How to Make a Hugo Spritz at Home (5-Minute Recipe)

If you enjoy a spritz but feel like having a slightly less bitter one that usually comes from orange, the Hugo Spritz is your ideal choice. Consisting of only five ingredients: prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, mint, and lime. This cocktail is made in just five minutes and requires neither a shaker nor a strainer nor any other bar tools. This is precisely how you make a Hugo Spritz at home.

What Is a Hugo Spritz?

While the more popular cocktail is the Aperol spritz, the Hugo Spritz does not include any bitter aperitif. Instead, it relies on elderflower liqueur for its honey-like flavor, complemented by mint and lime juice. The Hugo Spritz was invented in South Tyrol, Italy, in the mid-2000s. Since then, it has become one of the most popular aperitifs in Europe and even in the U.S. Since it lacks some of the harshness associated with classic spritz drinks, it may work for those who do not usually enjoy spritz cocktails. In other words, it can be your best bet if you have guests who “don’t really like Aperol.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what a traditional Hugo Spritz should contain:

• Prosecco – The ideal choice would be dry (Brut) prosecco because it would balance the sweet elderflower liqueur perfectly without making the beverage too heavy.
• Elderflower liqueur – St-Germain is probably the most popular elderflower liqueur, but any other brand can be used. To make the beverage non-alcoholic, the elderflower syrup may be used.
• Club Soda – It is added to give a slight effervescent effect to the beverage.
• Fresh mint leaves – they are essential for the unique herbal flavor of this cocktail.
• Lime wedge/slices – Fresh lime should be put into the beverage as well as be used for decoration.
• Ice cubes – Lots of ice cubes to make sure the cocktail stays cold enough but doesn’t get diluted too fast.

As a general reference, most people use the proportion of 3 parts prosecco : 2 parts elderflower liqueur : 1 part club soda.

Equipment You’ll Need

What you do need is minimal:

• One big wine glass or spritz glass
• A spoon for easy stirring and muddling
• A jigger or shot glass, if you like to measure (optional)

And that’s all you require – no mixing jug needed.

How to Make a Hugo Spritz (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Muddle the Mint. Put a couple of freshly harvested mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. Press them lightly using the back of a spoon so that you can get their scent out — do not overdo it with the muddling because it may result in a bitter taste.

Step 2: Add ice. Fill your glass with plenty of ice cubes. This way, you will guarantee yourself a cold and refreshing drink.

Step 3: Add Elderflower Liqueur. Pour 1.5 – 2 ounces of elderflower liqueur over the ice cubes.

Step 4: Pour Prosecco. Now pour 3 ounces of cold Prosecco into the glass.

Step 5: Soda Water. Finish your drink with a splash of soda water — about 1 ounce will be enough for that.

Step 6: Stir and Garnish. Mix your ingredients gently and garnish the drink with a lime wedge and a fresh mint stalk.

The whole process of making this cocktail takes no more than five minutes, which is why it has become so popular recently.

Tips for the Best Hugo Spritz

• Chill everything in advance. A cold prosecco and soda will allow you to use less ice so that your drink won’t dilute quickly.
• Be careful with muddling. Just gently press on the mint; excessive pressure will release bitter substances from it.
• Taste and make adjustments. If you would like your drink to be light and less sweet, just add a bit of soda water. To make it more floral, add a bit more elderflower liqueur.

Variations to Try

Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz – Instead of prosecco, use sparkling water, and instead of liqueur, use elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic rendition of this drink.

Cucumber Hugo Spritz – Use a few slices of cucumber to give your cocktail an extra fresh feeling.

Berry Hugo Spritz – Include a small amount of either mashed or fresh berries in the cocktail.

For Party Serving – Scale up the proportions (for instance, one bottle of prosecco, two cups of elderflower liqueur, and one cup of soda water), then pour into a big pitcher, then add ice, mint, and lime just before serving.

What to Serve with a Hugo Spritz

Hugo Spritz has a light floral note to go well with basic finger food such as a cheese board with charcuterie. Because of its not too sweet or bitter, it can be a good sipping wine when taken alone on a hot afternoon.

If you’re looking for full recipes, like green beans or granita, check out our recipe section for step-by-step ideas.