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If you’re looking to elevate your summer sipping game, this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with bright citrus notes and a hint of natural sweetness from that homemade lemon oleo saccharum, this spritz brings a dazzling sparkle to any occasion. It’s refreshingly simple to prepare, combining the vibrant tang of lemon peel-infused syrup with sparkling lemon water or a non-alcoholic Prosecco alternative for the perfect balance of zest and fizz. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or entertaining friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a light, lively, and utterly delicious cocktail experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that refreshing and vibrant profile. From the zesty lemon peels to the sparkling finish, every element enhances the sparkling texture, zingy aroma, and addictive taste that make this spritz so special.
- Lemon peels (4-5 lemons): The star ingredient, packed with essential oils to infuse your sugar into that luscious lemon oleo saccharum.
- Sugar (about 1 cup): Perfect for drawing out citrus oils and creating a natural, bright syrup that’s not overly sweet.
- Lemon oleo saccharum (1-1.5 oz): The prized lemon sugar syrup that delivers intense fresh lemon flavor in every sip.
- Lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco (1 cup): Adds the sparkling, effervescent touch essential for a lively spritz experience.
- Lemon juice (optional, 1 oz): Adds an extra tangy kick if you want your spritz to lean a little brighter and sharper.
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig (optional): Beautiful garnishes to visually elevate and complement the fresh citrus notes.
How to Make Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Oleo Saccharum
This is the magic base that takes your spritz from good to unforgettable, but it’s best made the day before. Start by carefully peeling 4 to 5 lemons—be sure to avoid the bitter white pith. Combine the peels with an equal weight of sugar in a jar; if you don’t have a scale, remember approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon works beautifully. Stir and gently muddle the mixture a few times to help release the lemon oils, then cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight. This slow infusion is what will give your spritz its deep, summery lemon aroma and smooth sweetness.
Step 2: Strain and Extract
After your oleo saccharum has rested, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into an airtight container. Use a spoon to press and squeeze out every last drop of that golden, fragrant syrup. This step is key because it ensures the fullest flavor extraction so your spritz will be bright, vibrant, and show-stopping in every glass.
Step 3: Assemble the Spritz
Grab a large wine glass and fill it generously with ice—lots of ice enhances the chill and texture. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of your freshly made lemon oleo saccharum syrup, then top with about 1 cup of chilled lemon sparkling water or your preferred non-alcoholic Prosecco alternative. Take a quick taste and add 1 ounce of lemon juice if you want to dial up the citrus tang a bit more. Gently stir to combine all those sparkling, sweet, and tart layers.
How to Serve Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is part of the fun, and garnishes elevate your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe from simple to stunning. Thin lemon slices add an elegant citrus flair while a sprig of fresh thyme introduces a lovely herbal note that pairs beautifully with the lemon. Feel free to get creative and use both for a visually stunning and aromatic finish that will have your guests asking for your secret.
Side Dishes
This spritz shines best alongside light, fresh bites that echo its bright character. Think Mediterranean-inspired snacks like marinated olives, fresh mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, or a platter of crunchy crudités with lemony hummus. These pairings allow the spritz to refresh your palate between bites, enhancing every sip and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe in vintage coupe glasses or stemless wine glasses for a modern twist. Add edible flowers or frozen lemon zest ice cubes to the glass for whimsical pops of color. You can even rim the glass with sugar and lemon zest to intensify the citrus explosion from the very first sip—such small details make all the difference when impressing friends or celebrating quietly at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover lemon oleo saccharum or spritz mix, storing it properly will keep the flavors fresh. Keep your lemon oleo saccharum in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—this syrup keeps well and can quickly transform sparkling water into a special drink. For the assembled spritz, it’s best to enjoy immediately for full sparkle and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing the lemon oleo saccharum isn’t recommended, as the syrup’s delicate oils and sugar dissolve better fresh, and freezing may alter the texture and flavor. However, you can freeze ice cubes made from lemon sparkling water or Prosecco to add an extra chill without watering down your spritz.
Reheating
Since the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is designed to be served chilled and sparkling, reheating is not advised. The fizz and fresh citrus brightness are best enjoyed cold, straight from the glass.
FAQs
Can I use regular sparkling water instead of lemon sparkling water?
Absolutely! Regular sparkling water works perfectly if you don’t have lemon-flavored sparkling water on hand. The lemon oleo saccharum already provides a strong citrus flavor, so your spritz will still taste refreshing and vibrant.
Is the lemon oleo saccharum alcoholic?
No, the lemon oleo saccharum itself is just a sugar-lemon infusion with no alcohol. The “alcoholic” element in this spritz can come from adding lemon-flavored sparkling wine or Prosecco for a traditional cocktail, or you can keep it non-alcoholic with lemon sparkling water as a spritz-style mocktail.
Can I prepare the lemon oleo saccharum faster?
For the best flavor, it’s really worth the overnight rest to let the sugar fully absorb the lemon oils. While you can technically make it in a few hours with vigorous muddling, it won’t have the same depth and smoothness as when left to infuse slowly.
How long does the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe take to make?
The active prep time is about 5 minutes, but you need to make the lemon oleo saccharum a day ahead. Once the syrup is ready, assembling your spritz is a quick and joyful process that anyone can master.
What are some good alternatives to thyme for garnishing?
If thyme isn’t your thing, fresh rosemary or basil can also beautifully complement the lemon flavors in your spritz. You might even try a small sprig of mint for a refreshing twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about cracking open a cold glass of this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe after a long day or sharing it with friends on a sunny afternoon. Its sparkling, lemony brightness is like a little celebration in a glass, and the homemade lemon oleo saccharum gives it that personal touch that makes it unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation of go-to drinks that uplift, refresh, and delight every time.
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Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
- Total Time: Overnight plus 5 minutes to assemble
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
A refreshing and bright alcoholic Limoncello Spritz cocktail made with homemade lemon oleo saccharum, sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and optional lemon juice, garnished with a lemon slice or thyme sprig. Perfect for a quick and zesty spritz to enjoy on warm days.
Ingredients
Lemon Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoid white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 1.5 oz or 3 tablespoons per lemon)
Spritz Ingredients
- 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: Peel the lemons carefully, avoiding the white pith, and place the peels in a jar. Add an equal amount of sugar by weight (approximately 1.5 oz sugar per lemon). Stir and muddle the sugar through the peels several times to release the oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse.
- Strain the Oleo Saccharum: Using a fine mesh strainer, press down the lemon peel and sugar mixture to extract all the infused liquid into a clean jar or airtight container. This strained liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum.
- Mix the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of the lemon oleo saccharum and add 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Taste your spritz and add up to 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice if you prefer a more tart flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for an aromatic and decorative touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Limoncello Spritz.
Notes
- Note 1: For accurate sugar to lemon ratio, weigh the lemon peels and use an equal weight of sugar to make perfectly balanced oleo saccharum.
- Note 2: Lemon juice is optional; adding it will increase tartness and fresh citrus flavor.
- The oleo saccharum must be prepared the day before allowing the sugar to extract essential lemon oils fully.
- Use of non-alcoholic Prosecco or lemon sparkling water keeps this spritz light and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding overnight infusion)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
