Limoncello spritz

This limoncello spritz is wonderful light and bubbly citrus cocktail. Like other spritz drinks, it's super simple, with just three ingredients (plus ice!) but the result is a bright and refreshing drink that's perfect for any occasion.

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Especially as the weather warms up, lighter and cold cocktails become more and more fitting. Pretty much everyone is aware of the aperol spritz as a classic Italian aperitivo/aperitif, but spritzes are a category rather than one solo drink. In other words, there are many more to get to know!

I've shared a lillet spritz and Hugo spritz before, which are both lovely drinks, then this is another that's well worth trying.

What is a spritz cocktail?

The name "spritz" comes from the German “spritzen” meaning to splash or squirt. The story goes that during the Austro-Hungarian empire, visiting Austrian soldiers found Italian wine too strong so lightened it with a splash of water. 

Over time, rather than using plain water, soda water was more popular to both give the fizz and strength of the beer they were more used to. The basic spritz was equal parts wine and water.

As the drink evolved, in Venice a drink was created using local wine, water and a bitter liqueur. The bitter element could be Campari, Aperol, Select or Cynar, for example. All of these are still popular in Northern Italy, each with their own level of bitterness and slightly different flavors. The Aperol variation is likely more popular elsewhere down to advertising rather than locally in Italy.

Different bartenders created their own spins on the idea, with the Hugo spritz cocktail being one example. This limoncello version is a South Italian variation, though it doesn't have a specific known creator. But it hardly matters as you are enjoying it's lovely flavors.

What is limoncello?

Limoncello is a liqueur from the South of Italy that you make by soaking lemon peel in alcohol. You typically use a strong, neutral spirit such as ethanol or vodka. Once you have your lemon-infused spirit, you mix it with sugar syrup to create the liqueur. You can make your own limoncello or buy it. 

It's popular particularly in the Amalfi region, where you get those wonderful Amalfi lemons, as either an aperitif (pre-dinner) or digestif (after dinner). Typically, you sip on it from a shot glass, but you can also use it as an ingredient in cocktails, like this.

Building the drink with a classic spritz ratio

This drink is built in the glass and uses a ratio that is typical in many spritz drinks, at least as the drink has evolved:

• 3 parts prosecco
• 2 parts aperitif (in this case limoncello)
• 1 part soda water/club soda.

You start by adding plenty of ice to the glass, then pour over the limoncello followed by the prosecco then the soda water. Stir gently to combine but without losing too much of the fizz.

It's worth noting that limoncello is typically stronger than most aperitifs that are common in other spritz cocktails, like Aperol, and so this spritz is that bit stronger as a result. If you prefer, you can reduce the limoncello part to make it a little less strong, or up the ratio of sparkling water. However the ratio above does give a great flavor balance. 

This limoncello spritz is a lovely balance of bubbles, tart citrus and mellow prosecco flavors. It's light, bright and perfect served icy cold on a warm day.

Try these other cocktails perfect for summer:

• Blackberry bourbon smash
• Passion fruit margarita
• Pimm's mojito
• Plus get more cocktail recipes in the archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

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