3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (2024)

A Light & Refreshing Sgroppino (Limoncello Prosecco Float with Lemon Sorbetto) is the Perfect Summer Sip! 🍋🍾

Our muggy Minnesota summer heat always demands a refreshingly cold treat to unwind with at the end of the day. These frothy, frosty prosecco limoncello floats are the perfect chilled light & fresh dessert. Hot summer days feel a little cooler with this sgroppino recipe!

I first experienced this after-dinner drink during my time working at a fine dining Italian restaurant in Milwaukee. When our owner dined on our patio on warm summer evenings, he’d often skip the dolci menu & sneak behind the bar to make sgroppino (aka, a limoncello and prosecco float) instead. They always looked SO refreshing – the perfect digestif for a hot day!

It was only until I began making them at home that I realized how truly easy they are to prepare. They come together with 3 simple ingredients — Italian liquor, Italian sparkling wine, & sunshiny lemon sorbet. Equal parts sweet & sour, easy & elegant, dessert & co*cktail, these gorgeous glasses wow everyone who tries them.

this Recipe for Later!

Sgroppino Recipe Highlights

This super easy, dessert-meets-limoncello co*cktail is the perfect ending to a hot summer day. You’ll love sgroppino – it’s…

MADE WITH 3 INGREDIENTS. A scoop of sweet & tart lemon sorbetto & two boozy pours – it doesn’t get simpler than that!

LIGHT & BRIGHT. A double whammy of lemony goodness from a shot of limoncello & scoop of chilled sorbetto! These tart co*cktails are essentially the grown-up, sunshine-flavored version of a root beer float.

EASY ELEGANCE. A sip of fancy-feeling sgroppino transports you to the Italian countryside. It’s the best way to end a hot day & a fun digestif to close out any summer dinner party. After all, who doesn’t love a dessert served in stemware?!

Cheers to dessert! 🥂 ♡ Read on to learn more about how to make Sgroppino (Limoncello and Prosecco Float with Lemon Sorbetto), or jump straight to the recipe & get cooking!

Want more fun Summer co*cktail ideas? ⇢ Be sure to check out my Spaghett (Aperol and Beer) co*cktail or my Frosé Palomas. Both are so each to make and perfect for warm weather months!

What is Sgroppino + More FAQs

What is sgroppino al limone? ⇢ These tasty, boozy desserts-meet-co*cktails are simple, 3-ingredient limoncello and prosecco floats made with lemon sorbet.

What is the history of sgroppino? ⇢ Invented in Venice in the 16th century, sgroppino roughly translates to “untie a little knot.” This limoncello co*cktail would be served as a digestif after the meal, helping you to digest, or untie the knot in your stomach.

How to pronounce sgroppino? ⇢“Sgrop-pino” –it’s a little tricky, but give it a try! If it doesn’t roll off your tongue naturally, feel free to just call it a limoncello prosecco float.

Key Ingredients

These delicious dessert limoncello co*cktails come together with just 3 simple ingredients.

3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (2)

Note: Full ingredients list & measurements provided in the Recipe Card, below.

You need…

  • Sorbetto al limone – Also known as lemon sorbet here in the States! This simple frozen dessert is made from a blend of fruit juice, sugar, & water for a deliciously light, dairy-free alternative to ice cream. Look for sorbetto in the freezer section next to the gelatos. Lemon-flavored sorbet is traditional, but feel free to mix up your sgroppino with other fruity flavors.
  • Limoncello – An Italian treasure! This lemon liqueur is mainly produced in Southern Italy around the Amalfi Coast & Gulf of Naples, where fresh lemons are abundant. It’s perfectly boozy, sweet & tart, & mostly commonly enjoyed as a digestif to close out a delicious meal.
  • Prosecco – A delectably bubbly sparkling white wine, prosecco is essentially the Italian version of champagne. As a bonus, it’s usually much less expensive than the French kind!

Ingredient Spotlight

What is Limoncello?

If limoncello is new to you then you’re in for a real treat.This Italian lemon-flavored liqueur is made by steeping lemon peels in vodka with a little bit of sugar until the booze is bright, tart, & slightly sweet & syrupy. It’s kind of like a boozy version of lemonade – pure summer sunshine in a glass! 🍋

Other limoncello FAQs:

  • Where to buy limoncello? ⇢ While making homemade limoncello is a simple & fun kitchen project, you should be able to find a bottle ready to go at any well-stocked liquor store.
  • Is limoncello gluten-free? ⇢ So long as the vodka base is made with corn, potatoes, or fruit, then yes – just be sure to check the labels.
  • How to use limoncello ⇢ Limoncello has plenty of uses aside from this sgroppino recipe. Use it in lemon drops or mojitos, boozy Arnold palmers or simply serve it over ice. It can also be used to make lots of tasty desserts like granita, lemon-flavored tiramisu, or cheesecake.

