Description
A refreshing and lightly alcoholic Limoncello Spritz made with homemade lemon oleo saccharum, sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and optional fresh lemon juice. This bright, citrusy cocktail is perfect for warm weather and easy to prepare at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4-5 lemons (avoiding white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 3 tablespoons per lemon)
Spritz
- 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 the lemons carefully to avoid including the bitter white pith. Place the lemon peels in a jar with an equal amount of sugar by weight (about 3 tablespoons per lemon if no scale). Stir to combine and gently muddle the mixture a few times to release the oils from the lemon peels. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse the flavors.
- Strain the Oleo Saccharum: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the lemon peel and sugar mixture into a clean jar or airtight container. Press down firmly with a spoon to extract all the flavorful liquid. This strained liquid is your lemon oleo saccharum.
- Assemble the Spritz: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1 to 1.5 ounces of lemon oleo saccharum and top with 1 cup of lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the spritz and add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice if desired for extra brightness and acidity.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a thin lemon slice, a thyme sprig, or both for a visually appealing and aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing limoncello spritz.
Notes
- Make sure to avoid the white pith when peeling lemons to prevent bitterness in the oleo saccharum.
- Overnight infusion is critical to extract the lemon oils properly.
- The sugar amount can be adjusted slightly depending on your sweetness preference.
- Non-alcoholic Prosecco or lemon sparkling water works perfectly for a lighter or alcohol-free version.
- Optional lemon juice adds more tartness and balances the sweetness.
