Refreshing Hugo Spritz Cocktail

Name: How to Make the Best Hugo Spritz
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: Several mint leaves plus a mint sprig for garnish; 1 oz elderflower liqueur (or elderflower cordial); Ice cubes; Lime slice (or lime wedge); 4 oz Prosecco (chilled); 1 oz sparkling water (chilled)

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Summer is here, and what better way to cool off than with a delicious Hugo Spritz Cocktail? You can craft this refreshing drink quickly in just 5 minutes with just a few easy-to-find ingredients-elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, sparkling mineral water, fresh mint, and lime.

Side view of Hugo Spritz cocktail with mint garnish next to small bottle of Prosecco with lime wedges.

I partnered with Caposaldo to make this Hugo Spritz cocktail. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Why You'll Love This Hugo Spritz Cocktail
History of the Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make a Simple Hugo Spritz Cocktail
Expert Tip
Recipe FAQs
More Cocktail Recipes
Recipe
Comments

With summer in full swing, it's time to look for refreshing ways to counteract the heat with a cold icy drink. And what better way than with a delicious Hugo Spritz cocktail? If you enjoy elderflower, you might enjoy this Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz.

This refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktail is perfect for happy hour on the patio or an impressive yet nearly effortless addition to your next summer weekend gathering. It's one cocktail that's sure to have everyone sipping in style! Another bubbly fruity cocktail you'll enjoy is this Blackberry Bourbon Smash, Blueberry Bourbon Smash, or Aperol Spritz.

For more refreshing cocktails, try this Tinto de Verano, Meyer Lemon French 75, or this Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour.

Why You'll Love This Hugo Spritz Cocktail

A Hugo Spritz is refreshing and not as strong as a glass of wine. Spritzes tend to have a lower level of alcohol than wine or stronger cocktails. The ABV usually ranges from 4% to 5%, making it a natural choice for a light cocktail on a summer afternoon.
This zesty blend will tantalize you by combining prosecco, elderflower liqueur muddled with fresh mint, and juicy limes. Perfect for lazy weekends spent by the pool or an entertaining evening on the patio dining al fresco style, this easy-to-mix Hugo Spritz cocktail will quickly become your go-to in no time!
A Hugo Spritz is perfect for enjoying and sipping outside on a hot day at aperitivo time before dinner, at brunch, or at an afternoon garden party. It's fizzy and invigorating! There's no need to go to a cocktail bar; making this effervescent cocktail at home is easy!

Side view of Hugo Spritz Cocktail on a marble platter.

History of the Hugo Spritz

It is believed that Roland Gruber, a bartender in a northern Italian province called South Tyrol in the heart of the Dolomite Mountain range, created the Hugo Spritz in 2005.

The Hugo Spritz is an alternative to the widely known Aperol Spritz, which originates in nearby Padua, Italy. The original recipe called for lemon balm syrup; however, elderflower syrup or liqueur is easier to find.

Ingredients

To make this Hugo Spritz cocktail, you only need three main ingredients, plus fresh mint and lime.

Prosecco - Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in Italy. It's the go-to choice for many spritzes. I used Caposaldo Prosecco, which has a fruity aroma of acacia blossoms, citrus, and green apple. It is a classic food-friendly Italian wine with an accessible price tag that will elevate your summer gatherings!
Elderflower liqueur - for a naturally sweet flavor characteristic of this drink. I used elderflower liqueur since it's easy to find in the United States. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Sparkling water - I used Italian sparkling water.
Fresh mint - for freshness
Fresh lime - garnish your Hugo Spritz with a lime wheel or a lime wedge.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements and recipe instructions.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some substitutions when making this Hugo Spritz cocktail:

