Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz recipe is a refreshing citrus cocktail combining homemade lemon oleo saccharum with sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Infused with natural lemon oils and sweetened to perfection, it creates the perfect bright and bubbly summer drink garnished with fresh lemon and thyme.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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. If scales are unavailable, use approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon. Stir to combine and gently muddle the mixture a few times to release the oils. Cover and leave it at room temperature overnight to infuse.
- 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
- Ensure to avoid the white pith when peeling lemons as it can impart bitterness.
- Letting the lemon peels and sugar rest overnight allows the sugar to fully absorb the oils creating the oleo saccharum.
- You can substitute lemon sparkling water with non-alcoholic Prosecco for a different flavor twist.
- Adjust sweetness or acidity by modifying the amount of oleo saccharum or fresh lemon juice to taste.
- This is a single-serving recipe; scale ingredients accordingly for multiple servings.
