When summer calls for a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that blends tangy citrus and sweet berries, the Raspberry Limoncello Spritz answers with elegance and flair. This effervescent Italian-inspired cocktail combines the zesty brightness of limoncello with the juicy sweetness of raspberries, all topped off with bubbly sparkling water or prosecco for a perfectly balanced, thirst-quenching drink. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting an alfresco brunch, or celebrating the sunny days with friends, this spritz is your go-to for a lively, light, and flavorful sip. The beautiful pink hue adds to the festive vibe, making it a stunning addition to any summer party or casual get-together.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the perfect Raspberry Limoncello Spritz and why it’s quickly becoming a beloved favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
The Raspberry Limoncello Spritz has soared in popularity thanks to several irresistible factors:
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🍓 Fresh, natural flavors – The combination of raspberries and limoncello offers a fruit-forward profile that’s both sweet and tart.
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🍋 Bright and bubbly – The spritz format is light, fizzy, and refreshingly lower in alcohol than many cocktails, perfect for daytime drinking.
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🇮🇹 Italian sophistication – Inspired by the beloved Italian tradition of the spritz, it feels classy and stylish.
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🌞 Perfect for warm weather – It’s cooling and crisp, an ideal companion to sunshine and outdoor dining.
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🎉 Visual appeal – The vivid pink color with fresh berries and lemon slices makes it incredibly photogenic and party-ready.
This recipe hits the sweet spot between elegance and ease, making it a top choice for casual summer sipping and upscale gatherings alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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🍋 Bright and zesty – The limoncello shines with fresh lemon flavor, beautifully complemented by raspberries.
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🍓 Sweet yet tart – Raspberries add a natural sweetness balanced by citrusy brightness.
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🥂 Effervescent and light – Sparkling water or prosecco brings a bubbly finish that’s easy to enjoy all day.
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🕒 Quick and simple – Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal ingredients.
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🎨 Beautiful presentation – A vibrant, colorful cocktail that’s perfect for entertaining.
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🌿 Customizable – Easily adjusted with herbs like mint or basil for extra freshness.
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
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🍋 2 oz limoncello (chilled)
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🍓 ½ cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
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🍋 ½ oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
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🥂 3 oz prosecco or sparkling water (for a lighter version)
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🍯 ½ tsp simple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
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🌿 Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
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🍋 Lemon slices or twists (for garnish)
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🧊 Ice cubes
Preparation:
Step 1: Muddle the raspberries
Place fresh raspberries in a cocktail shaker or glass and gently muddle to release their juice, but avoid crushing the seeds too much for a smoother texture.
Step 2: Add limoncello and lemon juice
Pour in 2 oz of chilled limoncello and ½ oz of fresh lemon juice. Add simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Step 3: Fill with ice
Add ice cubes to the shaker or glass until about three-quarters full.
Step 4: Shake gently or stir
If using a shaker, give it a gentle shake to mix the flavors well without bruising the raspberries too much. If making directly in the glass, stir gently.
Step 5: Top with prosecco or sparkling water
Strain the mixture into a large wine glass or highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with 3 oz of prosecco for a classic spritz or sparkling water for a lighter version.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Add a few whole raspberries, a sprig of fresh mint, and a lemon slice or twist for an eye-catching finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variation:
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🍓 Berry Blend Spritz: Mix raspberries with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a multi-berry explosion.
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🍸 Cocktail twist: Swap prosecco for a dry sparkling rosé to add floral notes and a subtle pink tint.
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🌿 Herbal infusion: Add fresh basil or thyme for a herbal aroma that enhances the citrus flavors.
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🍹 Mocktail version: Omit the limoncello and replace with lemon soda or non-alcoholic lemon syrup.
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🍋 Frozen Spritz: Blend raspberries, limoncello, lemon juice, and ice for a slushy summer delight.
COOKING Note:
To ensure your Raspberry Limoncello Spritz turns out perfectly every time:
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Use fresh, ripe raspberries for the best natural sweetness and color.
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Chill your limoncello and prosecco beforehand for a cold, refreshing finish.
