June 22 is National Limoncello Day! To celebrate, here’s a bright, refreshing sparkling limoncello cocktail. Light, effervescent, and perfect for cooling down on a warm summer evening, this simple drink adds an elegant citrus finish to any gathering.
Hosting a small get-together? This sparkling limoncello is effortless to prepare and pairs beautifully with lemon sugar cookies or a coconut pound cake. If you prefer non-fizzy options, try a limoncello martini — with or without elderflower syrup — for another lovely citrus-forward cocktail.
Let’s dive in and celebrate!
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
- Granulated sugar – to add a touch of sweetness.
- Limoncello – choose a quality Italian limoncello for the best lemon flavor.
- Prosecco – or another dry sparkling wine to top up and add bubbles.
- Optional: a sugar rim for the glass if you like extra sparkle and sweetness.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1 (Optional): If using a sugar rim, moisten the rim of chilled champagne glasses and dip them in sugar.
Step 2: Place 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar into each chilled champagne glass.
Step 3: Add ¾ ounce (about 2 cl) of limoncello to each glass.
Step 4: Stir with a long-handled or bar spoon until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Gently top each glass with prosecco or sparkling wine.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy this bubbly, citrus-forward cocktail.
🍽 Equipment
- Measuring tools (jigger)
- Bar spoon or long-stemmed spoon
- Champagne flutes or other sparkling wine glasses
💕 Perfect Pairing
- Chocolate bundt cake
- No-bake chocolate ricotta cheesecake
- White chocolate pudding
- Layered vanilla pudding dessert
🙋🏻 FAQ
Yes. Limoncello is a sweet, lemon-flavored liqueur traditionally served as an after-dinner digestif or used in cocktails for a bright citrus note.
💛 Other Recipes for You to Try
- Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini
- Watermelon Martini
- Lavender Lemon Muffins
- No-bake Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping
- Martinez cocktail
- Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Martini roundup
- Limoncello martini variations
- Sgroppino
- No-bake limoncello ricotta cheesecakes
- Limoncello ricotta cake
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Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
Equipment
-
Jigger / Measuring tools
-
Bar spoon
-
Champagne glasses
Ingredients
- 3 tsp Granulated sugar 1 tsp per glass
- 2 ¼ oz Limoncello ¾ oz (2 cl) per glass
- 4 ½ oz Sparkling wine or Prosecco 1 1/2 oz (12 cl) per glass
Instructions
-
Divide 3 tsp granulated sugar and 2 ¼ oz limoncello equally between three chilled champagne glasses.
-
Fill each glass with a third of 4 ½ oz sparkling wine or prosecco.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
⛑️ Food Safety
- Keep perishable ingredients chilled and serve promptly.
- Use clean utensils and glassware when preparing and serving drinks.
- Wash hands after handling ingredients and before serving.
- Do not leave alcoholic drinks unattended around children or pets.
- Ensure adequate ventilation when using gas appliances in the kitchen.
For more detailed safe food handling guidance, consult official resources from food safety authorities.