If you’re looking to brighten your day with a cocktail that sings sunshine in every sip, this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a sparkling, citrusy delight that balances the zesty brightness of lemon oleo saccharum with the fun fizz of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Perfect for those moments when you want to feel the Mediterranean breeze, this spritz is refreshingly simple yet packed with layers of flavor that make every glass a celebration. Trust me, once you make this spritz, it will become your go-to for warm afternoons and lively gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful example of how a handful of fresh, quality ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a role in crafting the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and effervescence that makes the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe so irresistible.
- Peel of 4-5 lemons (avoiding white pith): Use only the bright yellow zest to extract the essential oils without bitterness.
- 1 cup sugar: About three tablespoons per lemon helps to pull out the lemon’s natural oils and sweeten the oleo saccharum perfectly.
- 1 to 1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum: This golden, syrupy lemon concentrate is the heart of the spritz’s vibrant flavor.
- 1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco: This adds a refreshing sparkle and lifts all the citrus notes beautifully.
- 1 oz lemon juice (optional): Extra zing and brightness if you want to dial up the citrus punch.
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional): A charming finish that makes every glass look and smell amazing.
How to Make Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oleo Saccharum
Start by carefully peeling your lemons, making sure to leave behind all the white pith which can add a bitter note. Place the fresh zest in a jar and cover it with sugar by weight — if you don’t have a scale, use about three tablespoons of sugar per lemon. Give the mixture a gentle muddle to release those precious lemon oils. Cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight to infuse and create a fragrant, syrupy liquid.
Step 2: Strain the Oleo Saccharum
Once your lemon peel and sugar mixture has rested overnight, it’s time to extract all that concentrated flavor. Using a fine mesh strainer, press the mixture firmly with a spoon to squeeze out every drop of the lemon-infused syrup. This strained liquid is what we call lemon oleo saccharum, the flavorful base of your spritz.
Step 3: Assemble the Spritz
Fill a large wine glass generously with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled and refreshing. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of your homemade lemon oleo saccharum, then top it off with one cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. A gentle stir blends everything together, creating a lively, sparkling drink.
Step 4: Adjust Flavor
Give your spritz a taste test and decide if you want even more lemon brightness. Add one ounce of fresh lemon juice if you’re craving an extra pop of citrus acidity that cuts perfectly through the sweetness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a thin lemon slice or a sprig of fragrant thyme — or better yet, both! These simple garnishes make your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe look as stunning as it tastes, and add inviting aromas right before that first sip. Serve immediately and enjoy the sunny vibes.
How to Serve Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
While a lemon slice or thyme sprig is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment. A few fresh mint leaves can add a cool note, or a thinly sliced cucumber ribbon can bring an elegant touch. The garnish not only beautifies your drink but enhances the aromatic experience, making each sip more delightful.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light, fresh appetizers that won’t overpower its zesty complexity. Think crostini topped with ricotta and honey, fresh mozzarella with tomatoes and basil, or even delicate seafood like shrimp cocktail. These simple dishes complement the spritz without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe in clear stemless glasses or vintage coupe glasses for a charming presentation. Add edible flowers on top for a whimsical flair or serve it with a small lemon sugar rim for extra sparkle and sweetness that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover lemon oleo saccharum, keep it stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This way you can quickly whip up fresh spritzes whenever the mood strikes, with the same bright, citrusy punch intact.
Freezing
Because the spritz relies on sparkling water or Prosecco, freezing the assembled cocktail isn’t ideal — it will lose its effervescence. However, you can freeze lemon oleo saccharum in ice cube trays. Pop out cubes as needed to chill and flavor other drinks creatively.
Reheating
This is a cocktail best enjoyed cold and fresh. Reheating is not recommended as it will diminish the fresh lemon brightness and the delightful bubbles that give the drink its spritz character.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar for the oleo saccharum?
Yes, regular granulated sugar works best as it helps extract oils efficiently, but you can also try superfine sugar for faster dissolution. Avoid liquid sweeteners as they won’t release the oils as effectively.
Is the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe truly alcoholic?
This version uses non-alcoholic sparkling water or Prosecco, so it is alcohol-free. To make it alcoholic, you can add a splash of your favorite lemon-flavored liqueur or substitute with traditional Prosecco or sparkling wine.
How long does it take to make lemon oleo saccharum?
The lemon zest and sugar mixture needs to infuse overnight, at least 8 to 12 hours, to develop that rich, aromatic syrup that defines this spritz’s flavor.
Can I prepare the full spritz in advance?
It’s best to prepare the oleo saccharum ahead, but mix the spritz just before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh. The sparkling water will lose carbonation if left combined for too long.
What can I substitute for lemon sparkling water?
If you don’t have lemon sparkling water, plain sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works well. Non-alcoholic Prosecco adds a bit more depth and sweetness to the spritz.
Final Thoughts
Making the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe at home is like bottling a little slice of sunshine and celebration. The process is satisfying, the ingredients simple yet magical, and the result is a drink that brightens your spirits and delights your palate every single time. Trust me, once you try this spritz, you’ll keep coming back for more – perfect for sharing with friends or savoring your own moment of zestful bliss.
Print
Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight infusion)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 12 hours (including overnight infusion)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
The Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing, citrus-infused cocktail that combines homemade lemon oleo saccharum with sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Perfect for warm days or casual gatherings, this spritz offers bright, tangy flavors complemented by a crisp fizz and optional fresh lemon juice for added zest. Garnished with lemon slices or thyme sprigs, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make drink that highlights natural lemon oils and sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoid white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (about 3 tablespoons per lemon, approximately 4.5 to 6 tablespoons total by weight)
For the Spritz
- 1 to 1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum
- 1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco
- 1 oz lemon juice (optional)
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oleo Saccharum: Wash and peel the lemons carefully to avoid including the bitter white pith. Place the lemon peels in a jar with an equal amount of sugar by weight—if scales are unavailable, use approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon. Stir to combine and gently muddle the mixture a few times to release the essential oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse and create the lemon oleo saccharum liquid.
- Strain the Oleo Saccharum: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the lemon peel and sugar mixture into a clean jar or airtight container. Press down firmly with a spoon to extract all the flavorful liquid. This strained liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum, the base for this spritz.
- Assemble the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of the lemon oleo saccharum and top it with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine the ingredients well.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste your spritz and, if desired, add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness and acidity according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the drink with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for a visually appealing and aromatic presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing limoncello spritz.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon sparkling water with regular sparkling water if preferred but it will reduce lemon intensity.
- The oleo saccharum must infuse overnight for best flavor extraction from lemon peels.
- Adjust sweetness by varying sugar amounts in the oleo saccharum preparation.
- If you prefer an alcoholic version, you can add a splash of limoncello or your favorite lemon liqueur to the spritz.
- Serve immediately after assembling to retain the sparkling water’s fizz.