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Gently muddle raspberries to avoid bitter seeds.
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Adjust sweetness with simple syrup based on the tartness of your fruit and limoncello.
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Use a large glass to allow plenty of room for ice and sparkling finish.
Serving Suggestions:
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🍽️ Serve alongside light appetizers like prosciutto and melon, bruschetta, or caprese salad.
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🥂 Ideal for summer brunches, garden parties, or wedding showers.
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🍰 Pairs beautifully with desserts such as lemon tarts, panna cotta, or berry pavlova.
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🍉 Refreshing palate cleanser during multi-course meals.
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🎉 Perfect for celebrations, from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.
Tips:
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Use organic lemons for zestier lemon juice and a more authentic limoncello flavor.
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For a sweeter spritz, try a splash of elderflower liqueur.
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To avoid dilution, use large ice cubes or ice spheres.
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Keep your sparkling water or prosecco chilled and add last to maintain bubbles.
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Garnish creatively—try edible flowers or freeze berries in ice cubes for extra flair.
Prep Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 0 minutes
Total Time:
- 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving):
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Calories: 150
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Protein: 0.3g
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Sodium: 5mg
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Sugars: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 13g
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Fat: 0g
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Alcohol Content: ~11–13%
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A: Yes! Just thaw slightly and drain excess liquid before muddling.
Q: What if I don’t have limoncello?
A: Substitute with lemon vodka and a splash of simple syrup for a similar flavor.
Q: Can I make this in a pitcher for a crowd?
A: Absolutely! Multiply ingredients and add prosecco or sparkling water just before serving to keep bubbles fresh.
Q: What glassware works best?
A: Large wine glasses or highball glasses allow plenty of ice and garnish space.
Q: Can I use regular soda instead of sparkling water?
A: Yes, lemon-lime soda or tonic water can add different flavor twists.
Conclusion:
The Raspberry Limoncello Spritz is a celebration of summer in a glass. Bursting with fresh berry sweetness, zesty citrus brightness, and bubbly effervescence, this cocktail brings a lively, refreshing charm to any occasion. Whether you prefer a dry prosecco sparkle or a lighter spritz with sparkling water, this drink offers easy elegance with minimal effort. Its vibrant color and delightful aroma make it an instant showstopper for brunches, parties, or simple afternoons soaking up the sun. With endless variations and quick preparation, it’s the perfect recipe to keep on hand when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a taste of the Mediterranean coast.
Sip, savor, and let the Raspberry Limoncello Spritz bring a splash of sunshine and joy to your day!
Print
Raspberry Limoncello Spritz
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
-
🍋 2 oz limoncello (chilled)
-
🍓 ½ cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
-
🍋 ½ oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
-
🥂 3 oz prosecco or sparkling water (for a lighter version)
-
🍯 ½ tsp simple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
-
🌿 Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
-
🍋 Lemon slices or twists (for garnish)
-
🧊 Ice cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Muddle the raspberries
Place fresh raspberries in a cocktail shaker or glass and gently muddle to release their juice, but avoid crushing the seeds too much for a smoother texture.
Step 2: Add limoncello and lemon juice
Pour in 2 oz of chilled limoncello and ½ oz of fresh lemon juice. Add simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Step 3: Fill with ice
Add ice cubes to the shaker or glass until about three-quarters full.
Step 4: Shake gently or stir
If using a shaker, give it a gentle shake to mix the flavors well without bruising the raspberries too much. If making directly in the glass, stir gently.
Step 5: Top with prosecco or sparkling water
Strain the mixture into a large wine glass or highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with 3 oz of prosecco for a classic spritz or sparkling water for a lighter version.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Add a few whole raspberries, a sprig of fresh mint, and a lemon slice or twist for an eye-catching finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
To ensure your Raspberry Limoncello Spritz turns out perfectly every time:
-
Use fresh, ripe raspberries for the best natural sweetness and color.
-
Chill your limoncello and prosecco beforehand for a cold, refreshing finish.
-
Gently muddle raspberries to avoid bitter seeds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0.3g