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If you love the classic Aperol Spritz, you can’t miss the Limoncello Spritz, an Italian aperitif cocktail perfect for sipping before or after a meal. Combining the delicious flavors of Limoncello with sparkling wine and club soda, this is a refreshing cocktail that can be easily made at home.

Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying a barbecue with friends or simply lounging on the back porch, this lightly carbonated drink can please everyone.

Limoncello Spritz Recipe

Limoncello is traditionally made using lemon peels and is a popular Italian aperitif.

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Prep Time 3

Cook Time 3

Total Time 6

Course Drinks

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 drink

Equipment

Stemless Wine Glass or any glass of your choice
Sharp Knife
Measuring tool jigger
Stirring Stick

Ingredients

2 oz Limoncello Replacement: Lemon-flavored vodka or homemade lemon syrup
1 oz Club Soda Replacement: Any sparkling water or even tonic water for a different twist
3 oz Sparkling Wine Replacement: Non-alcoholic sparkling wine or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version
Ice
Lemon for garnish
Optional: Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Grab your stemless wine glass, or glass of your choice.
Fill your glass with ice.
Ice
Use a sharp knife to cut a lemon into slices. Slot three slices into your glass.
Lemon
Measure and pour 2 oz of Limoncello over the ice.
2 oz Limoncello
Add 1 oz of club soda to the mix.
1 oz Club Soda
Pour in 3 oz of your chosen sparkling wine.
3 oz Sparkling Wine
Slap a mint leaf to release oils and add it to your glass.
Optional: Mint leaves
You can stir or leave the drink layered for a changing flavor profile as you sip.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips for Success:

Make sure your ingredients are chilled for a refreshing experience.
Feel free to adjust the ratios according to your taste preference.
Use high-quality Limoncello for the best flavor.
If you find the drink tart, add a small amount of simple syrup.

Calculate the Nutrition of the Drink:

Calories: Approximately 210-220
Carbohydrates: About 18g
Sugars: Roughly 16g
Sodium: Approximately 20mg
Vitamin C: 10% of the daily value

Keyword Limoncello Spritz Recipe

Why is limoncello so expensive?

The cost of Limoncello can vary depending on several factors such as quality, brand, and production methods. Still, it is often considered an expensive liqueur. Here are some reasons why Limoncello can be pricey:

Quality of Ingredients:

Organic Lemons: High-quality Limoncello is usually made from organic lemons, which are generally more expensive than non-organic ones.
Special Lemon Varieties: Certain lemons, like the Sfusato lemons from the Amalfi Coast, are renowned for their flavor and used in premium Limoncello.

Labor-Intensive Production:

Peeling: The lemons used for Limoncello are hand-peeled to ensure that only the zest and not the pith (which is bitter) are used. This is a labor-intensive process.
Steeping Process: After peeling, the lemon zest is left to steep in high-proof alcohol for an extended period, usually weeks, to extract maximum flavor.
Filtering and Mixing: The alcohol is carefully filtered and mixed with a sugar-water syrup.

Geography:

Import Costs: If you’re buying Limoncello outside of Italy, import duties and shipping can contribute to the cost.
Terroir: Limoncello from specific regions like the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento, renowned for their lemons, can command higher prices.

Branding and Packaging:

Artisanal Production: Small-batch Limoncello often costs more because of the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients.
Packaging: High-quality, decorative bottles and packaging also add to the cost.

Alcohol Tax and Retail Markup:

Taxes: Spirits like Limoncello are subject to higher tax rates compared to other types of alcohol, which contributes to the retail price.
Markup: Retailers will also add their markup, which can be substantial for premium products.

Aged Versions:

Some Limoncellos are aged, which can add complexity and richness to the flavor, and this aging process can also add to the cost.

For these reasons, Limoncello can be pretty expensive, especially if you are opting for a bottle that ticks all the boxes for premium quality, importation, and artisanal production.

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Founded by a group of passionate foodies and cocktail enthusiasts, We believe that the act of cooking a delicious meal and concocting the perfect drink isn’t just about satisfying hunger and thirst; it’s a form of self-expression and an avenue for nurturing your well-being from the inside out.