If you love vibrant, sparkling cocktails that burst with bright citrus flavor, this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful dance of lemony sweetness with effervescent bubbles that instantly transports you to sunlit afternoons by the sea. What makes this spritz truly special is the homemade lemon oleo saccharum—a citrus syrup that’s as fragrant as it is flavorful—balancing sweetness and zest beautifully. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or entertaining friends, this spritz is both refreshing and sophisticated in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all you need to craft this sparkling slice of sunshine. Each component plays a key role, from the bright, aromatic lemon peels that infuse the sugar, to the sparkling water that adds those lively bubbles, creating a perfect symphony of flavor, texture, and color.
- Lemon peels (4-5 lemons, avoiding white pith): These provide the essential oils that give oleo saccharum its vibrant citrus punch without bitterness.
- Sugar (about 3 tablespoons per lemon): The sweetener that helps extract and balance the lemon oils, creating a luscious syrup base.
- Lemon oleo saccharum (1 to 1.5 oz): The star ingredient, a concentrated infusion of lemon oils and sugar, bringing intense aroma and sweetness.
- Lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco (1 cup): Adds delightful fizz and lightness, lifting the flavors into a refreshing spritz.
- Lemon juice (1 oz, optional): For those who love a little extra tartness to brighten every sip.
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig (optional garnish): Adds a visual and aromatic flourish to your finished drink.
How to Make Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oleo Saccharum
Start by carefully washing and peeling your lemons with the goal of avoiding the bitter white pith—this is the secret to keeping your oleo saccharum smooth and fragrant. Place those vibrant lemon peels into a jar, and add sugar in equal weight or roughly 3 tablespoons per lemon. Stir gently and muddle a few times to coax out the oils, then cover the jar and let it rest at room temperature overnight. This slow infusion transforms simple sugar and peels into a golden, aromatic syrup that forms the heart of your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe.
Step 2: Strain the Oleo Saccharum
After the overnight infusion, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. Press down firmly with a spoon on the lemon peels to extract every last drop of that fragrant liquid. The result is a luscious lemon oleo saccharum, ready to take your spritz to the next level with depth and brightness unique to homemade infusions.
Step 3: Assemble the Spritz
Now for the fun and sparkle. Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice cubes to keep your drink delightfully chilled. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of your lemon oleo saccharum, then top off with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or a non-alcoholic Prosecco alternative. Give it a gentle stir to marry all those fresh, zesty flavors with the bubbly lift—your spritz is beginning to take shape beautifully.
Step 4: Adjust Flavor to Taste
Take a careful sip and consider adding a splash (around 1 ounce) of fresh lemon juice if you want to dial up the brightness and add a little tangy zip. This step is how you customize your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe to your perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a thin lemon slice or an aromatic thyme sprig—or even both if you’re feeling fancy—to create a vibrant visual appeal and add subtle herbal notes. Serve immediately and watch your guests light up with delight as they sip this icy-cold burst of sunshine.
How to Serve Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your spritz is where you get to play with aroma and aesthetics. A thin lemon slice adds a fresh, zesty look that hints at the flavors within, while a sprig of thyme introduces an herbal twist that complements the citrus beautifully. These simple touches not only elevate the presentation but contribute subtle layers of scent that make the first sip even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light and fresh appetizers. Think of a platter of marinated olives, crunchy almonds, or a charcuterie board with mild cheeses and prosciutto. The bright acidity and effervescence cut through richness, making every bite and sip feel balanced and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe in a clear stemmed glass to showcase its sparkling clarity and vibrant lemon hue. You might also try rimming the glass with sugar or zest for an extra pop. For gatherings, a large pitcher with floating lemon wheels and thyme sprigs creates an inviting centerpiece that beckons everyone to grab a glass and join the celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover lemon oleo saccharum or assembled spritz, store the oleo saccharum in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The spritz itself is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours if needed; just give it a gentle stir before serving to revive the bubbles.
Freezing
Freezing the lemon oleo saccharum syrup is not recommended as it could alter the texture and release of flavors once thawed. Similarly, the sparkling nature of the spritz does not freeze well and should be avoided to keep the drink’s signature fizz and brightness intact.
Reheating
This is a cold, refreshing drink designed to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not applicable. To ensure the best experience of the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe, serve it fresh and ice-cold every time.
FAQs
Can I make this spritz alcoholic with actual Limoncello?
Absolutely! You can substitute the lemon oleo saccharum with your favorite limoncello to add a sweet lemon liqueur kick. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness and lemon juice accordingly to keep the balance perfect.
What is lemon oleo saccharum? Is it difficult to make?
Lemon oleo saccharum is a syrup made by infusing lemon peels with sugar to extract their essential oils. While it may sound fancy, it’s incredibly simple—just peel, combine with sugar, let it rest overnight, and strain. It adds a depth of lemon flavor you won’t get from juice alone!
Can I use regular sparkling water instead of lemon sparkling water?
Yes, you can use plain sparkling water, but using lemon-flavored sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco enhances the citrus profile and makes the spritz even more refreshing and bright.
Is this recipe suitable for non-alcoholic versions?
Definitely! Using non-alcoholic sparkling wines or Prosecco alternatives keeps the spritz bubbly and festive without alcohol, making it perfect for all kinds of celebrations.
How long does oleo saccharum keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, lemon oleo saccharum can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator while maintaining its fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe blends simplicity with vibrant, unforgettable flavor. It’s a gorgeous cocktail to lift your spirits, refresh your palate, and impress your friends with homemade flair. Whether it becomes your go-to summer sipper or a special occasion treat, I can’t recommend making it at home enough. Go ahead, gather your lemons and bubbles, and experience that bright splash of sunshine in a glass!
Print
Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing, citrusy cocktail made with homemade lemon oleo saccharum, sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and optional fresh lemon juice. Perfect for warm days, this spritz offers a bright, zesty flavor with a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, garnished with lemon slices or thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoiding white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons per lemon, total 4.5 to 6 tablespoons)
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 carefully peel the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place the peels in a jar and add an equal amount of sugar by weight, or about 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon. Stir to combine and gently muddle the mixture to release the lemon oils. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight to infuse.
- 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 liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum.
- Assemble the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of the prepared lemon oleo saccharum. Top with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and stir gently to combine.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the spritz; if desired, add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness and acidity.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for a visually appealing and aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing limoncello spritz.
Notes
- Ensure no white pith is included in the lemon peels to avoid bitterness in the oleo saccharum.
- The sugar quantity can be adjusted slightly depending on desired sweetness.
- The spritz can be made using sparkling water for a lighter, non-alcoholic version or non-alcoholic Prosecco for a celebratory feel.
- Fresh lemon juice is optional but adds brightness and acidity.
- Garnishes enhance visual appeal and aroma but can be omitted if desired.
