The Hugo Spritz is summer in a glass: light, fizzy, and effortlessly refreshing. Made with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco, a splash of sparkling water, fresh mint, and citrus slices, it’s an aperitif that comes together in minutes—no shaking or fuss required. It’s perfect for warm evenings on the patio, casual picnics, or when you want an elegant, low-effort cocktail to share.
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The Hugo Spritz has become a summer staple across parts of Europe—especially Northern Italy and Austria—thanks to its delicate floral notes and bright effervescence. It’s often enjoyed as an aperitif (a light drink before dinner) and offers a softer, sweeter alternative to the more bitter Aperol Spritz.
🤔 What’s the origin of this drink?
The Hugo Spritz was created in northern Italy around 2005 by bartender Roland Gruber. He wanted a lighter, sweeter counterpoint to the Aperol Spritz. Early versions used lemon balm, but elderflower liqueur or syrup (which is more widely available) quickly became standard. The name “Hugo” appears to be a casual choice, not tied to a specific story.
🌟 Fun fact
Elderflower liqueur is made by infusing alcohol with elderflower blossoms, producing a floral, fruity flavor often compared to pear or citrus. Some producers use many hundreds of blossoms per bottle to achieve that delicate perfume.
🧾 Ingredients
- St. Germain elderflower liqueur (or elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version)
- Prosecco or another sparkling wine
- Sparkling water or seltzer
- Fresh mint leaves (preferably spearmint)
- Lime or lemon slices
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
🍸 Mixing the Hugo Spritz
Pour the elderflower liqueur into a large wine glass, add a few fresh mint leaves, and gently muddle them to release the mint oils—just a few presses and twists.
Add the prosecco or sparkling wine, then top with a splash of soda water or seltzer. If you don’t have soda water, a little still water will do in a pinch.
Drop in a few lime or lemon slices and a handful of ice cubes, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve immediately.
🍾 Mocktail Variations
- Classic Hugo Mocktail — Replace prosecco with sparkling white grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine and use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur.
- Berry Hugo — Use elderflower syrup with a splash of raspberry or strawberry juice, top with club soda or lemon-lime seltzer, and add fresh berries with the mint.
- Citrus Hugo — Combine elderflower syrup with lemon or grapefruit sparkling water, add orange and lime slices, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Cucumber-Mint Hugo — Muddle cucumber slices with mint, use elderflower syrup and soda water, and optionally top with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
❓ FAQ
Spearmint is best for the Hugo Spritz—its mild, sweet profile complements elderflower. Peppermint can be too strong. Always use fresh mint, not dried.
Elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain) is a sweet, floral cordial made from elderflower blossoms. Most well-stocked liquor stores carry it near cordials and flavored liqueurs.
A large wine glass or stemless goblet is ideal for the relaxed, elegant presentation, but any glass will work.
You can prep the mint and citrus and chill the elderflower, but add prosecco and soda water just before serving to keep the drink fizzy.
Light bites are perfect: charcuterie, cheese, olives, crackers, shrimp cocktail, or a simple snack board.
Looking for more refreshing summer drinks? Try other light cocktails and mocktails—there’s something for every mood, from fruity and fun to bright and citrusy.
- Strawberry Cocktail & Mocktail
- Italian Aperol Spritz with Orange
- Limoncello, Arancello Rosso, and Pompelmocello
- Watermelon Lemonade with Rosemary
- Switchel – Homemade Gatorade
Did you make this Hugo Spritz? Let us know in the comments below!
📝 Recipe
Hugo Spritz Cocktail
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Ingredients
- ½ ounce St Germain elderflower liqueur
- 4 ounces Prosecco (or other bubbly wine)
- 1 ounce soda water or seltzer
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime or lemon slices
Instructions
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First, pour the St. Germain into a wine glass and add a few mint leaves.
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Gently muddle the mint with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon—just enough to bruise the leaves and release the oils.
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Add the prosecco or sparkling wine, then top with soda water or seltzer. A splash of still water works if you don’t have soda.
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Finish with lime or lemon slices and ice. Garnish with a lime wheel, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
🍾 Mocktail Variations
- Classic Hugo Mocktail — Sparkling white grape juice and elderflower syrup.
- Berry Hugo — Elderflower syrup plus a splash of berry juice and fresh berries.
- Citrus Hugo — Elderflower syrup with citrus sparkling water and extra citrus slices.
- Cucumber-Mint Hugo — Muddled cucumber and mint with elderflower syrup and soda water.
- Suggestion: If you like this, try the Italian Aperol Spritz with Orange for another classic spritz experience.
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| Sodium: 6mg
| Sugar: 7g