This Raspberry Limoncello Spritz is the kind of drink you make when you want something pretty, punchy, and fast. It’s fresh, fizzy, and full of sunshiny lemon with a juicy hit of raspberries. You only need a handful of ingredients and five minutes, tops.
Jump to RecipeWhether you’re hosting friends or winding down on a warm evening, this spritz feels effortlessly special. Plus, it’s easy to batch for a crowd or scale down for one.
Why This Recipe Works
This spritz strikes a sweet-tart balance thanks to limoncello and fresh raspberries. Prosecco brings the bubbles and dryness that keep the drink light.
A splash of soda water stretches it without dulling the flavors. Fresh lemon juice lifts the limoncello so it doesn’t come off too sweet. And muddling the raspberries creates a gorgeous blush color and a bright, fruity aroma.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels celebratory.
With just a few smart ratios, the drink stays crisp, not cloying. The result is a cocktail that tastes like summer and takes almost no effort.
Shopping List
- Limoncello – Italian lemon liqueur; chilled if possible.
- Prosecco – Dry (Brut) works best.
- Soda water or club soda – For extra fizz and balance.
- Fresh raspberries – A small handful per glass.
- Fresh lemon – For juice and optional peels or wheels.
- Ice – Big cubes if you have them; they melt slower.
- Optional sweetener – Simple syrup or agave, only if needed.
- Mint (optional) – For a cool aromatic finish.
How to Make It
- Chill everything. Pop the limoncello, Prosecco, and soda water in the fridge for at least an hour. Cold ingredients mean longer-lasting bubbles and a crisper sip.
- Prep the glass. Use a wine glass or a tall spritz glass.Fill it halfway with ice.
- Muddle raspberries. Add 5–6 raspberries to the glass. Gently muddle just until they release juice and color. Don’t smash them to a pulp.
- Add lemon. Squeeze in about 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice.This brightens the limoncello and balances sweetness.
- Pour the limoncello. Add 1.5 ounces of chilled limoncello. Give it a quick stir to mix with the berries and lemon.
- Top with bubbles. Pour in 3 ounces of Prosecco, then 1–2 ounces of soda water. Add soda slowly to preserve fizz.
- Taste and adjust. If you want it sweeter, add 1/4 ounce simple syrup.If it’s too strong, add a bit more soda water.
- Garnish. Add a lemon wheel, a few fresh raspberries, and a sprig of mint if you like. Serve immediately.
5-Minute Raspberry Limoncello Spritz
Fresh raspberries, punchy limoncello, and dry Prosecco — a fizzy, blush-pink spritz in five minutes
Ingredients — The Spritz
- 5–6 fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1½ oz chilled limoncello
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz chilled dry Prosecco (Brut preferred)
- 1–2 oz chilled soda water or club soda
- Ice — large cubes preferred
- ¼ oz simple syrup or agave (optional, only if needed)
To Garnish
- Lemon wheel
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh mint sprig (optional)
Instructions
- Muddle, Add Base, and BuildFill a wine or spritz glass halfway with ice. Add 5–6 raspberries and muddle gently until they release their juice and colour — 3 or 4 light presses only. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Add the chilled limoncello and give a brief stir to combine with the berries and lemon.Don't over-muddle the raspberries — too much pressure releases seeds and a bitter note from the pips. A few gentle presses to release colour and juice is all you need.
- Top with Bubbles and ServePour the Prosecco over the back of a spoon to preserve the bubbles, then add 1–2 oz of soda water slowly. Taste — if you want it sweeter, stir in ¼ oz simple syrup; if too strong, add a touch more soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel, extra raspberries, and mint if using. Serve immediately.Always add Prosecco and soda water last and pour slowly — the bubbles go flat the moment you stir aggressively. A gentle pour is what keeps the drink lively.
Tips for the Best Results
- Chill all bottles before making — warm Prosecco goes flat immediately and the drink tastes dull.
- Muddle raspberries gently with 3–4 light presses only — over-muddling releases seeds and bitterness.
- Never skip the fresh lemon juice — it balances the sweetness of the limoncello and keeps the drink crisp rather than syrupy.
- Add Prosecco and soda water last and pour slowly — aggressive addition or stirring destroys the carbonation.
- Start without simple syrup and taste first — limoncello and ripe raspberries usually provide enough natural sweetness.
- For a party batch, mix raspberries, lemon juice, and limoncello in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add Prosecco and soda water per glass just before serving.
