The Hugo Spritz cocktail recipe is a light, refreshing cocktail known for its floral elderflower flavor, sparkling Prosecco, fresh mint, and bright citrus notes. Originating in northern Italy, it has become a popular alternative to the Aperol Spritz, especially for people who prefer a drink that is fragrant, crisp, and less bitter.
Ingredients
For 1 Serving:
- 120 ml Prosecco
- 20–30 ml elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain
- 30–60 ml soda water
- 2–3 fresh lime slices
- 5–8 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
Start by filling a large wine glass generously with ice. Add the fresh mint leaves and lime slices. You can gently press the mint between your fingers before adding it to the glass to release more of its aroma, but avoid crushing it heavily.
Pour 20–30 ml of elderflower liqueur over the ice. Next, slowly add 120 ml of chilled Prosecco.
Top the cocktail with approximately 30–60 ml of soda water, depending on how light and refreshing you want the finished drink to be.
Stir everything very gently with a bar spoon. The goal is to combine the ingredients without losing too much of the Prosecco’s carbonation.
Finish with a fresh mint sprig and an additional lime slice.
What Does a Hugo Spritz Taste Like?
A Hugo Spritz has a floral, citrusy, slightly sweet and refreshing flavor. Elderflower provides its signature aromatic sweetness, while Prosecco contributes crisp fruit flavors and lively bubbles.
Fresh lime adds acidity that balances the sweetness, and mint introduces a cool herbal aroma. Soda water makes the cocktail lighter and particularly easy to drink.
Unlike an Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz doesn’t have a strong bitter-orange character. Its profile is generally softer, greener, and more floral.
Tips for the Perfect Hugo Spritz
Keep your Prosecco and soda water well chilled before preparing the cocktail. This helps the drink remain cold without requiring excessive dilution from melting ice.
Use plenty of large ice cubes and fresh mint. When adding the Prosecco and soda, pour them slowly to preserve as much carbonation as possible.
For a sweeter cocktail, slightly increase the elderflower liqueur. For a lighter version, reduce the liqueur and add a little more soda water.
Best Glass and Garnish
A large stemmed wine glass is the traditional and attractive choice for serving a Hugo Spritz. It provides enough room for plenty of ice, mint, lime, and sparkling ingredients.
Fresh mint and lime make excellent garnishes because they contribute both aroma and visual appeal. A thin lemon wheel can also be added for additional citrus character.
When to Serve a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz is particularly suited to summer afternoons, brunches, garden parties, weddings, outdoor gatherings, and pre-dinner aperitivo.
Its sparkling appearance, fresh green mint, and citrus garnish also make it an attractive cocktail for entertaining guests.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Serving: 1 cocktail
Glass: Large wine glass
Garnish: Fresh mint and lime
Flavor Profile: Floral, sparkling, citrusy, lightly sweet and refreshing
Read More Receipe Tips: A Classic Floral Gin Cocktail
