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Limoncello Spritz (Perfect Lemon Cocktail for Summer)

Sip summer in a glass with this refreshing limoncello spritz! It’s light, bubbly, citrusy, and perfect for patio parties, BBQs, and sunny afternoons.

Lemon cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw.

This simple cocktail combines limoncello liqueur, bubbly prosecco, zesty ginger beer, soda water, and lemon juice in a perfect balance of bright lemon flavor.ย It’s sure to become one of your favorite cocktail recipes for summer holidays!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board onย Pinterestย and it will be there when youโ€™re ready!

Limoncello cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw.

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello isย an Italian lemon liqueur produced in southern Italy, especially in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. All places that I hope to visit sometime soon!

Limoncello is made by steeping lemon peels in vodkaย until the oil is released, then mixing the resulting liquid with simple syrup. You can totally make homemade limoncello with just a few simple ingredients if you wanted!

Limoncello spritz in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw surrounded by lemon slices on a wooden cutting board.

This limoncello spritz recipe was inspired by a recent shopping trip to Seattle and our annual, must stop, visit to Trader Joes. Trader Joes always has fun foods and drinks that I’m eager to try!

Display at Trader Joes with lemon juice , limoncello and a sign with a cocktail recipe.

On this visit, they had a sign detailing this recipe with all of the ingredients readily available right there. So needless to say, I came home with a bottle of prosecco and a desire to perfect this easy cocktail recipe.

Limoncello cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw.

Ginger beer is absolutely one of my favorite drinks, so this was sure to be good! After a weekend of tirelessly taste-testing lemon cocktails (it’s a tough job, but somebody had to do it!), I’ve got the perfect summer cocktail for you.ย 

Limoncello Spritz Cocktail Recipe

This drink would pair well with a simple charcuterie board, spinach and strawberry salad, or a light dessert like peach sorbet or mango frozen yogurt. Be sure to add this easy limoncello spritz to your must-make list!

Lemon cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves with a green and white straw.

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Cocktail Making Essentials

Ingredients for limoncello spritz on a white counter.

Ingredients

The full, detailed ingredient list is in the recipe card below.

  • Limoncello liqueur โ€“ A light Italian lemon liqueur with bright citrus flavor.
  • Ginger beer โ€“ Brings a spicy, fizzy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the limoncello. I’d put this in almost anything!
  • Soda water โ€“ Adds refreshing bubbles and lightens the cocktail without changing the flavor. It can be substituted with Sprite or 7UP.
  • Prosecco โ€“ You could use a sparkling wine or champagne in a pinch.

**The original recipe calls for lemon juice, but we found that it made the cocktail too tart. When we did use lemon juice, adding 7UP instead of soda water seemed to be the winning combo.

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients over an ice-filled glass.

2. Give it a quick stir and serve with fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

Limoncello spritz in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw surrounded by lemon slices on a wooden cutting board.

Fresh Garnish Ideas

One of the best ways to personalize a cocktail is with a fun garnish.

  • Mint leaves
  • Lemon zest
  • Maraschino cherry
  • Fresh basil
  • Lemon peels
  • Thin lemon slices
Limoncello cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw.

More Drink Recipes We Love

This is the perfect drink for a hot summer day! Ditch the glass of wine after a busy day and whip up a simple spritz instead!

Lemon cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves with a green and white straw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a limoncello spritz and an Aperol spritz?
A limoncello spritz is sweeter and more citrus-forward, featuring lemon liqueur as the main ingredient. An Aperol spritz has a bittersweet orange flavor and a slightly herbal taste.

Can I make a limoncello spritz without prosecco?
Yes! You can substitute prosecco with another sparkling wine, champagne, cava, or even extra soda water for a lighter, lower-alcohol version.

What does limoncello taste like?
Limoncello has a bright, sweet lemon flavor with a smooth finish. It tastes like fresh lemons without being overly sour and is often enjoyed chilled as a digestif.

Should limoncello be served cold?
Absolutely. Limoncello is traditionally served ice cold, often stored in the freezer before serving, which helps enhance its smooth, refreshing flavor.

What foods pair well with a limoncello spritz?
This cocktail pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled chicken, charcuterie boards, fresh salads, bruschetta, and light summer desserts featuring berries or citrus.

Glass of limoncello spritz with lemon slice garnish and mint leaves with a green and white straw.

If you love this delightful limoncello spritz, please give it a five-star rating by clicking the stars below! Help me share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too.

Lemon cocktail in a glass with lemon slices and mint leaves with a green and white straw.

Limoncello Spritz (Perfect Lemon Cocktail for Summer)

Sip summer in a glass with this refreshing limoncello spritz! It's light, bubbly, citrusy, and perfect for patio parties, BBQs, and sunny afternoons.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
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Ingredients

  • 2 oz Limoncello
  • 1 oz ginger beer
  • ยฝ oz soda water
  • 3 oz prosecco

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients over an ice-filled glass.
  • Give it a quick stir and serve with fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

Notes

  • The original recipe calls for lemon juice, but we found that it made the cocktail too tart.
  • When we did use lemon juice, adding 7UP instead of soda water seemed to be the winning combo.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Sugar: 24g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg

about heather

Hello, Iโ€™m Heather!

I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...