- For a zero-proof version, replace limoncello with 1 oz lemon juice plus 1 oz simple syrup and use non-alcoholic sparkling wine or extra soda water.
Keeping It Fresh
The key to a great spritz is cold and crisp. Keep your bottles chilled before mixing, and use plenty of ice to maintain temperature without diluting too fast.
If you’re batching for a group, mix the raspberries, lemon juice, and limoncello in a pitcher and chill. Add Prosecco and soda water right before serving to protect the bubbles.
Leftover spritz doesn’t store well since the fizz fades. If you have extra muddled raspberry-limoncello mix, keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and shake before using.
Always add fresh bubbles to revive it.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Fast – Five minutes from fridge to glass.
- Minimal ingredients – You likely have most on hand.
- Bright flavor – Tangy lemon with juicy raspberry notes.
- Flexible – Easy to scale, adjust sweetness, or switch the bubbles.
- Visually stunning – Ruby-pink hue and fresh garnishes look impressive.
- Light and sippable – Lower alcohol than spirit-forward cocktails.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use warm ingredients. Warm Prosecco goes flat fast and tastes dull.
- Don’t over-muddle the raspberries. Too much pressure releases seeds and bitterness.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice. It keeps the drink from turning syrupy.
- Don’t pour Prosecco first in a pitcher batch. Add it just before serving to keep the spritz lively.
- Don’t over-sweeten. Start small with any added syrup; you can’t take it back.
Recipe Variations
- Zero-Proof Spritz – Swap limoncello for a nonalcoholic limoncello or use 1 ounce lemon juice + 1 ounce simple syrup. Use NA sparkling wine or extra soda water. Keep the raspberries the same.
- Herbal Twist – Muddle a few mint or basil leaves with the raspberries.Garnish with the same herb for aroma.
- Berry Blend – Add a few blueberries or sliced strawberries for a mixed-berry take. Go light to avoid overpowering the lemon.
- Rosé Fizz – Use dry sparkling rosé instead of Prosecco for a floral, slightly fruitier edge.
- Grapefruit Spark – Replace soda water with grapefruit soda for a bittersweet kick. Dial back the simple syrup if using.
- Spicy Citrus – Add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño to the muddle for a gentle heat that plays well with lemon.
- Frozen Version – Blend frozen raspberries with limoncello and a handful of ice, then top with Prosecco and a splash of soda.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes, but only the base.
Mix raspberries, lemon juice, and limoncello in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to a day. Just before guests arrive, add ice to glasses, pour the base, then top with chilled Prosecco and soda water.
What’s the best Prosecco to use?
Choose a Brut Prosecco. It’s dry enough to balance the sweetness of limoncello.
Extra Dry or Dry can work, but they’ll taste sweeter, so you may want to skip any added syrup.
Do I need simple syrup?
Usually no. Limoncello and raspberries offer natural sweetness. If your lemons are very tart or your Prosecco is super dry, a small splash (1/4 ounce) of simple syrup can round it out.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely.
Thaw them slightly and muddle gently. Frozen berries release more juice and color, so your spritz may be a bit bolder and brighter.
What glass should I use?
A large wine glass or a classic spritz glass is perfect. They give the drink room to breathe and show off the color, plus they’re comfortable to hold with ice and garnishes.
How do I make it less strong?
Use a little less limoncello and a bit more soda water.
Keep the Prosecco the same so you don’t lose the sparkle.
What if I don’t have limoncello?
You can mimic the flavor with 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup. It won’t be exactly the same, but it gets close to the lemony profile.
Why did my drink go flat?
Warm ingredients, aggressive stirring, or letting it sit too long can kill the bubbles. Always chill your bottles and add Prosecco and soda last with a gentle pour.
Can I batch this in a dispenser?
It’s not ideal because the bubbles will fade quickly.
If you must, keep the base in the dispenser on ice and add sparkling components to each glass as you pour.
Is there a way to reduce the seeds?
If raspberry seeds bug you, muddle the berries in a separate cup and strain the juice into the glass. You’ll keep the color and flavor without the texture.
Jump to RecipeFinal Thoughts
This 5-Min Raspberry Limoncello Spritz is the kind of cocktail that makes any moment feel like a small celebration. It’s bright, balanced, and beautiful with almost no prep.
Keep your bottles cold, muddle lightly, and top with fresh bubbles for the best result. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a tray for friends, this spritz always hits the sweet spot—refreshing, easy, and effortlessly festive.
