Hugo Spritz
As the days get warmer and longer, there’s no better way to unwind than with a refreshing Hugo Spritz. This effervescent cocktail combines the aromatic flavors of elderflower, the crispness of prosecco, and the freshness of mint. It’s a lighter alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz and is perfect for summer gatherings, garden parties, or a relaxing evening at home.
The Hugo Spritz is not just a cocktail; it’s a summer sensation. It’s light, floral notes make it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less alcoholic and more aromatic alternative to traditional cocktails. Whether hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening, a glass of Hugo Spritz promises a delightful and refreshing experience.
Here’s a fun fact about me. I don’t particularly appreciate being told I can’t have something just because it’s not the season. For example, I have soup year-round. I don’t just wait for the cold weather to arrive. The same is true for this cocktail; it’s so delicious, and even though it’s a warm-weather cocktail, I drink it year-round. I especially love it around the holiday season.
So be a rebel like me and drink and eat whatever you want whenever you want to! It’s very freeing, you’ll see.
We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.
The history of the Hugo spritz recipe
Certainly! Here’s a condensed version of the Hugo Spritz cocktail’s history:
The Hugo Spritz originated in 2005 in South Tyrol, in northern Italy, near the Austrian border. Roland Gruber, a barman at the San Zeno wine bar in Naturns, created it as an alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Gruber’s concoction was a mix of elderflower syrup, a nod to Alpine tradition, Prosecco, a splash of sparkling water, and mint leaves, yielding a refreshingly floral cocktail. Named “Hugo” for its simplicity and catchiness, the drink quickly gained popularity in German-speaking regions before spreading throughout Europe.
The Hugo epitomizes modern mixology’s knack for crafting new classics that capture the essence of local flavors and the evolving tastes of cocktail enthusiasts.
Helpful
Tips
- Use good quality Prosecco and elderflower syrup for the best taste. The better the ingredients, the better the drink.
- If you only make a few Hugos and don’t want to buy a big bottle of Prosecco, they sell them in small sizes.
- Although this drink was originally made with elderflower syrup, I find it too sweet. So, I use elderflower liqueur to lessen the sugar and for its unique and delicious taste. The difference between the liqueur and syrup or elderflower cordial is that the syrup and cordial don’t have alcohol in them.
- When muddling the mint, be gentle. The aim is to release the essential oils, not to shred the leaves. If you don’t own a muddler, you can use the back of a wooden spoon.
- Serve the Hugo Spritz well chilled. Ensure both the Prosecco and soda water are refrigerated before use.
- Feel free to adjust the proportions of Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and soda to suit your taste. Some prefer a sweeter or stronger drink than others. If I have room in the glass, even when adding extra ice, I fill up the glass with more Prosecco.
- You could substitute champagne for the Prosecco if you like, but it will change the taste profile.
- While lime slices and a sprig mint are traditional, you can experiment with other garnishes like cucumber slices or fresh berries for a different twist.
How to make a Hugo spritz cocktail
You will be building the cocktails in the glasses. So, there is no need for a cocktail shaker.
Pre-step
Get your glassware, muddler, and measuring glass.
Step One
Gather the ingredients – Elderflower liqueur, lime, Prosecco, fresh mint leaves, and club soda (or unflavored seltzer water).
Step Two
Put two mint leaves in each glass. Take your muddler and muddle the mint for one minute or just until you can smell the mint without sticking your nose close to the glass.
Add ice cubes to both glasses. Also, cut a few thin slices of lime and set aside for garnish, along with a few sprigs of mint.
Step Three
Measure out 4 ounces of elderflower liqueur – 2 ounces each cocktail. Pour into the glasses.
I have them in different measuring glasses since I’m building the drink in the glassware.
Would you like to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Don't worry, I promise not to spam you.
Step Four
Measure out 6 ounces Prosecco, 3 ounces per cocktail. Pour into the glasses.
Step Five
Measure out 2 ounces of club soda – 1 ounce per cocktail.
Step Six
Pour the club soda into the glasses. Take a cocktail spoon and gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors. Don’t over-stir because you don’t want to lose the effervescence.
If you need more ice, add some now, or you can pour more Prosecco into the glasses to fill them up.
Step Seven
Add a few sprigs of fresh mint and serve.
Yum. Doesn’t that look good? I love this bubbly cocktail.
I take a sip and revel in how yummy it is.
I hope you enjoyed this Hugo spritz cocktail recipe! And that you give it a try!
Other spritz recipes and cocktails with elderflower liqueur
- Limoncello spritz
- Apple cider spritzer
- Frenchie cocktail
- Chatelaine cocktail
- Holly jolly Christmas cocktail
- French gimlet
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
- 4 leaves fresh mint
- ice cubes
- 4 ounces elderflower liqueur
- 6 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces club soda (or sparkling water)
Garnish
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
- 2 thin lime wheels
Instructions
- Place 2 leaves of fresh mint into each glass. Take your muddler (or the back of a spoon) and muddle the mints for a minute or until you can smell it without putting your face to the glasses.4 leaves fresh mint
- Add ice cubes to the glasses.ice cubes
- Add elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda.4 ounces elderflower liqueur, 6 ounces Prosecco, 2 ounces club soda
- Gently stir the ingredients together. Add a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel to each glass.2 sprigs fresh mint, 2 thin lime wheels
- Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Would you like to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Don't worry, I promise not to spam you.
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Helpful tips
- Use good-quality Prosecco and elderflower liqueur for the best taste. The better the ingredients, the better the drink.
- If you only want to make a few Hugos and don’t want to buy a large bottle of Prosecco, they are available in smaller sizes.
- Although this drink was originally made with elderflower syrup, I find it too sweet. So, I use elderflower liqueur to lessen the sugar and for its unique and delicious taste. The difference between the liqueur and syrup or elderflower cordial is that the syrup and cordial don’t have alcohol in them.
- When muddling the mint, be gentle. The aim is to release the essential oils, not to shred the leaves. If you don’t own a muddler, you can use the back of a wooden spoon.
- Serve the Hugo spritz well chilled. Ensure both the Prosecco and soda water are refrigerated before use.
- Feel free to adjust the proportions of Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and soda to suit your taste. Some prefer a sweeter or stronger drink than others. If I have room in the glass, even when adding extra ice, I fill it up with more Prosecco.
- You can substitute champagne for the Prosecco if you prefer, but it will alter the taste profile.
- While lime slices and a sprig of mint are traditional, you can experiment with other garnishes like cucumber slices or fresh berries for a different twist.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
This cocktail was so light and refreshing. Cheers!
Thank you, Carrie.
This is such a fun cocktail. It is light, refreshing, and tastes lovely.
Thanks so much, Katie.
Everyone loved these at brunch! So light, vibrant, and refreshing!
Thanks so much, Lori. I appreciate it.
I didn’t wait for summer to make this and the best part is we have a mild winter and mint is still growing strong in our backyard. So good.
Thanks, Sandhya.
This cocktail is refreshingly light and vibrant.The combination of the ingredients were so good.
Thanks a lot, Hayley.
Lovely refreshing and festive cocktail, we really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Thank you, Jenny.
I felt so fancy making this spritz. It was a hit at my gathering this past weekend. Great refreshing cocktail.
I’m so glad to hear that, Dee.