If you adore bright, citrusy beverages that instantly lift your spirits, this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a vibrant, effervescent cocktail that balances the sunshine of fresh lemon oils with sparkling water and a splash of sweetness, creating a refreshing drink that feels like summer in a glass. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a lively gathering, this spritz delivers a zesty, bubbly experience that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe, and the best part is how straightforward and naturally flavorful everything is. Each item plays a key role, from the brightness of the lemon peels to the sparkle in the water, ensuring every sip sings with freshness and balance.
- Peel of 4-5 lemons (avoid white pith): Essential for capturing the pure citrus oils that make your oleo saccharum burst with flavor.
- 1 cup sugar (approx. 1.5 oz per lemon): Sweetness to gently soften the sharpness of lemon, unlocking the oils in the peels.
- 1-1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum: The heart of the spritz, a syrup infused with bright lemon essence.
- 1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco: Adds delightful bubbles and a crisp finish to the cocktail.
- 1 oz lemon juice (optional): For those who love an extra punch of tartness, this amps up the lemon flavor wonderfully.
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional): A pretty, aromatic touch that elevates the drink’s presentation and scent.
How to Make Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Make the Oleo Saccharum
This step is where the magic starts! Carefully peel your lemons, making sure to avoid the white pith, and place the peels in a jar. Add sugar equal by weight to the lemons, then muddle the mixture so the sugar begins to release the essential oils from the peels. Cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight. This gentle infusion transforms simple lemon peels and sugar into a liquid gold of citrus sweetness.
Step 2: Strain the Oleo Saccharum
After that overnight waiting game, it’s time to extract every drop of lemony goodness. Using a fine mesh strainer, press the infused mixture to strain out the liquid. This fragrant, syrupy lemon oleo saccharum is what gives your spritz its signature brightness and subtle sweetness—don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix the Spritz
Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice to keep things cool and refreshing. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of your freshly made oleo saccharum and top with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or your choice of non-alcoholic Prosecco. This combination creates that celebrated spritz sparkle and citrus zing, perfect for sipping in the sun.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice (Optional)
Give your spritz a little taste. If you want more tang, stir in up to 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This step is all about customizing your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe to suit your palate, making it as tart or sweet as you like.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For a finishing flourish, add a thin slice of lemon or a small sprig of fresh thyme—or both if you’re feeling fancy. These garnishes don’t just look stunning; they bring extra aroma and a refined touch to your homemade spritz. Serve immediately and watch your guests light up with delight!
How to Serve Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add personality to the spritz. Classic lemon slices amplify the citrus theme visually and flavor-wise, while thyme adds an herbaceous note that plays beautifully with lemon. Fresh mint or edible flowers are also fun options to take it up a notch and make your drink feel like a celebration in a glass.
Side Dishes
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe pairs exceptionally well with light, fresh appetizers. Think olives, marinated artichokes, or simple bruschetta with tomatoes and basil. The spritz’s bright acidity cleanses the palate, balancing savory bites with its crisp sparkle and sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make this spritz shine even more. Serve it in crystal-clear stemware for elegant gatherings, or try fun mason jars for casual summer parties. Adding colorful straws, edible flowers, or even a lightly sugared rim on the glass instantly turns this simple drink into a conversation piece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover lemon oleo saccharum, store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s wonderfully versatile and can brighten up lemonades, desserts, or even other cocktails quickly and easily.
Freezing
While freezing the spritz itself is not recommended due to the sparkling water, you can freeze lemon oleo saccharum in ice cube trays. This way, you can pop a cube into drinks later for a quick citrus boost and a bit of chill.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary or advised for this cocktail since it’s meant to be refreshing and cold. If you want to warm lemon oleo saccharum for a hot toddy twist, do so gently and in small amounts—but always serve the spritz version chilled and sparkling.
FAQs
Can I use regular sparkling water instead of lemon sparkling water?
Absolutely! Regular sparkling water works just fine and will give your spritz a nice fizz; the lemon sparkling water just adds an extra layer of citrus brightness.
Is this recipe suitable for non-alcoholic drinkers?
Yes! If you use non-alcoholic Prosecco or lemon sparkling water, this spritz becomes a wonderfully refreshing alcohol-free option with all the sparkle and flavor.
How long does the oleo saccharum infusion take?
Ideally, you want to let the lemon peels and sugar infuse overnight at room temperature—about 12 to 24 hours—to extract the best and most balanced oils and sweetness.
What can I substitute for sugar?
You might try honey or agave syrup, but sugar works best for creating that classic oleo saccharum because it draws out oils effectively; other sweeteners may alter the texture or balance.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just scale up the ingredients, especially the oleo saccharum infusion, and keep everything chilled until ready to serve. It’s a fantastic party cocktail because it feels fancy but is so easy to prepare.
Final Thoughts
Making this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is like capturing the essence of a sunny afternoon and pouring it into a glass. It’s bright, bubbly, and bursting with lemony goodness that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Next time you want to impress your friends or treat yourself to a refreshing pick-me-up, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours (including overnight infusion)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail crafted by infusing lemon peels with sugar to create lemon oleo saccharum. Mixed with sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco and optionally fresh lemon juice, this vibrant spritz is garnished with lemon slices and thyme for a bright, aromatic drink perfect for warm weather or festive occasions.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoid white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 1.5 oz or 3 tablespoons per lemon)
For the Spritz
- 1–1.5 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
- Make the Oleo Saccharum: Carefully peel 4-5 lemons, avoiding the white pith, and place the peels in a jar. Add an equal amount of sugar by weight (about 1.5 oz sugar per lemon). Stir and muddle the sugar through the peels several times to release the essential oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse.
- Strain the Oleo Saccharum: The next day, use a fine mesh strainer to press down the lemon peel and sugar mixture, extracting all the infused liquid into a clean jar or airtight container. This liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum, bursting with citrus flavor.
- Mix the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of the prepared lemon oleo saccharum, then add 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Taste your spritz and if you prefer a more tart and lively flavor, add up to 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish your spritz with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for an aromatic and decorative touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Limoncello Spritz.
Notes
- When peeling lemons, avoid the white pith as it imparts bitterness.
- Allowing the sugar and peel mixture to rest overnight is crucial for extracting the citrus oils.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon oleo saccharum and lemon juice to taste for sweetness and tartness.
- This recipe uses non-alcoholic Prosecco or sparkling water but can be adjusted to include alcohol if desired.
- Serve immediately after garnishing to maintain fizz and freshness.
