Who doesn’t love a good Aperol Spritz? This famous, cheap drink from Venice has caught the hearts of many people in Italy and worldwide. But do you know how you can make it even better? Make a Limoncello Spritz instead!
Limoncello Spritz is a southern twist on the most iconic Italian drink. And I hope my northerner friends will forgive me, but I kinda prefer it to the original.
It is made by switching the Aperol with an equal amount of Limoncello (surprise, huh?), which makes it so much sweeter and refreshing.
I tasted a delicious one in Matera years ago and I was hooked. Since then, I always tried to replicate it, but I could never make it quite as good. However, I think I got close to it with this recipe.
What you’ll need
Prosecco: The sparkling heart of the cocktail, Prosecco should be of good quality, preferably DOC or DOCG to ensure an authentic and refined flavor. An extra-dry or brut Prosecco is ideal, as it offers a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, enhancing the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Limoncello: Limoncello is a bright, aromatic Italian liqueur celebrated for its distinctively zesty and sweet flavor. Made by infusing lemon peels in alcohol and then blending with sugar syrup, it’s commonly enjoyed cold as a digestif, embodying the sunny spirit and lush lemon groves of Southern Italy. Don’t go cheap on this one and use a high-quality, ideally organic limoncello. It makes all the difference in the world.
Seltzer or Sparkling Water: This ingredient adds freshness and lightness to the cocktail. It’s advisable to use good quality seltzer or sparkling water, which should be fizzy enough to keep the cocktail lively. The sparkling water should not have a strong taste, so as not to disturb the delicate balance of the other ingredients.
Two drops of Angostura: Angostura is a highly concentrated bitter made from a blend of herbs, spices, and bark. Just a few drops can dramatically enhance the flavor of many cocktails. This bitter acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing depth and complexity to drinks. It harmonizes the various ingredients, accentuating certain flavors while mellowing others. Its versatility and potent flavor make it an essential tool for both amateur and professional mixologists.
Mint Leaves: Mint adds a touch of freshness and a pleasant aroma. Fresh mint leaves, which are green and aromatic, are preferable. Usually, mint leaves are added gently to avoid overpowering the drink, but in this case, I recommend using a whole bunch, both for aesthetic and for taste.
Orange peels: they will give your drink a more complex aroma, and they can also be used for garnishing.
Method
Start by chilling a wine glass in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This will ensure your Limoncello Spritz stays cool and inviting.
Once the glass is sufficiently chilled, fill it with ice cubes up to about halfway.
Now, gently add the limoncello over the ice. Then, pour over the prosecco. It’s important to pour slowly to preserve the wine’s precious bubbles, which add liveliness and texture to the cocktail.
Add 2 drops of Angostura and a splash of seltzer, then mix with a bartender’s spoon or a long straw. This step is meant to make the cocktail lighter and more refreshing, but be careful not to stir too much to avoid losing the Prosecco’s bubbles.
Now, add a bunch of fresh mint leaves for a final touch of freshness. Finally, add a few slices of orange peel for garnishing and to give the cocktail a more complex flavor. Take it as a chance to be creative. Roll them and make experiments to arrange them in a visually appealing way.
Your Limoncello Spritz is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it right away to fully appreciate its freshness and fizz. If you want, you can add some lime for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
When it comes to enjoying a Limoncello Spritz, timing and pairing are key.
This vibrant and refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer afternoons, offering a delightful way to cool down while soaking in the sunshine. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, enjoying an alfresco dining experience, or simply looking to add a touch of Italian flair to your afternoon, this cocktail is sure to elevate the occasion.
Its zesty and sweet flavor profile, complemented by the subtle bitterness of Angostura and the freshness of mint, makes it an ideal choice for those lazy, warm days.
As for pairing, the Limoncello Spritz shines when accompanied by light appetizers. Its crisp and refreshing nature cuts through the richness of various foods, making it an excellent match for an array of savory snacks.
Think of serving it alongside a selection of light appetizers like bruschetta, olives, and cheese, or a platter of assorted Italian antipasti. The citrus notes of the drink harmonize beautifully with the saltiness and the variety of flavors found in these small bites.
Here are a few bruschetta recipes that you could try:
Conclusion and recipe card
Have you tried making your own Limoncello Spritz at home? I’m eager to hear about your experiences! Share your stories in the comments below – did you stick to my recipe, or did you add your own twist? Perhaps you experimented with different garnishes or found an appetizer that pairs exceptionally well with this refreshing cocktail.
Your feedback is especially valuable, as I’m still on the quest to perfect my recipe, aiming to recreate the delightful Limoncello Spritz I once enjoyed in Matera. Your insights and variations could be the key to unlocking that perfect blend of flavors I’ve been seeking.
Hope to hear from you soon. For now, I’ll leave you to the recipe card.
Make it nice!
Print
Limoncello Spritz
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
2 oz Prosecco
2 oz Seltzer
1 oz Limoncello
ice to taste
A bunch of fresh mint leaves
2 or 3 slices of orange peel
Instructions
- Start by chilling a wine glass or goblet in the refrigerator for a few minutes. A cold glass helps keep the cocktail cool longer.
- Fill the chilled glass with ice cubes up to about halfway.
- Add the limoncello over the ice.
- Gently pour Prosecco over the syrup and ice, leaving some space at the top for the sparkling water. Then, add 2 drops of Angostura bitters.
- Add a splash of seltzer or sparkling water to bring the cocktail to the desired level, and mix. Avoid over-stirring to keep the bubbles intact.
- Add the fresh mint leaves and sliced orange peels for decoration and to add a refreshing aroma.
- Enjoy your fresh and bubbly limoncello Spritz!
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: Italian
