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If you’re craving a refreshing, zesty, and elegantly simple cocktail to brighten up any moment, this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the vibrant essence of fresh lemon peel and that irresistible citrus sparkle, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, all wrapped up in a bubbly, uplifting spritz. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or impressing guests at your next gathering, this drink brings sunshine in a glass like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe comes from a handful of thoughtful ingredients that are both simple and essential. Each one plays a special role, from the aromatic lemon peel that infuses rich oils, to the gentle fizz that adds that sparkling personality we adore.
- Peel of 4-5 lemons: Use only the bright yellow zest, avoiding any bitter white pith for the freshest, most vibrant flavor.
- 1 cup sugar: About 3 tablespoons per lemon, this sweetness balances the tartness and helps extract the lemon oils beautifully.
- 1 to 1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum: This lemon-infused syrup is the heart of the spritz, delivering intense citrus notes with every sip.
- 1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco: Adds effervescence and lightness to elevate the drink’s refreshment factor.
- 1 oz lemon juice (optional): For a zesty boost of acidity if you prefer a brighter, more tart profile.
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional): These little touches add visual appeal and a subtle aroma that makes the experience extra special.
How to Make Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oleo Saccharum
The first secret weapon in this recipe is the lemon oleo saccharum, a syrup crafted by infusing sugar with lemon peel oils. Start by gently peeling 4-5 lemons, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith. Combine these fragrant peels with sugar in a jar, using about 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon. Muddle the mixture lightly to help release those precious oils, then cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight. This slow infusion transforms simple sugar and lemon peel into liquid gold.
Step 2: Strain the Oleo Saccharum
Once your oleo saccharum has developed overnight, it’s time to separate the flavorful liquid from the lemon peels. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or airtight container, pressing down firmly with a spoon to extract every drop of that intense lemon essence. This syrup will form the soul of your spritz, so savor the moment and admire that bright, golden hue.
Step 3: Assemble the Spritz
Fill a large wine glass generously with ice cubes, then pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of your freshly made lemon oleo saccharum. Top this with 1 cup of your preferred lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and stir gently to marry the flavors. This is when your Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe really comes alive — the bubbles lifting the lively citrus notes to create something truly irresistible.
Step 4: Adjust Flavor (Optional)
Take a careful sip and decide if you’d like to amp up the brightness. Adding about 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice can infuse an extra punch of acidity, balancing the sweetness and lifting the entire drink to new heights of refreshment. This step is all about making the spritz perfectly yours!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, adorn your spritz with a thin lemon slice or a sprig of fresh thyme — or both if you’re feeling fancy. These garnishes not only look stunning but also add a lovely hint of aroma that complements the citrusy notes perfectly. Serve immediately and get ready to sip on your sensational creation.
How to Serve Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
The garnish is your chance to add both style and scent. A thinly sliced lemon wheel is classic and bright, while a thyme sprig introduces an herbal hint that elevates the drink’s complexity. Both are optional but highly recommended for a spritz that delights multiple senses.
Side Dishes
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz shines alongside light, summery bites. Think fresh mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette. The spritz’s zesty sparkle complements fresh, vibrant foods beautifully and keeps your palate wonderfully refreshed.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your spritz presentation up a notch by serving it in a stemmed wine glass with a sugared rim for an extra touch of elegance. You might also try adding edible flowers or a twist of lemon peel curled artfully on top. These little details transform a simple drink into a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover lemon oleo saccharum or prepared spritz, be sure to store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The lemon oleo saccharum can keep well for 3-4 days, retaining its bright citrus notes. Pre-mixed spritzes should be consumed within the same time frame to enjoy the best effervescence and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this spritz or its components is not recommended. The carbonation from the sparkling water or Prosecco will dissipate, and the texture of the lemon syrup may change upon thawing. For peak enjoyment, prepare fresh or store refrigerated for a few days as suggested.
Reheating
This is a cold, refreshing cocktail best served chilled, so reheating is not applicable. Instead, refresh the drink with fresh ice and a gentle stir if it’s been stored for a bit.
FAQs
What is lemon oleo saccharum?
Lemon oleo saccharum is a natural syrup made by infusing sugar with the oils from lemon peels. It captures the intense citrus aroma and flavor without any bitterness, serving as the cornerstone of this lemon spritz.
Can I use regular Prosecco instead of non-alcoholic?
Yes! While the recipe calls for non-alcoholic Prosecco or lemon sparkling water, using regular Prosecco will add an authentic bubbly sparkle with a touch of alcohol, enhancing the traditional spritz experience.
How sweet is the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe?
The sweetness is well balanced by the fresh lemon oils and optional fresh lemon juice. The sugar in the oleo saccharum adds a smooth sweetness that’s brightened by the citrus and fizz, but it can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely! The oleo saccharum can be prepared in larger batches ahead of time, and the spritzes can be assembled quickly by combining the syrup with sparkling water or Prosecco over ice. It’s a fabulous crowd-pleaser.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! All ingredients in the Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe are plant-based and naturally vegan-friendly. Just be sure the sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco you choose is also vegan-certified.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about crafting and savoring this Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe. It feels like sunshine captured in a glass, effortless to make yet impressive in every way. Next time you want to elevate your drink game or simply enjoy a bright, bubbly moment, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Print
Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 17 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz recipe is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail featuring homemade lemon oleo saccharum, combined with sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, garnished with lemon and thyme for a bright, aromatic spritz that’s perfect for warm days or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoiding white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons per lemon, totaling about 4.5 to 6 tablespoons)
For the 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 sugar measured by weight or about 3 tablespoons per lemon. Stir to combine and gently muddle the mixture a few times to release the lemon oils. Cover and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse the flavors.
- 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, the base for the spritz.
- Assemble the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of the prepared lemon oleo saccharum and top it with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste your spritz and, if desired, add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness and acidity according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish your drink with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for an appealing look and aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing limoncello spritz.
Notes
- Make sure to avoid the white pith when peeling lemons, as it can add bitterness to the drink.
- Overnight infusion enhances the lemon oil extraction for a sweeter, more aromatic oleo saccharum.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the spritz to balance sweetness and acidity as you prefer.
- This recipe yields one serving but can be scaled up for parties.
- Non-alcoholic Prosecco or lemon sparkling water are good alternatives for a non-alcoholic twist.
