A Hugo Spritz is a refreshing and sparkling cocktail that is perfect for summertime sipping. Made with a delicious combination of mint, elderflower, and lime that is topped with bubbly Prosecco.
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So what is a Hugo Spritz?
A Spritz is a combination of three parts prosecco, two parts bitter liqueur (such as Aperol or Campari), and one part soda. This basic recipe changes according to the region it comes from.
The Hugo Spritz originates in the South Tyrol province of Northern Italy amid the Dolomite mountain range. The Hugo Spritz swaps out the bitter aperitif with an elderflower cordial.
This cordial is traditionally made locally by allowing the region's flowers and sugar to ferment in the sun. But it has become more common to replace this cordial with readily available St-Germain elderflower liqueur.
The Hugo Spritz was invented by bartender Roland Gruber in 2005 in the Italian town of Naturno. Its popularity quickly spread to neighboring countries of Austria and Germany. And it is now a favorite across the globe.
The Hugo Spritz is a light, floral, and bubbly cocktail. It is such a popular drink that you can find it premade in bottles or served fresh at bars across all of Europe.
Looking for more tasty spritz recipes? Check out our EASY LIMONCELLO SPRITZ and CAMPARI SPRITZ!
What is in a Hugo Spritz?
A Hugo spritz consists of three main ingredients: elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and soda water. We include a few additional ingredients to 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 commonly used brands are St. Germaine and St. Elder. But 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. These make for a beautiful garnish as well as add a layer of flavor that complements and balances this cocktail.
- Fresh mint. 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.
How to make a Hugo Spritz Cocktail
The Hugo Spritz follows the classic 3:2:1 spritz ratio which is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts elderflower liqueur, and 1 part soda water. It is easy to make and perfect this simple cocktail. To make a single serving, follow the step-by-step instructions below:
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 the glass with ice cubes and top with prosecco and soda water.
STEP THREE
Add the lime slices and gently stir before serving and enjoying immediately.
LARGE-BATCH 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. Store in the fridge until ready to serve in glasses filled with ice.
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.
Looking for more tasty, fancy drinks? Check out our list of THE BEST UPSCALE DRINKS!
Recipe Tips and Notes
- You can adjust the amount of elderflower liqueur you add according to your personal taste.
- 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!
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
Recipe
Hugo Spritz
Equipment
- 1 wine glass
Ingredients
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (St Germaine)
- 4 ounce prosecco
- 2 ounce Soda Water
- fresh mint sprigs
- 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.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top with prosecco and soda water.
- Add the lime slices and gently stir before serving and enjoying immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of elderflower liqueur you add according to your personal taste.
- 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!
Nutrition
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