The Hugo Spritz is a light, effervescent cocktail that originated in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy and quickly gained popularity across Europe. Created as an alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz offers a floral twist with the sweet, fragrant notes of elderflower combined with mint, lime, and sparkling wine. Its balance of sweetness and citrus makes it a go-to summer refresher that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make.
This cocktail is beloved not only for its flavor but also for its visual appeal—bubbly, herbaceous, and vibrant. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just relaxing on a sunny patio, the Hugo Spritz is the drink that elevates the moment.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one serving of a classic Hugo Spritz:
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3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco
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1 oz (30 ml) elderflower liqueur (e.g., St-Germain)
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1 oz (30 ml) soda water (or sparkling water)
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2–3 fresh mint leaves
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1 lime slice or wedge
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Ice cubes
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(Optional): Cucumber slice or edible flowers for garnish
Substitutions:
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Non-alcoholic version: Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine and elderflower syrup instead of liqueur.
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Low-sugar version: Choose a dry Prosecco and reduce the elderflower liqueur slightly.
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Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free—just ensure your liqueur brand is certified.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Chill your glassware
Start by chilling a large wine glass or balloon glass for a few minutes in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep. -
Build the drink in the glass
Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes. Add 3 oz of Prosecco, followed by 1 oz of elderflower liqueur. -
Add soda water
Pour in 1 oz of soda water to give the drink a refreshing fizz and lighten the sweetness. -
Add aromatics
Gently clap 2–3 mint leaves between your palms to release oils, then drop them into the glass. Add a lime wedge for a citrus kick. -
Garnish and serve
Stir gently. Garnish with an additional mint sprig, lime slice, or even a cucumber ribbon or edible flowers for visual flair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Avoid over-stirring which can flatten the bubbles.
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Don’t muddle the mint too aggressively—it can turn bitter.
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Use chilled ingredients to avoid diluting the drink too quickly.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Glass matters: Use a stemmed glass to keep the drink colder longer.
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Elderflower liqueur vs. syrup: Liqueur gives complexity; syrup is a good non-alcoholic option.
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Freshness is key: Always use fresh mint and lime to maintain the cocktail’s crisp profile.
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Ice tip: Larger ice cubes melt slower, keeping the drink cold without too much dilution.
Variations and Customizations
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Berry Hugo: Add a few muddled raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
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Citrus swap: Try orange or grapefruit slices instead of lime for a new flavor profile.
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Herbal remix: Swap mint for basil or thyme for a unique herbal aroma.
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Low-carb: Use elderflower essence and dry sparkling wine for fewer carbs.
Serving Suggestions
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Presentation: Serve in a large wine glass with plenty of ice and vibrant garnishes.
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Perfect pairings:
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Appetizers: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, bruschetta, marinated olives.
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Main dishes: Light pasta salads, grilled chicken, seafood.
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Desserts: Lemon tart, panna cotta, or a fruit sorbet.
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Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
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Calories: 140
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Sugars: 9g
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Alcohol: ~10-12% ABV
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make a pitcher of Hugo Spritz?
A: Yes! Scale the ingredients (5x or more), mix everything except soda water ahead of time, and add the soda water and ice just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: It’s best made fresh, but you can refrigerate the base mix (without soda water or ice) for up to 1 day.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
A: Absolutely. Use a dry Prosecco and reduce the elderflower liqueur or replace it with elderflower essence.
Q: Is elderflower liqueur alcoholic?
A: Yes, it usually has about 20% ABV. For a non-alcoholic version, use elderflower syrup or cordial.
Closing Thoughts
The Hugo Spritz is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few fresh ingredients and a splash of bubbly, you can recreate a European summer moment in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding solo, this cocktail is bound to impress. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and don’t forget to share your own Hugo twist—cheers!
