Limoncello Spritz Recipes: 5 Variations from Lake Garda

Limoncello Spritz: 5 Recipes from Garda Bartenders (And How to Make Them at Home)

The basic recipe: Classic Limoncello Spritz

The Limoncello Spritz has become the summer drink of the year on Lake Garda. Fresh, easy, and perfect for an aperitivo. But as with any popular cocktail, there are a thousand versions—some excellent, some questionable. We asked five local bartenders to share their favorite recipes. Here's what they had to say (and what we've personally tested).

The basic recipe: Classic Limoncello Spritz

Before experimenting, you need a solid foundation. Here's the classic version, the one you'll find in most bars around Garda:

Ingredients: 60 ml Prosecco, 40 ml Limoncello, 30 ml Sparkling water, Ice, Lemon slice (for garnish).

Preparation: Fill a tall glass (such as a tumbler or wine glass) with ice. Pour in the limoncello, top up with the prosecco, and top up with sparkling water. Stir gently, garnish with a lemon wedge. Done.

Simple, balanced, refreshing. If you've never made a Limoncello Spritz, start here.

Creative variations from local bartenders

Variation 1: Basil Limoncello Spritz (from Marco, Malcesine)

Marco runs a bar on the lakeside in Malcesine. His version adds fresh basil, which adds a herbaceous and slightly spicy touch.

Ingredients: 60 ml Prosecco, 40 ml Limoncello, 30 ml Tonic water, 3-4 fresh basil leaves, Ice, Lemon slice.

Preparation: Lightly crush the basil leaves in the glass, add ice, limoncello, prosecco, and tonic. Stir and garnish.

Our verdict: surprisingly good. The basil doesn't overpower the lemon; it complements it.

Variation 2: Grapefruit Limoncello Spritz (from Sofia, Sirmione)

Ingredients: 60 ml Prosecco, 30 ml Limoncello, 20 ml Fresh pink grapefruit juice, 30 ml Sparkling water, Ice, Grapefruit slice.

Our verdict: more complex, less sugary. If the classic Limoncello Spritz seems too sweet, this is the version for you.

Variation 3: Ginger Limoncello Spritz (from Luca, Riva del Garda)

Ingredients: 50 ml Prosecco, 40 ml Limoncello, 40 ml Ginger beer, Ice, Lemon slice and grated fresh ginger.

Our verdict: Not for everyone. The ginger is bold, almost aggressive. But if you love spicy drinks, this is fantastic.

Tips for the perfect Limoncello Spritz

Variation 4: Mint Limoncello Spritz (from Elena, Bardolino)

Elena runs a wine bar in Bardolino. Her version is the most refreshing of all: fresh mint and a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients: 60 ml Prosecco, 40 ml Limoncello, 30 ml Sparkling water, 5-6 fresh mint leaves, Half a lime (squeezed), Ice.

Preparation: Lightly muddle the mint in the glass, add ice, limoncello, lime juice, Prosecco, and sparkling water. Stir and garnish with mint.

Our verdict: Perfect for hot days. The mint and lime make the drink even cooler.

Variation 5: Non-alcoholic Limoncello Spritz (from Chiara, Limone sul Garda)

Ingredients: 80 ml Homemade Lemonade, 50 ml Tonic Water, 20 ml Lemon Syrup, Ice, Lemon Slice and Mint.

Our verdict: Surprisingly good. It's not a true Limoncello Spritz, but if you don't drink alcohol, it works.

Our final advice

The best Limoncello Spritz is the one you like. Start with the classic, then experiment. Change the proportions, add fresh herbs, try different types of sparkling water or tonic. The key is to use a quality limoncello—that makes the difference between a forgettable drink and one that makes you want another round.