Description

This refreshing Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz is a delightful citrus cocktail featuring homemade lemon oleo saccharum, sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and a bright touch of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a summer gathering, this spritz offers a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and bubbly refreshment, enhanced with aromatic lemon zest and optional herb garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Oleo Saccharum

Peel of 4-5 lemons (avoiding white pith)
1 cup sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons per lemon, about 4.5 to 6 tablespoons total)

Spritz Assembly

1 to 1.5 oz lemon oleo saccharum
1 cup lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco
1 oz fresh lemon juice (optional)
Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Oleo Saccharum: Wash and carefully peel the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place the lemon peels into a jar and add an equal amount of sugar by weight, or about 3 tablespoons sugar per lemon if not weighing. Stir to combine and gently muddle a few times to release the lemon oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse the flavors.
Strain the Oleo Saccharum: After infusion, strain the lemon peel and sugar mixture using a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or airtight container. Press down firmly with a spoon to extract all the flavorful liquid. This strained liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum base.
Assemble the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of lemon oleo saccharum. Top the glass with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine all ingredients smoothly.
Adjust Flavor: Taste your spritz and add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice if you desire extra brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish your cocktail with a thin slice of lemon, a sprig of thyme, or both for a beautiful presentation and aromatic touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and uplifting flavors of this limoncello spritz.

Notes

Be sure to avoid the white pith on lemon peels as it can add unwanted bitterness.
Oleo saccharum is best made the night before to allow optimal oil extraction and flavor infusion.
You can substitute non-alcoholic Prosecco with sparkling water for a lighter version.
Adjust sweetness or acidity by modifying the quantity of oleo saccharum and fresh lemon juice according to taste.
Garnish is optional but adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal.