There is something undeniably refreshing and joyous about the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe. This vibrant, zesty drink combines the bright citrus punch of homemade lemon oleo saccharum with sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, creating a bubbly and invigorating cocktail that’s perfect for warm afternoons or celebratory evenings. It’s crisp, lightly sweetened, and effortlessly elegant, making it one of my absolute go-to drinks when I want something that feels both artisanal and utterly delicious. If you love lemony flavors and sparkling drinks, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe lies in its simplicity and the bright, fresh ingredients that come together to create incredible depth of flavor. Each element plays a special role, from the zest-filled lemon oleo saccharum that acts as a sweet citrus syrup to the sparkling water that adds fizz and a lovely mouthfeel.
- The peel of 4-5 lemons: Provides the essential oils and bright citrus aroma that make the oleo saccharum magical.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemons with sweetness and assists in extracting the oils from the peel.
- 1-1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum: A homemade lemon syrup bursting with intense lemon flavor.
- 1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco: Adds refreshing bubbles and a light touch of lemon, making the drink lively.
- 1 oz lemon juice (optional): Elevates the tartness if you enjoy a more pronounced lemon kick.
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig to garnish (optional): Enhances the visual appeal and introduces complementary aromas.
How to Make Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Create Your Lemon Oleo Saccharum
Start this process the day before you plan to enjoy your spritz. Carefully peel 4-5 lemons, aiming to avoid the bitter white pith as much as possible. In a clean jar, combine the lemon peels with an equal weight of sugar—if you don’t have scales, 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon is a good guideline. Stir the sugar evenly throughout, then muddle the mixture gently a few times to help release all those fragrant citrus oils.
Step 2: Let It Rest Overnight
Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the sugar to extract the vibrant oils from the lemon peels, transforming the sugar into a fragrant, intensely lemony syrup known as oleo saccharum. The aromatic anticipation during this wait is half the fun!
Step 3: Strain and Preserve the Oleo Saccharum
After the oleo saccharum has developed, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or airtight container. Press down on the lemon peels to squeeze out every last drop of that flavorful syrup. This homemade lemon oleo saccharum is the heart and soul of your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble Your Spritz
Fill a large wine glass generously with ice to chill, then pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of your lemon oleo saccharum. Top with a cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco to add a delightful fizz that brightens each sip.
Step 5: Customize Your Citrus Kick
Give your spritz a taste, and if you prefer a sharper lemon tang, stir in the optional ounce of fresh lemon juice. This extra acidity can really balance the sweetness beautifully, making the spritz even more refreshing and lively.
How to Serve Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
A simple lemon slice tucked on the rim or floating on top lends a fresh citrus scent and a pop of sunshine color. Alternatively, a sprig of thyme adds an unexpected herbal note and makes your glass look effortlessly elegant. Feel free to use both to impress your guests and elevate the drinking experience.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light, Mediterranean-inspired dishes like marinated olives, grilled shrimp, or a vibrant Caprese salad. The citrus and bubbles help cleanse the palate, making it a perfect companion for appetizers or light meals where fresh flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe in stemmed wine glasses or sleek highball glasses filled with crushed ice for a more casual twist. You could also rim the glass with a mix of sugar and finely grated lemon zest for an added burst of flavor right from the first sip. Presentation is your playground—have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your lemon oleo saccharum can be kept refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight jar. This means you can make a batch ahead of time and have it ready to whip up a spritz whenever the mood strikes. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before using, as natural settling may occur.
Freezing
While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire spritz, you can freeze lemon peels to prepare your oleo saccharum fresh anytime. Keep the peels in a sealed freezer bag, then combine with sugar when ready to make your syrup for a perfectly fresh flavor boost.
Reheating
This is a cold, refreshing cocktail, so reheating is not suitable. However, if you want to use leftover oleo saccharum in hot teas or cocktails, simply add it directly as a flavorful sweetener without heating it separately.
FAQs
Can I use regular Prosecco instead of non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Using regular Prosecco will create a light alcoholic spritz, enhancing the overall experience. If you prefer a fully mocktail version, non-alcoholic options work seamlessly too.
What is oleo saccharum, and why is it important?
Oleo saccharum is a syrup made by extracting the essential oils from citrus peels into sugar. It’s critical here because it delivers intense, natural lemon flavor with a smooth sweetness, giving the spritz its unique signature taste.
Can I prepare lemon oleo saccharum without waiting overnight?
Waiting at least overnight is essential for full extraction of the oils. While you can speed it up slightly by muddling more and using warm sugar, the flavor won’t be as rich or aromatic.
Is this recipe only for one serving?
The base oleo saccharum can be made in larger batches and stored. Simply multiply the other ingredients proportionally to serve more people with fresh spritzes made individually.
Can I substitute lemon sparkling water with other citrus flavors?
While lemon sparkling works best to keep the flavor cohesive, you can experiment with lime or orange sparkling waters for a different twist. Just keep in mind it will alter the signature lemon profile of the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe.
Final Thoughts
The Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly spectacular. Bright, sparkling, and utterly refreshing, it’s a drink that feels fancy without the fuss. Whether sharing with friends on a sunny afternoon or savoring a quiet moment, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try and let the zesty bubbles brighten your day!
Print
Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes active plus overnight infusion
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
A refreshing and citrusy Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz cocktail featuring homemade lemon oleo saccharum, lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and optional fresh lemon juice, perfect for a bright and tangy drink with a delightful lemon twist.
Ingredients
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoiding white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (about 3 tablespoons per lemon, approximately 4.5 to 6 tablespoons total)
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 oils. Cover and leave it 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 strained 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 lemon oleo saccharum and top with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the spritz and add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice if desired 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
- Make the oleo saccharum at least one day before serving to allow the lemon oils to fully infuse into the sugar.
- The sugar quantity can be adjusted slightly depending on the number of lemons or personal sweetness preference.
- Fresh lemon juice is optional; add it if you prefer a tangier and more citrus-forward flavor.
- Non-alcoholic Prosecco makes this a light, alcohol-free mocktail choice, or substitute with lemon sparkling water for extra zing.
- Be careful to avoid the white pith when peeling lemons to prevent bitterness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight infusing time for oleo saccharum)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
