The Limoncello Spritz is part of the wider Spritz family, which was made popular in northern Italy, particularly in the area around Venice. The Spritz has its origins in the 19th century, when northern Italy was still claimed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The soldiers who came south to what we now know as Italy weren't equipped to handle the strength of the local wines, so they diluted the wine using soda water. This created a drink with about the same alcohol content as beer, and so the Spritz was born.
The most famous modern Spritz has to be the Aperol Spritz, which went from being relatively unknown to a global favourite, thanks to some excellent marketing, as well as its delicious taste. The Limoncello Spritz is a twist on this classic, using limoncello – an Italian liqueur that’s having a major moment – instead of Aperol, and mixing it up with the traditional Spritz elements of prosecco and soda.
Limoncello is one of Italy’s great gifts to the world. It’s produced in southern Italy, generally along the stunning Amalfi Coast, and it's Italy in a glass. While this Spritz is sweet and sour, it doesn’t come with the bitter kick of some other Spritzes, so it’s an excellent pick for something lighter on the taste buds. It’s also a pretty perfect pick on a sunny day.