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How To Make Sgroppino & Easy co*cktail Variations

Making these limoncello and prosecco floats couldn’t be easier – it takes 5 minutes, tops!

3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (6)
3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (7)

1

Scoop the sorbetto.Let the frozen lemon sorbetto warm up for 5 minutes on the counter for easier scooping, then place the scoops directly into chilled low-balls or wine glasses. Why? ⇢ Chilling your glasses in the freezer makes your limoncello and prosecco float even frostier & more enticing when it’s hot out.

2

Pour in the alcohol & serve! Add a shot of limoncello then slowly pour in the prosecco, watching as the bubbles soak up the lemony sorbetto. Serve with spoons & enjoy! Tip! ⇢ If you like enjoy bubbly as much as I do, then I highly suggest investing in a champagne stopper. This sgroppino recipe doesn’t use the whole bottle & this tiny investment will help you save the rest for later.

Easy Sgroppino Variations

As far as we’re concerned, sgroppinos = perfection. That said, there’s always room for customization. Here are some PWWB-approved variations on this classic Italian limoncello co*cktail…

  • Make it creamy! ⇢ Instead of sorbetto, use your favorite lemon-flavored gelato or ice cream.
  • Try other fruity sorbetto! ⇢ The flavors in strawberry, raspberry, mango, or even coconut sorbettto will all pair nicely with limoncello and prosecco.
  • Don’t have limoncello on hand? ⇢ Try swapping it with regular vodka. Your sgroppino will be a little less sweet, but the lemon flavor should come through with the sorbetto.
  • Non-alcoholic sgroppino. ⇢ Just as delicious without the booze! To make it a mocktail, omit the limoncello & swap the wine with sparkling lemonade.

Serving Suggestions

With a crisp, bright flavor, sgroppino pairs beautifully with other light & lemony flavors. Serve this dessert co*cktail after other Italian-inspired entrees like…

  • Grilled Tuscan-Inspired Steak or Tuscan-Inspired Spatchco*ck Chicken
  • Summery Zucchini Meatballs with a quick San Marzano Tomato Sauce
  • Butterflied Grilled Leg of Lamb or
  • Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
  • Grilled Pesto Shrimp
  • Marinated Tomato Pasta
  • A grilled pizza party!

These limoncello and prosecco floats are the perfect dessert to serve after any dinner party. Your guests will be seriously impressed!

3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (8)

I can’t wait for you to try thisrecipe for Sgroppinos! These Italian limoncello and prosecco floats are so light, refreshing, & couldn’t be easier to make. Give them a try the next time you have friends over for an al fresco dinner – I’m pretty sure you’re going to love them just as much as we do!

If you do give it a try, be sure to let us know!Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can alsosnap a photo & tag@playswellwithbutteronInstagram. We LOVE seeing your PWWB creations! ♡ Happy sipping!

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3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (9)

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3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (10)

Sgroppino (3-Ingredient Limoncello co*cktail with Prosecco and Lemon Sorbetto)

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  • Author: Jess Larson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 1
  • Category: Drinks & co*cktails, Desserts
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Equal parts bubbly, frosty, sweet, & sour, Sgroppino al Limone – a 3-ingredient limoncello and prosecco float – is the ultimate summer co*cktail!

I first experienced these refreshing after dinner drinks during my time working at a fine dining Italian restaurant. When our owner dined on our patio on warm summer evenings, he’d often skip the dolci menu & sneak behind the bar to make a tray of sgroppino for his family & friends instead.

Once I began making them at home, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they are to prepare. They come together with 3 simple ingredients — Italian liquor, Italian sparkling wine, & sunshiny lemon sorbet – & they’re so simple to throw together, even on the warmest nights. It’s been my go-to summer dessert drink ever since –the perfect digestif for a hot day!

Be sure to check out the blog post, above, for a lot more notes on each of the ingredients, as well as some easy variations (including guidance for a mocktail!). ♡ Happy sipping!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 large scoop lemon sorbetto (approx. ½ cup or ÂĽ pint)
  • Âľ ounce limoncello
  • 2 ounces prosecco (approx. ÂĽ cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare thesgroppino al limone: Place the lemon sorbetto in a chilled low-ball or wine glass. Pour the limoncello over top, then finish with prosecco. Serve immediately. Enjoy!3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (11)

Notes

  • Jess’ Tips & Tricks:
    • Sgroppino for a crowd: If preparing a large batch of sgroppino for a crowd, I suggest scooping all of the sorbetto in advance. Portion it into the individual glasses, then place them in the freezer until serving. From there, all you have to do is top them off with limoncello and prosecco – easy!
    • Sorbetto tips:Sorbetto is Italian sorbet, a dairy-free frozen dessert made from fruit juice, sugar, & water. Bright & sunshiney lemon sorbetto is my go-to for sgroppino, though feel free to have fun with it & use another fruity sorbetto – mango, raspberry, & strawberry are all delicious with limoncello! To make a creamy co*cktail, swap sorbetto with fruity gelato or ice cream.
    • Non-alcoholic sgroppino:For a sgroppino mocktail, omit the limoncello & swap the wine with sparkling lemonade.

