Limoncello Spritz with Lemon Thyme
SERVES: 1
An Italian spritz of limoncello, Brut Prosecco and sparkling water, finished with fragrant lemon thyme.
The Aperol Spritz may have become the unofficial uniform of aperitivo, and I understand why, lord knows I’ve ordered more than my share. But on evenings when bitter orange is not quite what I want, I turn to limoncello for something brighter, with the fragrance of lemon peel and the same welcome rush of bubbles.
Limoncello can move from fragrant to sugary in a single heavy pour, so I use it with a measured hand, tempering it with Brut Prosecco and sparkling water. A broad strip of peel deepens the aroma, while lemon thyme gives the citrus a fresh herbal edge. Rub the thyme gently between your fingers before adding it to the glass; that small gesture is enough to release its fragrance.
Poured over plenty of ice, the spritz is crisp and vividly lemony, the lemon thyme at the rim releasing a delicate herbal fragrance each time you lift the glass. I like it with a few olives on the table and dinner still half an hour away.
INGREDIENTS
1½ ounces chilled limoncello
3 ounces chilled Brut Prosecco
1 ounce chilled sparkling water
1 wide strip of lemon peel
1 small sprig lemon thyme
Ice, either one large cube or enough standard cubes to fill the glass
METHOD
Fill a large wine glass or goblet with ice. Pour in the limoncello, followed by the Prosecco and sparkling water. Stir once or twice, gently, so the ingredients mingle without losing their bubbles.
Hold the lemon peel over the glass and bend it with the yellow side facing the drink to release its oils. Add the peel to the glass.
Rub the lemon thyme lightly between your fingers to release its fragrance, then tuck it beside the peel. Serve immediately.
Cin-Cin!
NOTES
Keep the sweetness in check: Limoncello varies considerably from one bottle to the next. If yours is especially sweet, increase the sparkling water to 1½ ounces. This keeps the cocktail brisk without introducing the acidity of fresh lemon juice.
Simply sweeter: Most limoncello supplies more than enough sugar, so simple syrup does not belong in the base recipe. If you are using a particularly dry homemade limoncello or prefer a rounder drink, stir 1 teaspoon of simple syrup into the limoncello before adding the Prosecco. Taste before adding more.
Use Brut Prosecco: Prosecco labeled Extra Dry is actually sweeter than Brut. Here, the drier wine gives the cocktail better balance.
No muddling: A gentle rub releases its aroma. Muddling can scatter leaves through the drink and bring out a more forceful, savory flavor.
Be chill: Chill the limoncello, Prosecco and sparkling water before mixing. Cold ingredients protect the bubbles and slow the dilution.
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