Summer demands bright flavors.
You want fizz. You want citrus. You want that specific Italian vacation vibe in your glass. The limoncello spritz delivers all three. It’s just limoncello, prosecco, and club soda. Nothing fancy.
I fell for limoncello on Capri. My partner Jack and I were newly engaged. Dinner happened under open skies. Every night? There it was. Sweet, yellow, cold lemon liqueur arriving at our table like a scheduled appointment.
Lemon is obviously my thing. But drinking it straight feels too potent. So we mixed it.
An Aperol spritz is bitter. Sharp. The limoncello version is pure sunshine. No edge. Just sweet, tangy bubbles. I ordered one everywhere. Then I came home and figured out I could just… make it.
A 3-2-1 recipe doesn’t get easier than this.
What Actually Goes In
Don’t overcomplicate the sourcing.
- Limoncello : Pick the liqueur you like. I lean toward Caravella mostly because it’s reliable, but any authentic Italian lemon brand works. Don’t buy the grocery store generic unless it’s decent.
- Prosecco : Needs to come from Northern Italy if possible. It’s the backbone of every good spritz. Hunt for “brut” on the label. Brut means dry. You want to cut through the sugar of the lemon. If you can’t find prosecco? Use cava. It’s Spanish, yes, but it’ll do the job in a pinch.
- Club Soda : Just bubbly water. It adds volume. It keeps the alcohol content from spiking too fast.
Garnish with whatever leafy thing looks nice. Lemon slices. Fresh mint. Basil if you’re feeling herbaceous. Thyme is surprising actually. Just throw it on top.
Build It Right
Ratio matters here. It’s the only rule.
Grab a wine glass. Fill it with ice. Cold glass is non-negotiable for summer drinks.
Pour three parts prosecco. Then two parts limoncello. Finish with one part club soda.
Stir it once. Gentle. Don’t aerate it into foam unless you enjoy foam.
Done.
Is it sophisticated? Maybe not. Is it refreshing while it’s 90 degrees out? Absolutely.
Stick a straw in it. Drink the whole thing. Then worry about what comes next.