Recipe by Jess Larson, Plays Well With Butter | Photography by Eat Love Eat

3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (15)
3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (16)

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3-Ingredient Sgroppino co*cktail (Limoncello Prosecco Float) (2024)

FAQs

What is a limoncello spritz made of? ›

A Limoncello Spritz is made with just three key ingredients: Limoncello, Prosecco, and club soda. Together, they make a delicious co*cktail in no time!

How to drink limoncino? ›

Serving limoncello liqueur the right way is key to enjoying its taste. Limoncello is commonly served 'straight', without ice in either a shot glass or tulip tasting glass. Limoncello is poured directly from the freezer, to be consumed freezing cold. This is how you can truly taste the full flavour of the limoncello.

What to pair with limoncello? ›

Pair with Spuntini (Italian for “small bites”):
  1. Bruschetta.
  2. Caprese salad with tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.
  3. Italian meats as mortadella, bresaola, prosciutto di Parma and salami.
  4. Smoked salmon tartine or tartare.

When would you drink limoncello? ›

Typically, limoncello is served following a meal at a traditional restaurant or within the walls (or on the patio) of the Italian home. Lemon is known to aid in digestion, which is why this delicious beverage it is often served after lunch or dinner as a tasty treat.

Can limoncello get you drunk? ›

Limoncello has about a 30% alcohol content so while it may jump start your digestive enzymes, it will also get you DRUNK.

What kind of alcohol is in limoncello? ›

Limoncello is made by steeping lemon zest (peels) in highly concentrated ethanol or vodka until oil is released, then mixing the resulting yellow liquid with simple syrup.

Should limoncello be refrigerated? ›

It's used in many dishes and gives Limoncello its light and zingy taste. You should always store Limoncello either in the refrigerator or the freezer. If you have spare bottles keep them away from direct light, since it will alter the flavour.

What is a good mixer for limoncello? ›

Limoncello liqueur has a concentrated zesty freshness which enlivens co*cktails, parring well with flavours such as basil, honey, agave and tea. With: Citrus vodka, limoncello, lemon juice and sugar syrup. We say: Lemon, lemon and lemon, but well-balanced, refreshing and tasty. A great early summer's evening co*cktail.

Can you drink limoncello straight up? ›

A: Yes. Drinking it straight (and straight from the freezer) is by far the most common and preferred way to consume limoncello. Limoncello is considered a digestif (after-dinner drink), thought to aid digestion. It is much sweeter and generally lower in alcohol content than hard alcohols like vodka or whiskey.

Is limoncello good for stomach? ›

Limoncello on its own is categorized as a digestif liqueur, meaning it's meant to be sipped on its own after a meal to aid in digestion. This is how limoncello is commonly used in Italy—after a meal, people stay at the table, either after dessert or during dessert, sharing limoncello and toasting to good health.

What do Italians do with limoncello? ›

It is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy and is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif. It is also a popular homemade liqueur, with various recipes available online and in print.

Does limoncello need a mixer? ›

It can be sipped on its own as digestif, mixed into sparkling water, shaken or stirred into co*cktails, like limoncello with tequila, limoncello gin or mixed melon and limoncello sangria.

How can you tell if limoncello is good? ›

The liqueur shouldn't leave your mouth puckered in discomfort, shouldn't smell of alcohol, and should always clearly display where the lemons are from on the bottle. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

What is the purpose of limoncello? ›

Limoncello is a lemon-flavored liqueur from Southern Italian that's famously served cold as an after-dinner digestivo, but can also be used as an ingredient in co*cktails and desserts. It's made by soaking lemon zest in neutral spirits, then straining and combining the steeped alcohol with sugar syrup.

What degree of alcohol is in limoncello? ›

What Is the Alcohol Content of Limoncello? The alcohol content of most commercially available brands of limoncello is between 24% to 32% (48-64 proof). Most brands tend to land in the high 20% range, around 27%-29% alcohol by volume.

How many standard drinks are in a limoncello spritz? ›

250ml - 4.2% ABV - 0.8 Standard Drinks

Each sip delivers a burst of citrusy flavour that's balanced with a hint of sweetness and a crisp, fizzy finish.

Is limoncello stronger than Aperol? ›

Where Aperol has an 11% ABV, Limoncello is more like 25-30%. Therefore, a better ratio for limoncello spritz is 3 parts Prosecco, 1-1.5 parts Limoncello, and 1 part soda.

Is limoncello a strong alcohol? ›

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur from the Amalfi Coast. Its alcohol content is between 30 and 35% vol. Limoncello is mainly made from lemon peel.

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