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