Bright, lemony, and tangy with a subtle fragrance of fresh basil. This effervescent limoncello basil fizz will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean!
You may have noticed that I’m not typically content to stick with just one cocktail per dinner party! This Limoncello Basil Fizz goes perfectly with a Rosemary Aperol Spritz. I served both at my recent Rustic Italian Dinner party. With both Limoncello and fresh lemon juice, this limoncello cocktail is super refreshing and tangy. Lemon and basil pair so well together and adding fresh basil leaves to the cocktail shaker infuses the elixir with its subtle anise flavour. Top it all off with some bubbly Prosecco and you’ll be dreaming of the sunny shores of Italy!
Ingredient Notes
Limoncello: This popular Italian liqueur is flavoured with fragrant lemon peels. Traditionally, Limoncello was made from the peels of Sorrento lemons. It was produced mainly in the South of Italy. Chilled Limoncello is often served as a digestif after dinner, but I love using it in cocktails as well. Limoncello is easy to find at most liquor stores.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a subtle herbal note to this cocktail and can’t be substituted with dried.
Lemons: Fresh lemon juice adds the perfect amount of acid to balance the sweetness of the basil simple syrup and the Limoncello.
Prosecco: this sparkling wine from Italy is an integral part of an Aperol spritz. This sparkling wine is made from prosecco grapes which were renamed Glera in 2009. Prosecco is popular in Italy and used often as an aperitif or in cocktails outside of Italy. Additionally, the method used for producing Prosecco keeps the cost relatively low which makes it the perfect to addition to any cocktail!
How to Make Limoncello Basil Fizz
The flavour of basil is subtle. So, to really make it stand out against the bright citrus of Limoncello, use both the basil simple syrup and fresh basil leaves.
To prepare the basil simple syrup, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar melts and the syrup just begins to simmer. Then, bruise the fresh basil leaves and add them to the syrup. In other words, simply crush the basil slightly in your palm. This helps to release the oils and fragrance in the leaves.
Once you have added the basil, turn off the heat and cover the simple syrup. Let steep for about 20 minutes and then strain the basil leaves out of the syrup. I don’t like to let this syrup steep too long as I find that the subtle aromas of basil tend to dissipate if its left too long to steep.
Let the syrup cool completely before preparing the cocktail.
The measurements given here make two servings. In a cocktail shaker, add the Limoncello, basil simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and 3 to 4 fresh basil leaves. Add ice cubes, cover, and shake for 30 to 45 seconds. Strain and divide into two coupe glasses. There will be some small green flecks from the basil – this is normal. Top with chilled Prosecco and enjoy!
Complete your Italian Themed Menu
I featured this drink on the menu for my Rustic Italian dinner party. Here are some recipes that go perfectly with this Limoncello Basil Fizz:
- Mozzarella stuffed arancini with marinara sauce
- Pasta alla Norma
- Linguine with Lemon, Ricotta and Mascarpone – this recipe is offered exclusively in my Newsletter, sign up on the sidebar or pop up menu!
More Fruity Summer Cocktails
- Rosemary Aperol Spritz
- Strawberry Elderflower Frosé
- Sparkling Rosé Lemonade
- Strawberry Basil Margarita