Elderflower liqueur - Instead of an elderflower liqueur, you can use elderflower syrup or elderflower cordial - you may need to use up to 2 oz; adjust to taste. Elderflower syrup is used in Europe to make a Hugo Spritz. However, it isn't easy to find locally. But you can order it online. I like this elderflower cordial made in Poland as an alternative to elderflower liqueur.
Prosecco - use Spanish Cava, French Champagne, or another sparkling white wine. Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in Italy.
Sparkling water - try flavored sparkling water, one with lime or elderflower. I don't recommend tonic water. However, you can use club soda.
Lime - use a slice of lemon or a lemon wedge instead.
Alcohol-free or Mocktail - replace the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and the prosecco with sparkling water or elderflower sparkling water. For a non-alcoholic option, try this Blue Lagoon Mocktail or Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail. Or try this refreshing Watermelon Water.
Less strong - use ½ ounce of elderflower liqueur instead of 1 ounce when making this Hugo Spritz.

How to Make a Simple Hugo Spritz Cocktail

Here are the simple steps to make this refreshing Hugo Spritz:

Side view of dropping fresh mint leaves into white wine glass.

Step 1: Add several fresh mint leaves to a white wine glass.

Muddling mint leaves with elderflower liqueur in a white wine glass.

Step 2: Add elderflower liqueur and gently muddle to release the oils in the mint to add flavor and a minty aroma. Let rest for a few minutes.

Pouring sparkling water after prosecco into a white wine glass while making a Hugo Spritz cocktail.

Step 3: Fill the glass halfway with ice, add a lime slice, and add prosecco and sparkling water.

Side view of a female hand stirring a Hugo Spritz Cocktail before serving.

Step 4: Stir gently to combine. Garnish your Hugo Spritz with a sprig of mint.

Serve this Hugo Spritz cocktail immediately. Cheers!

Expert Tip

Use fresh ingredients and mix the drink immediately before enjoying it!

Closeup of a glass of Hugo Spritz cocktail with mint garnish.

Whether you are hosting a gathering or want to enjoy a refreshing sip as an aperitivo, you now know how to make this popular seasonal Italian classic!

Recipe FAQs

What is a Hugo Spritz made of?

The Hugo Spritz is a bubbly cocktail that combines prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, lime, and mint. It's the perfect aperitivo with its delicate and refreshing flavor.

Is Hugo Spritz popular in Italy?

The classic Italian cocktail is the Aperol Spritz; however, the Hugo Spritz is refreshing and is a favorite of many Italians during the hot summer months.

Why are spritzes popular in Italy?

Spritzers were initially created in 1919 by bartender Raimondo Ricci to counteract the heat and humidity of the summer months. A spritz is an aperitivo, a popular light drink to sip before dinner.

Can I make a large batch of Hugo Spritz?

For a party, make a large batch of Hugo Spritzes. Add 2 cups of elderflower liqueur to a pitcher. Top with a bottle of prosecco, and finish with a cup of sparkling water. Using a bartender's spoon, stir the ingredients to blend. Fill wine glasses halfway with ice, add lime slices, invite everyone to pour their serving, and garnish with fresh mint.

More Cocktail Recipes

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Recipe

Side view of Hugo Spritz Cocktail garnished with mint.

How to Make the Best Hugo Spritz

Author: Emily Miller

This refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktail recipe will surely be a hit at all your summer gatherings! Mix prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and garnish with lime and fresh mint.

5 from 164 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 5

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 185.7kcal

EQUIPMENT

1 Muddler
1 Bar spoon or straw

INGREDIENTS

▢ Several mint leaves plus a mint sprig for garnish
▢ 1 oz elderflower liqueur or elderflower cordial
▢ Ice cubes
▢ Lime slice or lime wedge
▢ 4 oz Prosecco chilled
▢ 1 oz sparkling water chilled

INSTRUCTIONS

Add several mint leaves to a white wine glass.
Add elderflower liqueur and gently muddle.
Fill the glass halfway with ice, add a lime slice. Add prosecco followed by sparkling water.
Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1 cocktailCalories: 185.7 kcalCarbohydrates: 14 gProtein: 0.1 gSodium: 6.5 mg

Tried this recipe?Please consider leaving a comment and star rating!

Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.

Comments

5 from 164 votes (159 ratings without comment)