I’m always on the lookout for that perfect summer cocktail—something that’s easy to make but feels fancy enough for guests. The Hugo Spritz is exactly that kind of drink. With its delicate elderflower notes and bubbly Prosecco base, it’s like capturing sunshine in a glass. Not as bitter as an Aperol Spritz but equally sophisticated, this invigorating concoction might just become your new warm-weather staple. Curious about how a few simple ingredients can transform into something so elegantly invigorating?
What Ingredients are in Refreshing Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz is a delightfully invigorating cocktail that originated in Northern Italy and has become a summer favorite across Europe. With its light, floral notes and effervescent quality, this drink offers a perfect alternative to the more common Aperol Spritz.
I love how the combination of bubbly Prosecco and aromatic elderflower creates such an elegant yet approachable cocktail that’s perfect for warm afternoons or evening gatherings.
Ingredients for Hugo Spritz:
- 1/2 oz Elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is recommended)
- 4 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Club Soda
- 1-2 fresh mint leaves
- Slice of lime (optional)
- Ice cubes
When shopping for these ingredients, quality does make a difference, particularly with the Prosecco. You don’t need to splurge on the most expensive bottle, but a decent dry Prosecco will elevate your Hugo Spritz considerably.
The elderflower liqueur provides the distinctive floral character that defines this cocktail, so while St-Germain is the gold standard, other elderflower liqueurs can work in a pinch.
And don’t skip the fresh mint—those aromatic oils released when muddled are what give the Hugo Spritz its invigorating, garden-fresh quality that makes you want to sit back and savor each sip.
How to Make this Refreshing Hugo Spritz
Making a Hugo Spritz couldn’t be more straightforward, yet the result is so sophisticated you’d think it required a bartender’s expertise. Start by placing 1-2 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a wine glass—I prefer a large, balloon-style glass that gives the aromas room to develop.
Gently muddle the mint with 1/2 oz of elderflower liqueur (St-Germain), pressing just enough to release those essential oils without shredding the leaves. This gentle touch makes all the difference between a drink that hints at mint and one that tastes like you’re drinking mouthwash.
Next comes the fun part: adding the bubbles. Fill your glass with ice cubes (the larger the better to slow dilution), then pour in 4 oz of chilled Prosecco. Watch as it fizzes and froths around the ice, creating that signature effervescence.
Top the drink with 1 oz of club soda for additional lightness and to slightly temper the sweetness of the elderflower. Give everything a gentle stir—and I do mean gentle, as you want to preserve as much of the carbonation as possible. Nobody wants a flat spritz, right?
Finally, garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime if desired. The lime isn’t traditional, but it adds a welcome citrus note that balances the floral sweetness.
For consistently perfect results, invest in a premium cocktail set that includes proper measuring tools and muddlers for precise preparation of your favorite drinks.
Remember to serve your Hugo Spritz immediately after preparation. Those bubbles wait for no one, and the drink is truly at its most magical when freshly made.
I find the first sip is always the most transporting—suddenly you’re sitting at a sunlit terrace in the Italian Alps, even if you’re actually just in your kitchen on a Tuesday evening. The combination of the fragrant mint, delicate elderflower, and crisp Prosecco creates a symphony of summer flavors that makes this cocktail irresistibly invigorating.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Hugo Spritz recipe creates magic in a glass, sometimes you’ll need to work with what’s in your pantry or might simply crave a twist on tradition.
No elderflower liqueur? Try substituting with elderflower syrup or even a splash of floral honey syrup. Can’t find Prosecco? Any dry sparkling white wine works beautifully.
For a non-alcoholic version, I recommend combining elderflower cordial with alcohol-free sparkling wine and extra soda water.
Want something fruitier? Add muddled berries or peach purée.
The Hugo’s charm lies in its adaptability. A rosemary sprig instead of mint? Divine. A cucumber slice rather than lime? Invigoratingly different.
What to Serve with Refreshing Hugo Spritz
Since a Hugo Spritz brightens any gathering with its effervescent charm, pairing it with the right nibbles elevates the entire experience.
I love matching this breezy cocktail with light Mediterranean appetizers—think thinly sliced prosciutto, marinated olives, or a simple bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil.
For something more substantial, try serving it alongside seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or a delicate fish carpaccio.
The cocktail’s mint and elderflower notes complement these flavors beautifully, don’t you think?
Small cheese plates featuring soft goat cheese or mild brie work wonderfully too, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Final Thoughts
After exploring all aspects of the Hugo Spritz, I’m convinced it’s one of the most versatile summer cocktails you’ll ever add to your repertoire.
Its light, invigorating profile makes it perfect for everything from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.
What makes this drink truly special? Perhaps it’s the delicate balance of floral elderflower against crisp prosecco, or maybe it’s the way it transforms an ordinary afternoon into something a bit more magical.
The beauty of the Hugo lies in its simplicity.
Just a few quality ingredients, minimal prep, and voilà—instant sophistication in a glass.
