Limoncello Spritz: easy recipes with the cocktail of the Summer

There are flavors that work like an instant passport. A sip of limoncello is enough to picture a table by the sea, the sun slowly setting, and that very Italian habit of stretching out after-dinner conversations without looking at the clock. Traditionally associated with the end of a meal, this citrus liqueur returns to the spotlight with a fresher, more contemporary take—perfect for summer and aligned with the growing craft beverage movement currently setting trends in Mendoza.

Along these lines comes Malpensado’s Mendoza-made limoncello, from Malpensado Sparkling Wines, inviting a renewed way of enjoying it and bringing it into a more relaxed and social setting: the limoncello spritz. This combination is gaining popularity along the Italian coast, proving that classics also know how to reinvent themselves.

Refreshing, light, and sparkling, it’s the ideal cocktail for those seeking something different without complications. To embrace this trend at home, Mendoza-based bartender Emma designed several recipes that take limoncello as a starting point and pair it with Malpensado sparkling wines.

What is limoncello?

An undisputed icon of southern Italy, limoncello is a liqueur made by macerating lemon peels in alcohol and then balancing the infusion with simple syrup. Its origins are linked to regions such as the Amalfi Coast, Naples, and Sicily, where lemons—especially those from Sorrento—stand out for their intense aroma and unmistakable flavor.

For decades, its production remained tied to the home kitchen, with every family guarding its own formula, timing, and secrets. That tradition now inspires new versions, such as the one launched by Constanza Gaitieri, the Mendoza-based winemaker behind Malpensado Sparkling Wines: a limited-edition limoncello created to be enjoyed throughout the summer.

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The project is rooted in an artisanal recipe with Italian heritage, following a step-by-step process passed down through generations. The use of seasonal lemons is essential, carefully selected at their peak to preserve freshness and aromatic expression. The result is a liqueur meant to be enjoyed on its own—well chilled and unhurried—but also as a base for contemporary cocktails.

At the crossroads of tradition and innovation are Malpensado’s sparkling wines, crafted by Gaitieri, who since 2016 has developed a universe dedicated exclusively to high-end, limited-production bubbles after training and working in various wine regions around the world.

What is a Limoncello Spritz?

Fresh, citrusy, and effervescent, the limoncello spritz has established itself as one of Europe’s star summer cocktails. Born as a brighter, softer alternative to the traditional spritz, it has become a staple on terraces, seaside bars, and sunset gatherings.

Its formula is simple and effective: limoncello, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda, served over ice. The bubbles enhance the citrus’s natural acidity, while the sweetness of the liqueur balances the drink, resulting in a friendly, light, and highly refreshing cocktail. In some versions, fresh herbs add an aromatic nuance that brings complexity without sacrificing freshness.

When the heat rises and the craving for something sparkling kicks in, the limoncello spritz stands out as a safe bet. An easy-to-make cocktail that never fails and, glass in hand, transports you straight to that Italian summer we all want to relive.

Easy recipes with Malpensado Limoncello by Emma Tarditi

Behind these versions of the limoncello spritz is Emma Tarditi, bartender at Gómez Rooftop and one of the young figures beginning to set the pace of Mendoza’s cocktail scene. At just 21 years old, she moves effortlessly between classic mixology and experimentation, always attentive to that precise point where a drink can surprise without losing balance.

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Her creative approach led her to win the 2025 Freestyle Bartenders Battle, Mendoza’s first competition of its kind, where twelve bartenders competed over ten weeks in live duels—creating cocktails on the spot and testing their technique, flow, and intuition behind the bar.

Now, Emma shares three easy, citrus-forward, and refreshing recipes—perfect for making at home and discovering new ways to enjoy Malpensado limoncello, always with bubbles and a summer spirit.

• Malpensado Spritz

Ingredients:
60 ml limoncello
120 ml Malpensado Extra Brut sparkling wine (or top up the glass)
Ice
Lemon peel for garnish

Method:
Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in the limoncello and sparkling wine, and gently stir to combine. Garnish with lemon peel.

If desired, you can play with rosemary, fresh basil, or other fresh herbs to add an aromatic touch that enhances complexity without sacrificing freshness. Serve and enjoy.

A refreshing, elegant, and fragrant cocktail with classic citrus acidity—ideal as an aperitif for an elegant dinner.

• Fruity Lemon

Ingredients:
60 ml limoncello
30 ml red berry cedrata
30 ml orange juice
15 ml lemon juice
Malpensado Sweet Rosé sparkling wine to top
Ice

Method:
Fill a tall glass with ice to chill. In a shaker, combine the limoncello, cedrata, and juices; shake vigorously. Discard any excess water from the ice and pour in the shaken mixture. Top with Sweet Rosé sparkling wine.

Finish with red berries—such as cherries in syrup.

A sweet, disruptive cocktail—ideal for poolside afternoons, after meals, and those endless conversations with friends.

• Amarguito Fresh

Ingredients:
60 ml limoncello
30 ml grapefruit juice
30 ml lemon verbena syrup
120 ml Malpensado Extra Brut sparkling wine (or top up the glass)
Ice
Lemon or grapefruit peel/slice for garnish

Method:
In a shaker, combine the limoncello, grapefruit juice, and syrup. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the mixture. Top with Extra Brut sparkling wine and garnish with citrus peel or a slice.

An exquisite combination that surprises with the perfume of lemon verbena. The classic bitterness of grapefruit merges with citrus notes and bubbles, creating a surprising option in every sip.

Good to know: Malpensado Limoncello can be purchased through the Instagram account @malpensadowines, either on its own or as part of a combo with Malpensado sparkling wines—Extra Brut or Sweet Rosé—allowing you to choose the profile that best suits your limoncello spritz experience.

Emma’s cocktails can also be enjoyed at the bar of Gómez Rooftop, located at Garibaldi 7, 10th floor, City of Mendoza.