!

The type of beer for a beergarita

To make a great beer margarita, you can’t use just any old beer! There are a few options we recommend:

Use a lager for a classic flavor, like Corona since it’s a Mexican beer. Or,
Step it up Craft IPA! This is what we did for ours, and it really took it over the top. Choose a hoppy IPA with citrus notes.
Avoid strong or hoppy beers that might overpower the margarita flavors.

How to make a beer margarita

To mix up your own beer margarita, there’s not much to it! You don’t even need to use a cocktail shaker with this one, which makes it even easier. Here’s what to do:

Rim the glass with salt. Salt enhances the sweet and sour flavors in the drink, and gives you that classic margarita flavor.
Stir together in the serving glass. Take the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and Cointreau, and stir it together in a glass.
Add ice and pour in the chilled beer. The beer adds just the right bubbly carbonation to this classic drink.

Beergarita in glass mug with lime and clear ice.

Ideas for the salt rim

For this beer margarita, we skipped the salt rim for a little variation. (Hey, we have 25 other margarita recipes and they all have a salt rim!) It’s not needed for the flavor. But if you love that classic margarita salty zing, feel free to add it prior to mixing up your beergarita.

The best salt for a salt rim? Use kosher salt or flaky sea salt, since they have the best coarse texture. If you want to make it look even more festive, try a batch of our margarita salt. The green and orange colors of lime and orange zest look beautiful against the glass.

Beerita in mug. — This beer margarita uses clear ice for a stunning look

How to serve a beer margarita

The beergarita is really perfect for anytime you’d serve a regular margarita! It’s great with Mexican-style food of all kinds: serve with shrimp tacos, guacamole, salsa, and grilled corn for a stellar meal.

More margarita recipes

We’ve got all sorts of variations on the margarita outside of this beerita! Pick from one of these fun and fruity margarita recipes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a beer margarita?

This unique cocktail combines the classic margarita flavors of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur with the crispness and fizz of your favorite beer.

Won’t it taste weird?

Surprisingly, no! The tartness of the margarita complements the bitterness of the beer, creating a refreshingly balanced drink.

What kind of beer is best for a beer margarita?

Light beers like lagers, pilsners, or wheat beers work best. Avoid strong or hoppy beers that might overpower the margarita flavors.

Should I build the drink or shake it?

Building the drink (layering ingredients) is the preferred method. Shaking it can create too much foam.

Do I need a special glass for a beer margarita?

Not at all! We suggest using a glass mug, pint glass, or mason jar for a more casual feel.