There’s something so delightfully refreshing about a spritz in hand on a sunny afternoon. But this isn’t just any spritz—this is the Lavender Limoncello Spritz, a delicious twist that blends Italian elegance with floral notes and a zesty sparkle. Perfect for brunches, outdoor gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a small taste of summer at home. So, let’s dive into this recipe, with a bit of Italian sunshine and a touch of floral charm.
The Allure of Limoncello: Italy’s Citrus Sunshine in a Bottle
First, let’s talk about limoncello. If you’ve ever traveled to Italy—or dreamed about it—it’s hard not to imagine sipping on limoncello while overlooking the sunlit Mediterranean. Limoncello, that famously vibrant yellow liqueur, hails from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where lemons practically grow the size of softballs and the landscape is covered in citrus trees. Traditionally, limoncello is made by infusing lemon zest in pure alcohol, then mixed with simple syrup, giving it that sweet and potent lemony punch.
One of the many wonderful things about limoncello (besides its taste) is that it’s rich in antioxidants thanks to its citrus origins. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, which is well-known for its immune-boosting properties. Sipping on a limoncello-based drink offers a little dose of these benefits, and while I’m certainly not saying it’s a health drink, there’s something satisfying about enjoying a drink that carries a hint of wholesome goodness. Plus, it’s worth noting that the lemon oils used in limoncello have been historically known for aiding digestion, which is probably why it’s so often enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif.
Why Lavender?
Lavender brings a sense of calm to any drink, thanks to its delicate, aromatic nature. The subtle floral notes in this spritz add an elegant contrast to the tartness of limoncello, giving it an extra layer of sophistication. Lavender has been a long-standing ingredient in natural remedies for relaxation, helping to soothe nerves and promote calmness. This makes it the perfect companion for limoncello in a drink that you want to savor, slowly. I’ll be honest: this pairing was a bit of an experiment at first, but after that first sip, I was hooked! The lavender isn’t overwhelming; it’s just enough to make the drink feel a little special.
The Perfect Recipe for a Lavender Limoncello Spritz
Let’s get to the recipe itself! With only a few ingredients and a little prep, this Lavender Limoncello Spritz comes together quickly. You don’t need to be a mixologist to make it shine, and trust me, it’s worth every sip.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces limoncello
- 1 ounce lavender simple syrup recipe below
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
- Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions
- Make the Lavender Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and dried lavender buds.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Store any extra syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the limoncello, lavender simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Assemble the Spritz: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Strain the limoncello mixture into the glass.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and a fresh lavender sprig.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Limoncello Lavender Spritz!
Notes
The Story Behind My First Lavender Limoncello Spritz
I remember the first time I made this drink—it was a warm, lazy Saturday afternoon, and I had some friends coming over for a casual backyard hangout. I wanted something a bit different but still easy and light. My usual go-to is a classic Aperol spritz, but I was looking for something with a bit more intrigue, something unexpected. I had a bottle of limoncello in the back of my bar (brought back from a vacation to the Amalfi Coast!) and some dried lavender I’d picked up at a farmer’s market. It was a spur-of-the-moment experiment, and the result was…magic. The sun was shining, the drinks were sparkling, and from the first sip, everyone was hooked. The lavender gave it a fresh, almost spa-like aroma, while the limoncello kept it bright and vibrant. I’ve been making it ever since.
I saw this drink on pinterest and my hubby and me decided to serve it for a little public viewing we hosted for the em at our home yesterday night. It was a hit! Beautiful, simple, tasty. Hit all the marks. Thanks guys