Lemon Spritz – a Fresh Cocktail with a Bright Citrus Flavour
Lemon Spritz is a fresh, sparkling and lightly tart cocktail that is perfect when you want to serve something simple but elegant. It follows the same idea as a classic spritz: a flavourful base, sparkling wine and soda water. The difference is that lemon takes the leading role.
The result is a bright and refreshing drink with a clear citrus character. It works especially well as an aperitif before dinner, with lighter dishes or as a cooling cocktail during spring and summer.
What Is a Lemon Spritz?
A Lemon Spritz is a cocktail with lemon flavour, often made with limoncello, prosecco and soda water. Limoncello gives the drink a sweet and intense lemon note, while prosecco adds bubbles, freshness and a light fruitiness. Soda water makes the drink lighter and more refreshing.
It is easy to make at home, but still feels elegant and well-balanced. The yellow colour, fresh bubbles and scent of lemon make it a natural summer cocktail.
Lemon Spritz Recipe with Limoncello
Ingredients
For 1 glass:
5 cl limoncello
8 cl prosecco
3 cl soda water
Ice
Lemon slice or lemon zest for garnish
Fresh mint, optional
How to Make It
Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice.
Pour in the limoncello.
Top with prosecco and soda water.
Stir gently to keep the bubbles fresh.
Garnish with a thin lemon slice, lemon zest or a small sprig of mint.
How to Get the Best Balance
The key to a good Lemon Spritz is the balance between sweetness, acidity and bubbles. Limoncello is often quite sweet, so it should not be overused. Choose a dry or extra dry prosecco to prevent the drink from becoming too sweet.
For a fresher version, add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For a softer and rounder drink, reduce the soda water slightly and let the prosecco take more space.
What Glass Should You Use?
Lemon Spritz is best served in a large wine glass or spritz glass. This gives enough room for plenty of ice, keeping the cocktail cold without watering it down too quickly. A larger glass also helps bring out the aroma of lemon and prosecco.
Food Pairings for Lemon Spritz
Lemon Spritz pairs best with food that is fresh, salty and light. It works especially well with:
Grilled fish
Seafood
Burrata with lemon and olive oil
Bruschetta
Salads with herbs and citrus
Grilled halloumi
Prosciutto and melon
Lemon pasta or seafood pasta
The fresh lemon flavour makes the drink especially good with salty snacks, olive oil, herbs and mild creamy textures.
Non-Alcoholic Lemon Spritz
You can also make a non-alcoholic version. Replace limoncello with alcohol-free lemon liqueur, lemon soda or a mix of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Use alcohol-free sparkling wine and top with soda water.
Non-Alcoholic Recipe
4 cl lemon soda or alcohol-free lemon liqueur
8 cl alcohol-free sparkling wine
3 cl soda water
A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Ice and lemon slice
This creates a fresh, sparkling and lightly tart drink that works well for both gatherings and dinner.
Serving Tips
Serve Lemon Spritz very cold. Chill both the prosecco and limoncello in advance. Use plenty of ice and keep the garnish simple with lemon. For a more elegant presentation, use a long lemon zest instead of a regular lemon slice.
When serving Lemon Spritz to several guests, prepare the glasses with ice and limoncello first, then top with prosecco and soda water just before serving. This helps keep the bubbles fresh.
