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Our Limoncello Spritz is a taste of la dolce vita
Didn’t make it to Europe over summer? You can still elevate your spritz game with this sunshine limoncello spritz that’s bright and zesty, just like summer on the Amalfi Coast.
As the warmer weather arrives, alfresco entertaining is back on – that means garden gatherings, afternoon aperitifs and sparkling spritzes. A lemony take on the famous Aperol spritz, this limoncello spritz is fragrant, light and delicious. Italians have been loving limoncello – a traditional sweet-sour lemon liqueur – for well over a century. It may have taken a while to catch on here, but limoncello is definitely having its moment in the sun now, with Australian winemakers and distillers alike jumping on board the trend to create their own fragrant versions. Simply top with lemon juice, soda and prosecco, and voila, you have a limoncello spritz that will add sparkle to any occasion.
How to make a Limoncello Spritz cocktail
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Ice cubes, to serve
185ml Ambra Limoncello
60ml lemon juice
40ml sugar syrup
500ml Brown Brothers Prosecco
250ml soda water
Lemon slices, to garnish
Rosemary sprigs, to garnish
Method
1. Fill 4 serving glasses with ice. Divide the limoncello, lemon juice and sugar syrup evenly among the glasses. Swirl to combine.
2. Top each glass with prosecco and soda water. Garnish with lemon and rosemary.
The limoncello spritz story
Originally sipped chilled as a digestif, limoncello dates to the early 1900s, with Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri all claiming place of origin. Regardless of who made it first, the limoncello story almost certainly started in someone’s fragrant lemon grove, because this alluring liqueur is all about lemons. Well, lemon peel to be precise, which is soaked in pure alcohol to extract the fragrant oils (and electric yellow colour), then blended with sugar and water.
The limoncello spritz is more of a late 20th century kind of refreshment and has gained traction recently with the soaring popularity of spritzes. It melds two great Italian traditions, the spritz, which hails from Veneto in the north, and limoncello from the southern Mediterranean coastline, which explains why this refreshing, tangy elixir is sometimes called the Amalfi spritz
What you need for this limoncello spritz recipe
South Australia is well known for its high-quality citrus fruit, and hand-picked local lemons are the star of Ambra Limoncello. This limoncello was a winner in its category in our 2023 Best Of Awards. It’s a delicately flavoured limoncello made to an authentic family recipe passed down through generations and features a harmonious blend of sweet and sour flavours with a smooth, elegant finish.
A dry prosecco adds the perfect fizz to a spritz, and where better to look than Victoria’s King Valley. Vibrant and well balanced, Brown Brothers Prosecco has citrus notes that will blend beautifully with the limoncello. When it comes to garnishes, don’t be afraid to experiment – thyme, basil, mint and candied lemon peel are all good options. If there’s a crowd coming over, make it a batch cocktail by doubling the quantities in a serving jug, and pair your limoncello spritz with salty finger foods and light snacks, like fried calamari, strawberry spinach salad or asparagus quiche.
More drink inspiration for spritz lovers
Literally translating as ‘splash’, spritz can be twisted by adding prosecco to endless liqueurs and aperitifs for a refreshing spritz. Thinking fresh and fruity? Try an Aperol Spritz or Rhubarb Spritz. Or lighten up a classic with this easy drinking Negroni Spritz. You can also add whisky to your vermouth, Campari and soda for a more robust Old Irish Pal Spritz – perfect when the nights are still cool. Crushing on limoncello? You’re going to love this Lemon Drop Martini.
Products featured are available from 11/10/23 to 14/11/23, while stocks last. Some products or varieties featured may not be available in all stores.
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