Nothing is more fun—or easy—than making limoncello at home. I first started after my brother Erik and sister-in-law Tracy sent me a bottle they made using their own homegrown lemons. It was one of those “Oh my gosh, this is amazing” moments. At first, I just used a splash in my Prosecco Blueberry Limoncello Punch recipe. But once I realized how easy it was, I started making my own, too. There was no going back. Now I always keep a bottle in the freezer—and I make big batches to give to friends and family too. Everyone loves it!
Here’s The Thing About Making Homemade Limoncello
Limoncello is a typical drink from Southern Italy—bright, tart, a little sweet, and oh-so-refreshing. While you can absolutely buy it, making it yourself adds a personal touch (and it’s much more fun). I like to use limoncello in cocktails, desserts, and even in savory recipes like my Limoncello Roast Chicken with Fennel.
The ingredients you need to make your own limoncello are lemons, sugar, water, and a neutral high-proof alcohol like Everclear™. Just be sure to use organic lemons since you'll only be using the peels. My favorite? Meyer lemons! They're sweeter and more aromatic than your standard lemon, and they make an absolutely dreamy limoncello. Whatever lemons you choose, just remember to avoid the white pith when peeling—it can make your liqueur bitter.
Once it's all mixed, the limoncello needs time to infuse. I sanitize my bottles carefully before bottling and keep the limoncello infusions in the pantry or freezer. Because of the alcohol content, it won’t freeze, and soon you’ll have a frosty, delicious liqueur ready for sipping or mixing. Make sure to check out Erik and Tracy’s Homemade Limoncello recipe for the full instructions and timing!
Now back to the sangria!
I recently served this sparkling limoncello sangria at a garden party at my home in Oak Park. We had strings of lights, bite-sized appetizers, and this drink was definitely the star of the show. This summer sangria recipe is easy—homemade limoncello, fresh berries, a touch of elderflower liqueur, and a bottle of chilled sparkling wine or champagne. Serve it in flutes for a fancy feel, or go casual with a big glass pitcher. Either way, it's the kind of cocktail that will have everyone clinking their glasses and coming back for more.
What can you use instead of superfine sugar?
Pro tip: Don’t have superfine sugar on hand? No problem. Just toss regular granulated sugar into a blender or food processor and pulse for a few seconds to make it finer. You’re not going for powder—just a texture in between.
What is elderflower liqueur and what does it taste like?
Elderflower liqueur is made from tiny white elderflowers. It’s sweet, floral, and has gentle notes of pear, peach, and citrus. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s worth trying—it adds a layer of delicate complexity to cocktails, and while it’s optional in this recipe, I think it makes the drink extra special. Special thanks to my daughter Nerina for turning me on to this one!
Sangria Tips for Summer Entertaining
How to Choose the Best Wine for Your Sangria Recipe
Dry or semi-dry sparkling wines are your best bet. Prosecco is great, but cava or champagne work too—just make sure it’s nicely chilled and not too sweet.
How to Serve Sangria
In flutes, it feels elegant and refined. In a pitcher? Casual and festive. You can chill the glasses ahead of time or toss in some frozen berries for a colorful (and practical!) twist.
How to Store Leftover Sangria
Cover and refrigerate any extras—but just know the bubbles will fade. If you want to revive your sangria, a splash of fresh sparkling wine before serving will do the trick!
Homemade Limoncello Sangria Recipe
Limoncello, fresh berries, and bubbly champagne come together in this bright, summery sangria—elevated by a touch of floral elderflower liqueur. Light, fun, and fabulous for entertaining!
Ingredients
Instructions
- If desired, chill your champagne flutes prior to serving. On a hot summer day, I love to serve this drink with a bit of frost on the glass!
- In a large pitcher, combine the limoncello, elderflower liqueur (if using), and the raspberries and/or strawberries. Stir to combine. This mixture can be prepared several hours ahead and kept in the refrigerator.
- When ready to serve, add the chilled champagne or sparkling wine. You can serve this drink one of two ways—either in individual glasses or champagne flutes or in a large pitcher. If serving in individual glasses or flutes, divide the limoncello and fruit mixture evenly among the 6 glasses. Top with the chilled champagne or sparkling wine. You can also mix the champagne or sparkling wine directly in the pitcher with the limoncello fruit mixture. If you are serving the sangria in a champagne flute, I don’t use ice. But if you are serving it in a cocktail-type glass, feel free to add ice to the glass.
- If desired, garnish with some of my homemade candied citrus zest.
