Name: Raspberry Limoncello Sparkler
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ???? 2 oz Limoncello – bright and zesty Italian lemon liqueur; ???? 5–6 fresh raspberries – sweet and juicy; ???? 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine – crisp, bubbly lift; ???? Ice cubes – to chill and dilute gently; ???? Lemon wheel (for garnish) – adds visual flair and citrus aroma; ???? Fresh mint sprig (optional garnish) – adds freshness and contrast; ???? 1 oz club soda (optional) – for a lighter, fizzier variation; ???? Extra raspberries (for garnish) – pop of color

Bright, bubbly, and bursting with flavor, the Raspberry Limoncello Sparkler is the ultimate warm-weather cocktail that brings a burst of Italian sunshine into your glass. This refreshing drink combines the tangy zest of Limoncello with sweet raspberries and sparkling wine for a light, effervescent sip that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re poolside, at brunch, or simply enjoying an al fresco dinner, this cocktail adds elegance and joy to every occasion. Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the sweet simplicity of fruit-forward spritzes, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy citrusy notes balanced by a pop of berry and the gentle fizz of Prosecco or club soda. It’s feminine, flirty, and incredibly easy to sip, making it a favorite for bridal showers, garden parties, and sunny afternoons.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

The Raspberry Limoncello Sparkler hits all the right notes when it comes to today’s cocktail trends: low-effort, big flavor, and stunning presentation. Its popularity skyrockets during spring and summer when drinkers seek refreshing alternatives to overly strong or overly sweet beverages. The vibrant ruby-pink hue, the fresh fruit garnish, and the bright citrus aroma make it ideal for social media sharing and real-life celebration.

Thanks to the ever-growing love for spritzes, Limoncello-based cocktails have found their place in the spotlight, and this sparkler version is at the top of that list. It’s a drink that looks like you spent hours crafting it—but it comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

???? Lemony fresh with sweet, tangy complexity
???? Burst of berry flavor from muddled or infused raspberries
???? Effervescent and elegant, thanks to sparkling wine or soda
☀️ Perfect for spring and summer gatherings
???? Simple to scale—ideal for parties and pitchers
???? Vibrant in color and presentation
???? Low ABV option if made with soda water

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

???? 2 oz Limoncello – bright and zesty Italian lemon liqueur
???? 5–6 fresh raspberries – sweet and juicy
???? 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine – crisp, bubbly lift
???? Ice cubes – to chill and dilute gently
???? Lemon wheel (for garnish) – adds visual flair and citrus aroma
???? Fresh mint sprig (optional garnish) – adds freshness and contrast
???? 1 oz club soda (optional) – for a lighter, fizzier variation
???? Extra raspberries (for garnish) – pop of color

Preparation:

Step 1:
Add 5–6 fresh raspberries to the bottom of a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Muddle gently to release juices without turning them into pulp.

Step 2:
Add 2 oz Limoncello and stir or shake lightly with ice to chill.

Step 3:
Strain the raspberry-Limoncello mixture into a stemmed glass (like a flute or coupe) filled with ice or served straight up.

Step 4:
Top with 3 oz of chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine. Stir very gently to mix.

Step 5:
Optional: Top off with a splash (about 1 oz) of club soda for extra fizz and a lower alcohol-by-volume finish.

Step 6:
Garnish with a lemon wheel, a few whole raspberries, and a sprig of mint for the perfect finishing touch.

Variation:

???? Blueberry Limoncello Sparkler: Swap raspberries for blueberries for a deeper berry flavor.
???? Mocktail Version: Use sparkling lemonade or lemon soda instead of Limoncello and wine.
???? Floral Twist: Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for an elegant floral note.
???? Citrus Medley: Add orange liqueur or blood orange juice for a more complex citrus profile.
???? Herbal Infusion: Muddle basil or rosemary along with the raspberries for a garden-fresh twist.
???? Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a raspberry limoncello slush.

COOKING Note:

This sparkler doesn’t require cooking, but here are tips to get the best balance and presentation:

Use ripe, fresh raspberries for the most intense flavor and color.
Chill your glassware and ingredients ahead of time to preserve bubbles.
Don’t over-muddle the raspberries—just enough to release the juice.
Use dry Prosecco or sparkling wine if you prefer less sweetness, or a semi-sweet one for a dessert-like sip.
If using club soda, add last and stir gently to retain carbonation.
Limoncello should be well-chilled before use for best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve in a champagne flute, coupe, or stemmed wine glass for an elegant look.
Perfect for brunches, bridal showers, Easter, summer weddings, or lazy patio afternoons.
Garnish generously—with mint, lemon peel curls, and berries for visual wow.
Pair it with cheeseboards, lemon bars, fruit tarts, or light seafood.
Serve as a welcome drink at parties or toasts during special occasions.
Create a sparkler bar with various fruit and herb options so guests can customize.

Tips:

Limoncello can be made at home with vodka, lemon peel, and sugar—if you’re up for DIY.
Use frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available—they’ll also chill your drink.
Make a pitcher version by multiplying ingredients and keeping sparkling wine separate until serving.
Add a sugar rim to the glass for a candy-like finish.
Pair it with light music, twinkle lights, and a sunset—this cocktail sets a whole mood.
Use edible flowers like violets or pansies for garnish in springtime presentations.

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes

Total Time:

5 minutes

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving):

Calories: 170 kcal
Protein: 0.3 g
Sodium: 7 mg
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Sugars: 9 g
Fat: 0 g
Alcohol Content: ~11–13% ABV (depending on sparkling wine)

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this drink ahead of time?
A: You can pre-mix the Limoncello and raspberries in advance, but wait to add sparkling wine and soda until right before serving.

Q: What’s the best sparkling wine to use?
A: Dry Prosecco works beautifully. You can also use Champagne, Cava, or even sparkling rosé for a twist.

Q: Can I make this as a large batch for a party?
A: Yes! Combine muddled raspberries and Limoncello in a pitcher. Top with sparkling wine and club soda just before serving.

Q: Is this cocktail sweet?
A: It’s lightly sweet and balanced by the tartness of lemon and the dryness of sparkling wine. You can adjust the sweetness with your choice of wine and by adding extra club soda.

Q: What if I don’t have Limoncello?
A: Substitute with lemon vodka or lemon simple syrup and a splash of triple sec, though nothing quite matches the depth of Limoncello.

Q: Can I serve this without ice?
A: Yes—just chill all your ingredients and glassware beforehand for a crisp, cold drink without dilution.

Conclusion:

The Raspberry Limoncello Sparkler is more than just a pretty drink, it’s a sensory escape to the lemon groves of southern Italy with the sweet kiss of sun-ripened berries. It’s refreshment and sophistication in one glittering glass, perfect for any time you want your drink to look and taste like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, a brunch with friends, or a quiet evening with a book and sunset, this sparkler offers joy in every sip. Its vibrant hue, fizzy finish, and balance of tart and sweet make it the perfect choice when you want a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.