What is limoncello, exactly?
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur, usually made from lemon zest infused in alcohol, then sweetened. It is fragrant, sweet, and very lemon-forward.
What is the best ratio for a Limoncello Spritz?
My go-to is 3-2-1: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, 1 part sparkling water. It drinks sweet-tart and bright, kind of like a lemon drop but lighter and bubblier. That said, limoncello varies by brand and some are sweeter than others. If you are not sure, start with 1.5 oz limoncello and adjust from there.
Brut vs extra dry vs dry: which Prosecco should I buy?
Go for brut if you want the spritz less sweet. Quick heads-up: extra dry is actually sweeter than brut (it is confusing, I know). Dry is sweeter still.
Can I use Champagne or another sparkling wine?
Yes. Prosecco is classic because it is fruity and friendly, but any dry sparkling wine works. If your bubbles are very dry, you may love the contrast with limoncello.
How do I keep it from being too sweet?
Use a brut Prosecco, add extra sparkling water, and go heavy on ice. A pinch of salt is optional but can make the lemon taste brighter and less sugary.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
You can. Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine plus lemon syrup or lemon cordial (start with 1 ounce), then top with sparkling water. Garnish the same way and it still feels special.
How do I make a pitcher for a group?
Use the same ratio and scale up. For 6 spritzes: mix 18 oz Prosecco and 12 oz limoncello in a pitcher. Refrigerate. Right before serving, pour over ice and top each glass with about 1 oz sparkling water (or add 6 oz to the pitcher at the last second). Bubbles do not love waiting around.
What garnishes work best?
Lemon wheel, mint, or a rosemary sprig. If you want extra aroma, express a little lemon peel over the glass before dropping it in.
