This classic Hugo Spritz recipe is the perfect balance of floral, citrusy and bubbly.
It’s the summer of the Hugo Spritz! ♡
We keep spotting this refreshing cocktail on cocktail menus everywhere lately. And it’s easy to see why — light, floral, citrusy, and gently bubbly, it tastes like pure summer in a glass. Originating in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, I read that the Hugo gained popularity as a lighter, more aromatic alternative to the slightly bitter Aperol or Campari spritzes. I love it because it’s effortlessly elegant, not too sweet, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Mix up a single serving or batch it in a pitcher (similar to sangria vibes) for easy entertaining. It’s the kind of cocktail that fits right in at patio hangouts, dinner parties, or any moment that deserves a little sparkle. Let’s spritz!
Recipe Tips
When making a Hugo Spritz, here are 5 quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use chilled ingredients. Start with cold prosecco, club soda, and even chill your glass ahead of time if possible — it keeps the drink crisp and cool without diluting it too quickly.
- Pick a dry prosecco. Since elderflower liqueur adds sweetness, I recommend a brut or extra dry prosecco to keep the cocktail balanced and refreshing.
- Go easy on the elderflower. A little St-Germain goes a long way, so if you’re sensitive to floral flavors, I recommend starting with slightly less elderflower liqueur the recipe calls for — you can always add more later.
- Adjust to taste. That said, all of these ingredients are flexible, so feel free to tinker with the amount of mint, citrus and/or club soda to taste.
- Have fun with garnishes. Use as many or as few as you like — I always enjoy a few lemon rounds and extra mint!
Hugo Spritz Variations
Here are 5 fun variations you can try to put a fresh spin on the classic Hugo Spritz:
- Berry Hugo: Muddle a few fresh strawberries or raspberries into the glass along with the mint.
- Rosé Hugo: Replace the Prosecco with a sparkling rosé.
- Basil Hugo: Swap the mint for fresh basil leaves (or try a mix with both mint and basil).
- Gin Hugo: Add a splash of gin (0.5 to 1 ounce) for a stronger, botanical vibe.
- Cucumber Hugo: Add a few slices of fresh cucumber.
- Spicy Hugo: Muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers with the mint.
Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
- 1 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- ice
- lemon or lime slices
- 4 ounces chilled prosecco
- 1 ounce chilled sparkling water or club soda
- lemon or lime slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the mint. Add the St-Germain and mint leaves to a large wine glass. Use a cocktail muddler to very lightly muddle the mint and release its aroma.
- Finish the cocktail. Fill the glass halfway full of ice and a few lemon or lime slices. Add the prosecco and stir to combine. Top with the sparkling water, then garnish with extra lemon or lime slices and mint if desired.
- Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Drink sounds refreshing – i love the glass you used. Any chance you can link?
So good. Followed exactly and it came out perfect.