Strawberry Hugo Spritz

A cocktail comes along that feels effortless but still looks elegant enough for guests. This Strawberry Hugo Spritz is one of those drinks. Fresh strawberries, floral elderflower liqueur, crisp Prosecco, and sparkling water come together in a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm afternoons and easy entertaining.

The first time I made a Hugo Spritz with strawberries, I knew it would become part of my regular rotation. The berries add a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the delicate elderflower notes, while the mint keeps everything cool and refreshing. It’s a simple recipe, but every sip feels bright and balanced.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Strawberry Hugo Spritz is light, bubbly, and full of fresh flavor. Unlike heavier cocktails, this spritz feels refreshing from the first sip to the last. I love making it because it requires very little effort but always earns compliments thanks to its colorful presentation and crisp finish.

Here are a few reasons you’ll enjoy this recipe:

• Ready in less than 10 minutes.
• Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and color.
• Elderflower liqueur brings delicate floral notes.
• Light, bubbly, and refreshing.
• Perfect for brunch, garden parties, and summer evenings.
• Built directly in the glass with very little cleanup.

It’s a wonderful cocktail when you want something elegant without spending much time behind the bar.

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, but together they create a beautifully balanced spritz. Fresh strawberries provide juicy sweetness, elderflower liqueur contributes floral flavor, and Prosecco adds crisp bubbles that make the drink feel lively.

You’ll need:

• 1 oz Elderflower liqueur
• ½ oz strawberry syrup
• Prosecco to top
• Sparkling water to top
• Handful of strawberries
• Mint leaves for garnish

Fresh strawberries work best because they slowly release their juices into the cocktail as you sip. Chilled Prosecco and sparkling water also help keep the drink crisp without needing excessive ice.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The elderflower liqueur is the signature ingredient in a Hugo Spritz, so choosing a quality bottle makes a noticeable difference. Fortunately, there are several excellent options available.

Here are a few recommendations:

• St Germain Elderflower Liqueur is the classic choice with delicate floral sweetness.
• Drillaud Elderflower Liqueur offers a similar flavor at a more affordable price.
• La Marca Prosecco provides bright bubbles and fresh fruit notes.
• Mionetto Prosecco pairs beautifully with strawberries and mint.
• Raspberry syrup can replace the strawberry syrup for a berry variation.
• Alcohol free sparkling wine can replace the Prosecco for a lighter version.

Choose a dry Prosecco so the finished cocktail stays refreshing instead of becoming overly sweet.

Equipment and Glassware

One of the best things about this cocktail is how simple it is to prepare. Since everything is built directly in the serving glass, there’s very little equipment needed.

You’ll need:

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Wine Glass
• Knife
• Cutting board

A large wine glass gives the strawberries, mint, crushed ice, and bubbles plenty of room while creating the classic spritz presentation.

How to Make It

This cocktail comes together directly in the glass, making it perfect when you’re serving guests or mixing drinks for yourself after a long day.

1. In a wine glass, add a handful of strawberries, mint leaves, strawberry syrup, and elderflower liqueur. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
2. Add equal parts Prosecco and sparkling water to fill the glass.
3. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a few mint leaves.
4. Enjoy this floral, fizzy, and fruit forward spritz.

For a slightly sweeter cocktail, add a little more strawberry syrup before stirring.

Pro Tips

A few small techniques will help you make an even better Strawberry Hugo Spritz every time.

• Use chilled Prosecco and sparkling water to keep the drink crisp.
• Choose ripe strawberries for the sweetest natural flavor.
• Lightly clap the mint leaves before adding them to release their aroma.
• Use crushed ice to keep the drink colder while blending the flavors.
• Stir gently so the bubbles stay lively.
• Add the Prosecco last for maximum fizz.
• Taste before serving and adjust the strawberry syrup if needed.
• Garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Once you’ve made the original recipe, it’s easy to experiment with different berries and seasonal fruit while keeping the same refreshing style.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Strawberry Hugo Spritz is how adaptable it is. The floral elderflower flavor pairs beautifully with many fruits and herbs, making it easy to create a new version without changing the simple preparation. I like making different variations throughout the year depending on what’s in season.

Try these ideas:

• Raspberry Hugo Spritz: Replace the strawberries with fresh raspberries for a slightly tangier berry flavor.
• Peach Hugo Spritz: Add fresh peach slices and use peach syrup instead of strawberry syrup for a juicy summer version.
• Blackberry Hugo Spritz: Muddle a handful of blackberries into the glass for a richer berry taste.
• Citrus Hugo Spritz: Add a few slices of lemon or orange for extra brightness and aroma.
• Non Alcoholic Hugo Spritz: Replace the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and use alcohol free sparkling wine or extra sparkling water.

These simple changes let you enjoy a fresh take on the classic Hugo Spritz while keeping the same light and bubbly character.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Strawberry Hugo Spritz is made for relaxed gatherings and sunny afternoons. Its crisp, refreshing flavor makes it a wonderful choice for brunches, bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties, outdoor lunches, summer birthdays, and evening happy hours. Since it’s light and not overly sweet, it also works well before dinner as an aperitif.

Pair it with:

• Goat cheese crostini
• Smoked salmon bites
• Prosciutto and melon
• Caprese salad
• Grilled shrimp
• Fresh fruit platter
• Lemon shortbread cookies

If you’re serving several cocktails, pair this spritz with an Aperol Spritz, Peach Limoncello Prosecco, French 75, Raspberry Limoncello Martini, or Classic Hugo Spritz for an elegant sparkling cocktail menu.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best assembled just before serving so the sparkling wine keeps its lively bubbles. Since it comes together directly in the glass, there’s very little preparation required.

If you’re entertaining, wash and slice the strawberries ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. You can also measure the elderflower liqueur and strawberry syrup into individual glasses before guests arrive. Simply add the ice, Prosecco, sparkling water, and garnish when it’s time to serve.

Always pour the Prosecco gently to preserve the bubbles, and serve immediately while the drink is cold and refreshing.

FAQs

If this is your first time making a Strawberry Hugo Spritz, these answers should help.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended because they provide the best flavor and presentation, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if necessary.

What Prosecco works best?

A dry Prosecco is ideal because it balances the sweetness of the strawberry syrup and elderflower liqueur.

Can I make this cocktail sweeter?

Yes. Add a little extra strawberry syrup if you prefer a sweeter spritz.

Do I have to use elderflower liqueur?

The elderflower flavor is what gives a Hugo Spritz its signature taste. If you don’t have it, elderflower syrup is a good alternative for a lower alcohol version.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the fruit and syrup in the glass ahead of time, but add the Prosecco and sparkling water just before serving.

Why is crushed ice recommended?

Crushed ice chills the drink quickly and helps distribute the fruit and syrup throughout the glass for balanced flavor.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy light sparkling cocktails, here are a few more recipes to add to your collection.

• Limoncello Hugo Spritz
• Cucumber Hugo Spritz
• Pomegranate Spritz
• Violet & St Germain Spritz
• Strawberry Limoncello Spritz