Give this summer a citrusy twist and make this Limoncello Aperol spritz.
It’s got the same uniquely bitter flavor of a classic Aperol spritz, but the layer of lemon is like sipping on a glass of sunshine.
Aperol Limoncello Spritzer
Get ready to meet your new go-to summer cocktail.
It’s getting hotter and sunnier every day. So we all need something tasty to help us cool down.
And while I’ll always love this spicy margarita, this might just be my newest obsession.
This effervescent concoction effortlessly blends the vibrant flavors of Limoncello liqueur, the mild bitterness of Aperol, and the bubbly goodness of Prosecco.
It’s a symphony of tangy, sweet, and fizzy notes that dance on your palate, transporting you to a sunny paradise with every sip.
So, grab your favorite spritz glass, and let’s dive into the recipe for this heavenly Limoncello Aperol Spritz!
Ingredients:
This recipe is enough for 2 drinks.
- Limoncello Liqueur - you’ll find this in most liquor stores. I prefer the original kind as the creamy blend doesn’t pair too well with Aperol
- Aperol or Campari - this bitter Italian apéritif is made of gentian, rhubarb, cinchona, and more. It’s vibrant orange, with the same citrussy flavor to match.
- Chilled Prosecco or Sparkling Wine - you can’t have a spritz without sparkling wine
- Club Soda - just a touch to top it off
- Ice Cubes - if the Prosecco is chilled, you don’t need it. But I think this tastes best when it’s ice cold
- Lemon or Orange Slices - for garnish
How to Make Limoncello Aperol Spritz:
This recipe is super simple. You don’t even need a cocktail shaker!
You’ll find the full instructions below, but for now, here’s the highlights:
- Mix the Limoncello with the Aperol.
- Add that to glasses with ice.
- Top them up with bubbly.
- Give it a gentle stir then add slice of lemon to serve.
How easy is that?
What to Serve with Limoncello and Aperol Cocktails
Since this drink is light, citrusy, and a little bitter, I think it works well with bold flavors.
And since it’s more of a drink to sip in the sun with friends, I suggest serving it with bite-sized apps and snacks.
Such as:
Bruschetta: Italian cocktails deserve classic Italian food. And it doesn’t get any better than fresh tomatoes and basil on crusty, garlicky bread.
Olives and Cheese: Contrast the tart sweetness of the drink with something salty and serve olive and cheese. They’re great little bites that won’t fill you up in a hurry.
Grilled Seafood: Want something a little more elegant? How about grilled shrimp or scallops?
Charcuterie Board: You’ll never go wrong with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts.
Fried Calamari: Crunchy, salty calamari is the ultimate summertime treat. One bite and you’ll feel the ocean breeze!
Aperol Limoncello Spritz Punch
Making one or two drinks at a time is ideal for nights in with a significant other. But what if you’re having people over?
Try this recipe if you need to make something boozy for a crowd. It’s bright, light, and perfect for summer parties in the garden.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Limoncello liqueur
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Aperol or Campari
- 2 cups (480 ml) chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 cup (240 ml) Club Soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon & Orange Slices, for garnish
Method:
- Mix the Limoncello liqueur and Aperol or Campari in a punch bowl.
- Fill the bowl about 3/4 full with large ice cubes (if you use crushed ice, it’ll melt faster and water down the drink).
- Pour the chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine, followed by the club soda, into the bowl and gently stir.
- Add lemon and orange slices, then serve immediately.
Optional: add mint leaves or rosemary sprigs before serving.
Limoncello Spritz Variations
If Aperol isn’t your thing but you love the zippy, lip-puckering taste of lemon, fear not. You can easily leave out the Aperol and enjoy a simple Limoncello and Prosecco spritzer.
From there, try one of these tasty variations:
Limoncello and Berry Bliss
Muddle a handful of fresh berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries) in a highball glass.
Then add the ice, Limoncello, and Prosecco.
Tropical Limoncello Spritz:
Make the recipe as instructed (fill a glass with ice, then add the Limoncello and Prosecco). But instead of topping it up with club soda, use pineapple juice.
Limoncello Herbal Infusion:
Muddle a few fresh basil or mint leaves in each glass before adding the ice. Then, top it with Limoncello and Prosecco.
Ginger Limoncello Spark:
Add a splash of ginger liqueur or ginger simple syrup (simmer 1 cup each of water and sugar with fresh ginger) to a glass, then add the ice. Top it up with the Limoncello and Prosecco.
Bubbly Rosé Limoncello Spritzer:
Swap the Prosecco with chilled rosé wine for a delicate and floral twist on the classic spritz. The blush hue of the wine will create an elegant drink.
Limoncello Aperol Spritz
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (120 ml) Limoncello liqueur
- 2 ounces (60 ml) Aperol or Campari
- 4 ounces (120 ml) chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 2 ounces (60 ml) club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Method:
- Combine the Limoncello and Aperol (or Campari) in a pitcher.
- Stir well to mix the flavors.
- Fill two large wine glasses with ice cubes.
- Divide the Limoncello and Aperol mixture between each glass.
- Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of chilled Prosecco (or sparkling wine) to each glass.
- Top them off with a splash of club soda then stir gently.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and enjoy!