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
Scale
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.
