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
Scale
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.
