Limoncello and Basil Summer Spritz
A bright and herbaceous spritz cocktail marrying sweet limoncello with fresh basil, sparkling wine, and soda for a summery refreshment. This italian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together Limoncello, Fresh lemon juice, Prosecco for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 135 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Limoncello
- 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Soda water
- 4 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- 1 wheel Lemon wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a large wine glass and gently bruise them with the back of a spoon to release their aroma.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the glass to chill the drink.
- Step 3: Pour 1.5 oz of limoncello and 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice over the basil and ice, stirring briefly to mix the citrus and herbal notes.
- Step 4: Slowly add 3 oz of chilled Prosecco, maintaining the sparkle, then top with 1 oz of soda water for light effervescence.
- Step 5: Stir gently once to combine without flattening the bubbles.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1 lemon wheel on the rim and a small basil leaf for a fragrant finish, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Limoncello and Basil Summer Spritz take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Limoncello and Basil Summer Spritz?
Refrigerate any leftover limoncello and basil summer spritz in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Limoncello and Basil Summer Spritz?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Limoncello and Basil Summer Spritz for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Limoncello and Basil Summer Spritz?
Italian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.