Last updated on October 28th, 2024
Homemade Italian limonata is technically not much different from American lemonade, but small changes can upgrade your non-alcoholic drink to the next level!
Italian limonata is a fizzy soft drink flavored with lemon juice, its pulp and simple syrup that can easily be replicated at home. I have three lemon trees at my home here in Tuscany so we make a lot of limonata!
Let’s take a look at how my Italian family makes Italian limonata – with fresh lemons, simple syrup and sparkling water. That’s right, it only takes three ingredients to make this refreshing Italian mocktail!
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What Is Italian Limonata?
Italian limonata is an easy Italian mocktail recipe similar to classic lemonade but made with sparkling water instead of still.
In Italy, we often drink limonata from a can, like a typical soft drink. We typically drink it when it’s hot out, like Americans drink lemonade or iced tea in the summer. Limonata is easy to make at home and is even better than the overpriced commercially-produced versions.
Good To Know: You can use this recipe for Italian limonata in any of my other Italian mocktail recipes that call for limonata, like an Italian lemon ginger mocktail (instead of using store-bought limonata).
For a full rundown of my favorite Italian mocktails, check out Italian Mocktails We Actually Drink in Italy.
What Does Italian Limonata Taste Like?
Italian limonata isn’t quite as sweet as regular lemonade. Rather, it’s lightly sweetened to balance out the tart lemon. It’s more similar to an “Italian soda” that you can still order in some cafes in America, made from a sweet syrup and club soda.
Keep In Mind: An Italian limonata is perfect for minors and pregnant woman. Read more in The Legal Drinking Age In Italy and Eating in Italy While Pregnant.
Italian Limonata Ingredients
Lemons
You will need 1 ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice + its pulp which should be about 1 whole lemon. Depending on the variety and how ripe the lemon is, it may be more or less.
Simple Syrup
Use 1 ½ – 2 oz simple syrup, which you can easily make at home or purchase in any grocery store.
To make your own simple syrup, put 1 cup of water in a pan with 1 ¾ cup sugar over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool. Simple syrup can be kept in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks, sealed well.
Sparkling Water
Use any kind of unflavored sparkling water or club soda that you prefer. I like very fizzy and heavily carbonated brands but any kind will work well for Italian limonata.
How To Make Italian Limonata
Freshly squeeze the lemon juice and add it to a tall long drink or tumbler glass.
Add 1 ½ oz of the simple syrup and mix well. Fill the glass with ice and top with about 4 oz sparkling water. Taste and if it’s not sweet enough for you, add the remaining ½ oz of simple syrup.
Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint, if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy as an aperitivo with salty snacks.
Tips For Making The Best Italian Limonata
- Chill all your ingredients before using, including the glass.
- Don’t use pre squeezed lemon juice. It has a fake taste and your Italian limonata won’t live up to Italian standards.
- Use Meyer lemons, if you like.
- If you are using a slightly smaller glass than what will hold 8 oz, don’t sweat it. Just add a bit less club soda or mix your mocktail in another glass and pour over ice in a chilled long drink glass.
How To Serve Italian Limonata
An Italian limonata shouldn’t be too sweet but some good, salty snacks don’t hurt to balance out the refreshing lemon flavor of this Italian mocktail.
Below are some of the most common aperitivo snacks you might find served alongside an Italian mocktail in Italy:
- toasted nuts
- wedges of cheese
- pieces of schiacciata, focaccia or bread
- chips or crackers
- olives
- grissini
- chunks of parmesan
Check out some Italian mocktails we actually drink in Italy:
Italian Cedrata Long Mocktail
Apertass Italian Mocktail
Italian Lemon Ginger Mocktail
Italian Limonata
Aperol Spritz Mocktail
Crodino Spritz – Italy’s Non-Alcoholic Spritz Made Easy
You may want read My Favorite Mocktail Books That I Use to Make Non-Alcoholic Italian Drinks.
Italian Limonata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice + its pulp
- 1 ½ – 2 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz sparkling water or club soda
Instructions
- Freshly squeeze the lemon juice and add it to a tall long drink or tumbler glass.
- Add 1 ½ oz of the simple syrup and mix well. Fill the glass with ice and top with about 4 oz sparkling water. Taste and if it’s not sweet enough for you, add the remaining ½ oz of simple syrup.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint, if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy as an aperitivo with salty snacks.
