Is This Zesty Spritz The New Aperol?
By
3 weeks ago
The limoncello spritz is the drink of the summer
Let’s start this off by saying this is a safe space for anyone who just can’t get on board with the Aperol Spritz hype. The bright orange translucent drink is a marker of summer, but the bitter taste deters drinkers who prefer something a little sweeter. If that’s you, this light and bright spritz, rising in popularity this summer, might be the alternative for you. Here’s how to make a Limoncello Spritz.
What Is A Limoncello Spritz?
The clue is in the name: a Limoncello Spritz is an Italian aperitif drink made with Limoncello, prosecco and soda water. Because Limoncello is a mixture of vodka, lemon zest and sugar, the Limoncello Spritz is much sweeter than its bitter cousins, the Aperol Spritz and the Campari Spritz.
Who Invented It?
There’s no clear answer on who exactly invented the Limoncello Spritz, but villagers on the Amalfi coast have been drinking it since at least the beginning of the 1900s, thanks to the abundance of their native Amalfi lemons. But some say the spritz was invented across the Tyrrhenian Sea in Sicily.
Is It Nicer Than Aperol?
It’s all down to taste, but the Limoncello Spritz is certainly less divisive than Aperol, which deters many drinkers due to its seemingly sweet look yet bitter taste. However, if you’d like to stay on the Aperol bandwagon, try a squeeze of orange in your spritz next time you have one, whether that’s at home or squeezing the orange slice you’re given at the bar. This little touch really takes the edge off the bitterness that might be putting you off.
How To Make A Limoncello Spritz
Ingredients
- 60 ml prosecco
- 50 ml Limoncello
- 30 ml soda water
- Ice
- Sprig of fresh thyme (to serve; optional)
Method
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour over the Limoncello.
- Top up with the prosecco and the soda.
- Stir with a long spoon.
- Garnish with a thyme sprig and serve.
- Cin cin!
For added flavour, infuse your Limoncello with thyme before serving. You can also garnish the finished product with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
