Description
This Alcoholic Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing, citrusy cocktail made with homemade lemon oleo saccharum, sparkling lemon water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and optional fresh lemon juice. The recipe guides you through infusing lemon peels with sugar overnight to extract vibrant lemon oils, resulting in a bright and effervescent spritz perfect for sunny days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel of 4-5 lemons (avoid white pith)
- 1 cup sugar (about 3 tablespoons per lemon, approximately 4.5 to 6 tablespoons total)
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, avoiding the bitter white pith. Place the lemon peels in a jar and add an equal amount of sugar by weight, or approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar per lemon if scales are unavailable. Stir to combine and gently muddle the mixture a few times to release the lemon oils. Cover the jar and leave it at room temperature overnight to let the flavors 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, ready to be used in the spritz.
- 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 the ingredients and chill the drink evenly.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste your spritz and, if desired, add up to 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice for an extra citrusy brightness. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish your limoncello spritz with a slice of lemon or a sprig of thyme for added aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy a refreshing citrus cocktail.
Notes
- Ensure to avoid the white pith on lemon peels as it can impart bitterness to the oleo saccharum.
- The sugar quantity can be adjusted based on the amount of lemons and desired sweetness.
- Overnight infusion is crucial for extracting the essential oils from lemon peels.
- This recipe uses lemon sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco, making it lower in alcohol content and suitable for lighter drinking.
- Optional fresh lemon juice can be added to brighten the cocktail further.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure no lemon peel fragments remain in the oleo saccharum.
