This raspberry limoncello spritz cocktail is the perfect alternative to an Aperol spritz for those who don’t care for the bitter flavors in Aperol. It’s light and refreshing and easy to make at home. We replace the Aperol with Limoncello and gently muddle fresh berries for a fruity twist.
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What is a Spritz?
A spritz is a popular cocktail that originated in Italy. It is a light and refreshing drink that is made with sparkling wine or Prosecco, mixed with a bitter liqueur such as Aperoland topped off with a splash of soda water.
This drink is low-ABV and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or a light and effervescent drink during warm weather.
What is Limoncello?
Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur. It is known for its bright, citrusy flavor and vibrant yellow color. It is traditionally made from the zest of lemons, alcohol, water, and sugar.
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
What is Muddling?
Muddling is a common technique used in crafting cocktails to extract flavors from ingredients such as fruits or herbs by gently pressing them with a muddler. The muddler is a bartending tool, typically made of wood or stainless steel, with a handle and a flat, blunt end. A stainless steel muddler like this one works well for most cocktails.
To muddle, place the ingredients in a glass or cocktail shaker and use the muddler to press or crush them against the bottom. This will help release the oils and juices, infusing them into the drink.
Other Spritz Variations
This same formula can be easily followed using different liqueurs in place of the limoncello. You can leave out the fruit or use something different. Liqueurs like St. Germain work just as well in a refreshing Spritz.
Make it A Mocktail
With so many alcohol alternatives on the market, it’s easier than ever to turn any cocktail into a mocktail. For this one you will need to swap out the Prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine like this one from Fre Wines.
While there aren’t any non-alcoholic Limoncellos available yet, you can replace this with a lemon syrup.
To make the lemon syrup:
Wash and zest 4-5 large lemons, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Juice the lemons to obtain approximately 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup of water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool for a few minutes. Strain the syrup to remove the lemon zest, creating a smooth consistency. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the syrup and stir well. Transfer the lemon syrup to a clean, airtight container or bottle. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make a Spritz Bar
Having a party and want to make a batch? Sparkling drinks don’t always do well sitting out but a fun idea for a party would be to make a Spritz bar. Similar to a Mimosa bar – add your Prosecco bottles to a bucket of ice and let your guests make their own.
You can make it more fun by giving different liqueur options such as Aperol, St. Germain or fruity liqueurs. You can also put out small bowls of different fruits like sliced citrus or fresh berries so guests can customize their drinks.
How To Make A Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
Raspberry Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- Fresh raspberries
- 1.5 oz limoncello liqueur
- 2.5 oz prosecco
- Soda water or lemon seltzer
Instructions
- Crush a few raspberries in a glass.
- Add ice, 1.5 oz of limoncello liqueur and 2.5 oz of prosecco.
- Top with soda water or lemon seltzer.
- Mix and add desired garnishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Limoncello
- 3 fresh raspberries
- 4 ounces Prosecco or sparkling white wine
- 1 ounce soda water
Instructions:
- Place the raspberries in a glass and muddle gently to release the juices.
- Add the Limoncello and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with Prosecco and soda water.
- Stir to combine and garnish with a lemon wheel if desired.
- Enjoy!
Cheers! Try this delicious raspberry limoncello spritz cocktail recipe for your next gathering and you won’t be disappointed. This fruity twist on the classic Aperol Spritz is sure to please! Enjoy responsibly.
Happy Mixing!
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