Hugo Spritz

There are some cocktails that feel perfect the moment they hit the table, and the Hugo Spritz is one of them. With its crisp bubbles, fresh mint aroma, and floral elderflower notes, this classic spritz brings a little bit of European café culture right into your glass. It’s bright, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to make.

I first tried a Hugo Spritz on a warm afternoon when I wanted something lighter than a traditional cocktail but more interesting than a glass of wine. One sip and it instantly became a favorite. The combination of sparkling Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and mint creates a drink that feels refreshing without being overly sweet.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Hugo Spritz has become a staple in bars and outdoor cafés for good reason. It delivers plenty of flavor while staying light and easy to drink. Unlike heavier cocktails, it feels refreshing from the first sip to the last.

• Quick and easy to prepare in under five minutes
• Light, bubbly, and perfect for warm weather
• Fresh mint adds a clean and cooling aroma
• Great for brunches, garden parties, and happy hours
• Uses just a handful of simple ingredients
• Looks impressive with minimal effort

If you enjoy cocktails like an Aperol Spritz but prefer something less bitter, the Hugo Spritz offers a fresh alternative. The floral elderflower and sparkling wine create a balanced drink that works for nearly any occasion.

Ingredients

One of the best things about the Hugo Spritz is how a few simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes far more complex. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the cocktail’s signature flavor and aroma.

• 1 oz Elderflower liqueur
• 4 oz Prosecco chilled
• 1 oz Soda water chilled
• 1 sprig mint plus more for garnish
• Garnish: mint sprig and lemon wheel

The elderflower liqueur provides delicate floral notes that give the cocktail its distinctive character. Chilled Prosecco contributes crisp bubbles and a dry finish, while soda water keeps the drink light and refreshing. Fresh mint adds aroma and brightness, and the lemon wheel brings a fresh citrus touch that complements the elderflower beautifully.

For the best results, make sure your Prosecco and soda water are thoroughly chilled before mixing.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The ingredients in a Hugo Spritz are simple, so choosing quality products can make a noticeable difference. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent options available.

• St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur: The classic choice with delicate floral flavors and balanced sweetness.
• Giffard Fleur de Sureau: A great alternative with slightly lighter floral notes.
• Mionetto Prosecco: Crisp, affordable, and widely available.
• La Marca Prosecco: Popular for its bright fruit flavors and clean finish.
• Freixenet Prosecco: Offers excellent value and refreshing bubbles.
• Substitution: If elderflower liqueur is unavailable, elderflower syrup can work for a lower-alcohol version, though the flavor profile will be slightly sweeter.

When selecting Prosecco, look for a dry or extra dry style to maintain balance in the finished cocktail.

Equipment and Glassware

The Hugo Spritz is refreshingly low-maintenance when it comes to equipment. You won’t need any special bartending tools to make it successfully at home.

You’ll need:

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Wine Glass
• Small knife for lemon garnish

A large wine glass works particularly well because it allows plenty of room for ice, bubbles, and garnishes. The extra space also helps release the mint aroma as you sip.

How to Make It

One of the reasons the Hugo Spritz is so popular is how easy it is to prepare. Everything is built directly in the glass, making it a great choice when you want an elegant cocktail without extra work. A few simple steps are all it takes to create this refreshing drink.

1. Muddle (Optional): Lightly press the mint sprig at the bottom of your glass to release its aroma.
2. Build in Glass: Fill a wine or spritz glass with ice. Add elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and soda water.
3. Garnish: Stir gently and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel.

Serve immediately while the bubbles are fresh and lively. For a slightly lighter drink, add a splash more soda water. If you prefer a stronger floral note, increase the elderflower liqueur slightly to suit your taste.

Pro Tips

Small details can make a big difference when preparing a Hugo Spritz. These tips help create a bar-quality cocktail every time.

• Use plenty of ice to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
• Chill all ingredients beforehand for the best texture and flavor.
• Gently clap mint leaves between your hands before garnishing to release aroma.
• Pour Prosecco slowly to preserve carbonation.
• Avoid over-muddling mint to prevent bitterness.
• Use fresh garnishes rather than dried herbs.
• Serve immediately after mixing for maximum sparkle.

Feel free to adjust the ratio of soda water and Prosecco to match your personal taste preferences.

Variations

One reason the Hugo Spritz remains so popular is its flexibility. Small adjustments can create entirely new flavor experiences.

• Berry Hugo Spritz: Add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries.
• Cucumber Hugo Spritz: Include thin cucumber slices for extra freshness.
• Citrus Hugo Spritz: Add grapefruit or orange slices alongside lemon.
• Rosé Hugo Spritz: Replace Prosecco with sparkling rosé wine.
• Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz: Use elderflower syrup and alcohol-free sparkling wine.

These variations keep the cocktail interesting while preserving its refreshing character.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Hugo Spritz shines during occasions where you want something refreshing, social, and easy-drinking. Its light profile makes it suitable for everything from casual afternoons to celebratory gatherings.

Perfect occasions include:

• Summer parties
• Outdoor brunches
• Bridal showers
• Garden gatherings
• Patio happy hours
• Holiday brunches

Food pairings:

• Fresh mozzarella and tomato salad
• Grilled shrimp skewers
• Smoked salmon crostini
• Lemon herb chicken
• Light pasta dishes
• Fruit and cheese boards

Its floral and sparkling qualities pair especially well with fresh, herb-forward dishes.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Hugo Spritz is best prepared fresh and served immediately. Because the cocktail relies heavily on carbonation, it does not store particularly well after mixing.

If serving a group:

• Pre-slice garnishes ahead of time.
• Chill glasses in advance.
• Keep Prosecco refrigerated until needed.
• Prepare individual servings rather than batching the full cocktail.

You can set up a DIY spritz station where guests build their own drinks using pre-chilled ingredients and garnishes.

FAQs

The Hugo Spritz is a simple cocktail, but a few common questions often come up when making it at home.

What does a Hugo Spritz taste like?

It tastes light, floral, slightly sweet, and refreshing with crisp bubbles and fresh mint aromas.

Can I make a Hugo Spritz ahead of time?

It’s best made immediately before serving. The carbonation begins to fade if it sits too long.

Is a Hugo Spritz stronger than an Aperol Spritz?

Generally, they’re similar in alcohol content, though exact strength depends on your ingredient ratios.

Can I use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?

Yes. Cava, sparkling rosé, or other dry sparkling wines work well.

Do I have to muddle the mint?

No. Lightly muddling adds aroma, but simply using mint as a garnish still creates excellent flavor.

What glass should I use?

A large wine glass or spritz glass is traditional and provides room for ice and garnishes.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Hugo Spritz recipe, there are plenty of other refreshing cocktails worth trying.

• Tropical Pisco Spritz
• Pomegranate Spritz
• Strawberry Hugo Spritz
• Blossom Bellini
• Limoncello Hugo Spritz