Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing and elegant cocktail featuring homemade lemon oleo saccharum, combined with lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. The recipe highlights natural lemon oils extracted overnight for a bright, citrusy flavor, making it a perfect drink for warm weather or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lemon Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4-5 lemons (avoiding white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (about 3 tablespoons per lemon, approximately 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 lemon juice (optional)
- Lemon slice or thyme sprig for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oleo Saccharum
Wash and peel 4 to 5 lemons carefully, 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 of sugar per lemon. Stir together and gently muddle the mixture a few times to release the lemon oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse.
- Strain the Oleo Saccharum
After the infusion period, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or airtight container. Press down firmly on the lemon peels with a spoon to extract as much flavorful liquid as possible. This liquid is the lemon oleo saccharum, ready for use.
- Assemble the Spritz
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour 1 to 1.5 ounces of the lemon oleo saccharum into the glass. Top it off with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust Flavor
Taste your spritz and, if desired, add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness and acidity to suit your preference.
- Garnish and Serve
Garnish the drink with a thin slice of lemon, a sprig of thyme, or both to add a visually appealing and aromatic touch. Serve the cocktail immediately and enjoy your refreshing limoncello spritz.
Notes
- Ensure no white pith is included in the lemon peels to avoid bitterness.
- Overnight infusion is crucial to extract lemon oils for the best flavor.
- Can be made alcohol-free by using non-alcoholic sparkling water or Prosecco.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to lemon bitterness and personal sweetness preference.
- Serve immediately after assembly for optimal freshness and carbonation.
