For years it’s been first on my bucket list to go to Italy. As a self-proclaimed foodie and as someone who’s allergic to wheat only in the United States, I always figured it was my place to be. This time last year, that line on my bucket list was checked off. My parents and I went to Italy to celebrate my 35th Birthday, and it was glorious. That’s where I discovered the Limoncello Spritz.
Of course, the celebration of this year’s birthday was quite different. With COVID going on, and the fact that it’s not really a milestone birthday, there’s no going someplace fabulous to celebrate. So I’ve decided to bring back a little of our Italian adventure. I’m celebrating my birthday with a throwback cocktail to that fantastic time we got so spend in one of the most beautiful and food-centric countries in the world.
When we got to Italy, I was excited about the pizza and the pasta. I can eat it over there when I can’t eat gluten here, so I was pretty thrilled about that. I was also interested in the wines because they’re just so famously drinkable.
What I really wasn’t expecting was the amazing liqueurs created in Italy. There’s Aperol, of course–which is a really wonderful balance of bitter and sweet (I reeeeeeeally like candied orange peel and it tastes a lot like that…); but if you’re looking for something sweet as candy and perfectly balanced in a great cocktail, look no further than Limoncello. And on a warm Sunday morning, the best way to drink it is in a Limoncello Spritz.
While we traveled around Italy I drank several Aperol Spritzes. But honestly, Aperol Spritzes are an acquired taste. I never would have liked them as a young drinker, and I know several people who do not like them now. But Limoncello Spritz??? Pretty much anyone could drink them and you have to be careful because they’re so drinkable they’re dangerous.
I’m missing Italy, but I love summer here. There’s so much to do, the weather is awesome, and the outdoors call us by name. (Not to mention that the “outdoors” are pretty much all we can do right now.) So I figure I might as well enjoy both by bringing some of Italy home to enjoy during these long summer days. Best of both worlds.
So cheers to the closing of my birthday week! And this year, that also happens to be the start of Memorial Day weekend. In my mind, both reflect the start of summer. Limoncello Spritzes all around!
- 1.5 oz. Limoncello
- 3 oz. Sparkling Wine or Champagne
- 1-2 oz. Sparkling Water
- Poor Limoncello over ice.
- Add Champagne.
- Float with Sparkling Water to taste.
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