This refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktail is the drink of the Summer! It is a refreshing cocktail with floral notes that is perfect for a hot day. Made with a delicious combination of mint, elderflower, and lime and topped with bubbly Prosecco.
This Hugo Spritz recipe swaps out the bitter aperitif normally found in classic aperol spritz cocktails with an elderflower cordial. Because of this it's sometimes called a St-Germain Spritz, after the popular elderflower liqueur brand. The Hugo Spritz originates in the South Tyrol province of Northern Italy amid the Dolomite mountain range. The popular cocktail was invented by bartender Roland Gruber in 2005, in the Italian town of Naturno. It quickly spread to the neighboring countries of Austria and Germany and is now a favorite across the globe.
If you have another bottle of Prosecco, give my Ultimate Pornstar Martini a try!
Jump to:
When to Serve a Hugo Spritz
- This refreshing drink is a perfect summertime cocktail for slow-sipping
- It is a fun and boozy option for happy-hour drinks
- A great dinner party drink option - see pitcher-style recipe variation!
- Late-night summer evening drink
- Guys' or girls' night drinks
Ingredient Notes
A Hugo spritz consists of three main ingredients: elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and soda water. We include fresh fruit and mint in our recipe to highlight and enhance this drink's fresh and floral flavor. The ingredients you will need to make this spritz recipe are as follows:
- Elderflower liqueur - You can use any type of elderflower liqueur that you like best. The two most common brands of elderflower liqueur are St-Germain and St. Elder. If you like a less alcoholic drink you could also substitute the liqueur with elderflower syrup.
- Prosecco - This is a dry sparkling white wine from the town of Prosecco in Northern Italy. But you could use any other sparkling white wine instead.
- Soda water - Any sparkling (plain or lime-flavored) seltzer or soda water would work well for this recipe.
- Lime slices - Fresh lime slices make for a beautiful garnish as well as add a layer of flavor that compliments and balances this cocktail.
- Fresh mint leaves - The mint leaves release their tasty oils into this drink to add a refreshing, minty flavor.
- Ice cubes - This cocktail is best served well chilled so ice cubes are essential for keeping the drink cold and refreshing.
See recipe card for ingredient list with quantities
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz follows the classic 3:2:1 spritz ratio, which is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts elderflower liqueur, and 1 part club soda.
- STEP ONE: Add the elderflower liqueur and mint sprig into a wine glass. Gently muddle with a spoon or cocktail muddler and let sit for 2 minutes.
- STEP TWO: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes and top with Prosecco and soda water.
- STEP THREE: Add the slices of lime and gently stir before serving and enjoying immediately.
Garnish Suggestions
- Lime wedge or lime wheels
- Zest twist (To make one, cut a thin strip of peel from your whole, fresh citrus fruit, and then roll the peel into a spiral roll. Give it a gentle squeeze before adding it to your glass.
- Sprig of mint
- Clear ice
Pitcher Variation
It is easy to make and serve this cocktail in a pitcher when catering to a crowd. You can make a large batch of Hugo spritzes using the same ratio of ingredients scaled up according to how many servings you require.
To make a large batch, muddle the mint leaves together with the elderflower liqueur in your pitcher. Add the prosecco, soda water, and lime slices. Serve in ice filled glasses.
This drink is best when served immediately, so we don't recommend making this ahead of time.
Mocktail Version
It is easy to make a delicious non-alcoholic version of The Hugo Spritz. And the mocktail is just as tasty and refreshing as the original drink!
For a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, replace the elderflower liqueur with an elderflower simple syrup, and replace the Prosecco with extra soda water and a splash of lemonade or lemon-lime soda.
Expert Tips
- You can adjust the amount of elderflower liqueur you add according to your personal taste. For less alcohol content, replace the liqueur with elderflower simple syrup.
- Add as many mint sprigs and lime slices as you desire! The more the merrier!
- You can freeze mint leaves or edible flowers in your ice to make your cocktail even more special and pretty!
- This drink does not store well so it is best to serve it immediately after assembling.
- Want a little extra kick? Add a shot of your favorite vodka!
Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
A Hugo Spritz cocktail is typically served in a large wine glass over ice.
More Prosecco cocktails to consider:
If you have tried this recipe, we would love it if you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below!
Recipe
Hugo Spritz (St-Germain Spritz)
Equipment
- 1 Wine Glass
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Elderflower Liqueur St-Germain
- 4 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Club Soda
- Fresh Mint
- Lime Slices
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Add the elderflower liqueur and mint sprig into a wine glass. Gently muddle with a spoon or cocktail muddler and let sit for 2 minutes.1 ounce Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Mint
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with prosecco and soda water.4 ounces Prosecco, Ice Cubes, 2 ounces Club Soda
- Add the lime slices and gently stir before serving.Lime Slices
Leave a Comment