Okay, if you loved my Blueberry Hugo Spritz (and by the messages in my inbox, you REALLY did), you are going to lose your mind over this one. Meet the Strawberry Basil Limoncello Spritz, the drink that tastes like a sunny afternoon in an Italian garden. It is bright, it is a little herby, it is just sweet enough, and it is genuinely the BEST EVER way to cool down when it’s hot out.
Here’s the story: I had a whole flat of strawberries staring at me, a big bottle of limoncello left over from my last summer spritz, and a basil plant that would NOT quit. So I threw them all together, and WOW. The strawberry and basil are a match made in heaven, the limoncello brings that sunshiny lemon zing, and the Prosecco makes the whole thing feel like a celebration. I’ve been making it on repeat all season long.
I’m officially on a summer spritz kick, so consider this the next one in the lineup. It comes together in minutes, the homemade strawberry syrup is ridiculously easy, and it looks so gorgeous with that blush-pink color and the lemon and basil on top. This is your new go-to for porch sipping, girls’ nights, and every “treat yourself” moment in between.
P.S. Double the strawberry syrup and stash it in the fridge! It’s AMAZING over vanilla ice cream, stirred into lemonade, or spooned over pancakes for the dreamiest weekend breakfast.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh Strawberries: The blushing star of this spritz. You’ll muddle one right in the glass so its sweet juice flavors every sip, and simmer more into the syrup. Go for the ripest, reddest berries you can find for the best flavor and color. They make the prettiest garnish too.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The unexpected hero that makes this drink feel so special. Basil and strawberry are a classic pairing, sweet and a little peppery all at once. Lightly muddling the leaves wakes up their gorgeous aroma without turning things bitter. Save a few pretty ones for garnish.
- Strawberry Syrup: The homemade magic that sets this spritz apart. It’s a quick simmer of strawberries, brown sugar, water, and vanilla that turns into the most beautiful rosy syrup. It adds just the right touch of sweetness and berry depth. You control how much you add, so it’s as sweet as you like.
- Limoncello: The bright, sunshiny soul of this cocktail. This sweet Italian lemon liqueur brings that unmistakable zesty lemon flavor that plays SO beautifully with strawberry and basil. It’s what makes this drink taste like an Italian summer. It’s on the sweeter side, so start light on the syrup and taste as you go.
- Dry Prosecco: All those celebratory bubbles that make a spritz a spritz. Go with a dry (brut) Prosecco so the drink stays crisp and never too sweet, especially alongside the limoncello. Keep it well chilled for the fizziest pour. Cava or any dry sparkling wine works too.
- Club Soda: A splash to lighten everything up and keep it refreshing. It stretches the drink so it’s easy and sippable on a hot day. Keep it cold and bubbly. This is what makes it so dangerously drinkable.
Substitutions and Modifications
- No limoncello? A good squeeze of fresh lemon plus elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) gives a lovely bright twist instead.
- Swap the Prosecco for Cava, dry Champagne, or any dry sparkling wine you love.
- Make it a mocktail by skipping the limoncello and Prosecco and using lemonade or a lemon sparkling water plus extra club soda.
- Not a basil person? Fresh mint is a beautiful swap and keeps that garden-fresh vibe.
- Like it sweeter? Add a little more strawberry syrup. Prefer it drier? Start with just half an ounce, since the limoncello already brings sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bright, fruity, and just barely sweet, with that fresh basil twist that makes it feel SO special.
- It comes together in just a few minutes, and the homemade strawberry syrup is completely foolproof.
- That blush-pink color with a lemon slice and basil on top is an absolute showstopper for any summer party.
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Wine glass or stemless glass
- Muddler (or the back of a spoon)
- Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
Easy Strawberry Basil Limoncello Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 cup strawberries hulled and diced
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cocktail:
- 1 strawberry quartered, plus more for garnish
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 thin lemon slice or sliver for garnish
- .5 to 1 oz strawberry syrup use less for a drier drink
- 2 oz limoncello
- 3 oz dry Prosecco chilled
- 1 oz club soda
Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it bubble away for 10 minutes.
- Smash the strawberries with the back of a spoon or a muddler to release all that gorgeous juice, then simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a jar, pressing to get every last drop. Stir in the vanilla extract and let it cool completely. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Make the cocktail: In your glass, lightly muddle the quartered strawberry and basil leaves just until fragrant. Do not overdo it or the basil can turn bitter.
- Fill the glass with ice. Add the strawberry syrup and limoncello.
- Top with the chilled Prosecco and the club soda.
- Stir gently to combine, garnish with a lemon slice, a strawberry, and a sprig of basil, and enjoy!
Storage Instructions
- Counter: The finished cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and bubbly, so sip it right away! It will not keep at room temperature.
- Fridge: Store the strawberry syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Give it a shake before using.
- Freezer: Freeze the strawberry syrup in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Pop out a cube whenever a spritz craving hits!
Tips and Tricks
- Chill everything ahead of time. Cold Prosecco and club soda keep your spritz crisp and bubbly instead of flat and watery.
- Go easy on the muddling. You want to gently wake up the basil, not pulverize it, or it can turn bitter.
- Taste as you build. Limoncello is sweet, so start with less strawberry syrup and add more to hit your perfect balance.
- Make the syrup in advance so drinks come together in under a minute when guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Strawberry Basil Limoncello Spritz taste like?
It’s bright, fruity, and refreshing with a sweet lemon zing from the limoncello and a fresh, slightly peppery note from the basil. Strawberry ties it all together for the perfect summer sip!
Can I make this a mocktail?
Absolutely! Skip the limoncello and Prosecco and use lemonade or lemon sparkling water plus extra club soda. It’s just as pretty and refreshing.
What Prosecco should I use?
Reach for a dry (brut) Prosecco so the drink stays crisp and balances the sweet limoncello. Cava, dry Champagne, or any dry sparkling wine works beautifully too.
How long does the strawberry syrup last?
It keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s so versatile you’ll be putting it on everything!
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Multiply the syrup and pre-muddle the basil and strawberries in a pitcher, then let guests top their own glasses with Prosecco and soda so every drink stays bubbly.
Is this drink very sweet?
It has a sweet side thanks to the limoncello, but you control it with the strawberry syrup. Start with less syrup and a dry Prosecco for a beautifully balanced, not-too-sweet sip.
Do you LOVE Making Cocktails at Home?! Check Out MORE of my Favs:
Blueberry Hugo Spritz: The Perfect Light and Refreshing Summer Cocktail
Frozen Watermelon Margarita (4-Ingredient Recipe!) – Easy, Refreshing, Perfect for Summer
Let’s Stay in Touch!
If you make this Strawberry Basil Limoncello Spritz, I want to SEE it! Snap a photo of your gorgeous pink sipper and tag me @munchiesbymallory on Instagram and TikTok. It truly makes my day to see your creations. Now go pour yourself one, you deserve it. Cheers to the best summer yet!
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