Sparkling Limoncello Basil Spritz
A refreshing Italian-inspired spritz featuring bright limoncello, fresh basil, and sparkling wine for a lively and herbaceous sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together limoncello, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup 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 180 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
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 lemon wheel
- 1 basil sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh basil leaves with 1/2 oz simple syrup and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice to release herbal oils.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 oz limoncello to the shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until well chilled and aromatic.
- Step 4: Fill a large wine glass with 1 cup crushed ice and strain the mixture over the ice.
- Step 5: Slowly top with 3 oz chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine, stirring gently once to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a lemon wheel floated on top and a fresh basil sprig tucked into the glass rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sparkling Limoncello Basil 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 Sparkling Limoncello Basil Spritz?
Refrigerate any leftover sparkling limoncello basil 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 Sparkling Limoncello Basil 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 Sparkling Limoncello Basil 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 Sparkling Limoncello Basil Spritz?
Cocktails 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.
