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