Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz recipe is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that captures the bright essence of lemons through homemade lemon oleo saccharum, combined with sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Perfect for a light, invigorating beverage, it balances natural lemon oils, sweetness, and optional tartness, making it an ideal spritz for warm days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4–5 lemons (avoid white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 1.5 oz or 3 tablespoons per lemon)
Spritz
- 1–1.5 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
- Make the Oleo Saccharum: Peel the lemons carefully, avoiding the white pith, and place the peels in a jar. Add an equal amount of sugar by weight (approximately 1.5 oz sugar per lemon). Stir and muddle the sugar through the peels several times to release the oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse the flavors.
- Strain the Oleo Saccharum: Using a fine mesh strainer, press down on the lemon peel and sugar mixture to extract all the infused liquid into a clean jar or airtight container. This strained liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum ready to use.
- Mix the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of the lemon oleo saccharum and add 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, gently stirring to combine.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Taste your spritz and add up to 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice if you prefer a more tart flavor. Stir gently again.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for an aromatic and decorative touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Limoncello Spritz.
Notes
- When peeling lemons, avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness in the oleo saccharum.
- Overnight infusion is key to extracting the essential oils from the lemon peel for maximum flavor.
- The lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco can be substituted with regular sparkling water, but it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
- If you prefer an alcoholic version, you can add a splash of traditional Limoncello or vodka.
- Store leftover oleo saccharum in the refrigerator and use within a week for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus overnight infusion)
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
