The Hugo Spritz cocktail recipe is summer in a glass: crisp Prosecco, floral elderflower liqueur, fresh mint, sparkling water, and a squeeze of lemon. Light and bubbly, it's a refreshing Italian cocktail that tastes like a vacation.
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If you're anything like me, you've already got a short list of "patio cocktails" you can shake up at a moment's notice. Add this Hugo Spritz to the lineup. It's every bit as easy and refreshing as our Grapefruit Aperol Spritz, but with a softer, floral twist straight from the Italian Alps where it was created.
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Why you'll love this Hugo Spritz recipe
- So refreshing. Light, bubbly, and not too sweet, it's a cocktail you can sip all afternoon.
- 5-minute wonder. No shaking, no muddling, just pour, stir & sip.
- Italian flair. Inspired by Northern Italy, this spritz feels like a little European vacation in your glass.
- Perfect patio drink. Ideal for summer gatherings, brunch, or happy hour in the backyard.
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Prosecco: The classic Italian sparkling wine. Look for a bottle with either the DOC or DOCG designation, which means it has met the Italian quality rules to be labeled an authentic Prosecco. You can use Cava or another dry sparkling wine instead of Prosecco. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines like Moscato to keep your Hugo cocktail from becoming too sweet.
- Elderflower liqueur: The floral backbone of this drink. St. Germain is the most well-known brand of elderflower liqueur, but we also love Drillaud's version at a fraction of the price. A little goes a long way, so be sure to measure. Tip: Check our archives for even more elderflower liqueur cocktail recipes!
- Sparkling water: Keeps it light and refreshing. Flavored sparkling waters (like lemon or lime) can work too, but plain keeps the balance just right. Club soda is an option, but it has a bit of a saltier flavor.
- Mint leaves: Clap them between your hands before adding to release more aroma - it makes a big difference.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice + a slice or wedge for garnish bring brightness and keep the drink from tasting overly sweet. Out of lemons? Try limes instead for a sharper citrus flavor.
Instructions
A Hugo Spritz cocktail is traditionally served in a large globe or goblet-shaped wine glass.
- Ice & mint: Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice. Clap the mint between your hands before adding to the glass to release its aroma.
- Pour, top & garnish: Add elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, Prosecco and sparkling water to the glass. Garnish with lemon slices and more mint leaves.
FAQs
You can, but Champagne is usually pricier and more complex. Prosecco is lighter and more in line with the spritz vibe.
A large wine glass works perfectly. You want room for ice, lemon slices, and mint.
Yes! Use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur and swap in non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling water with extra lemon.
Helpful tips We Swear By
- Chill everything first. Cold Prosecco, cold sparkling water, even cold glasses. These little things keep the drink extra refreshing.
- Batch it! Hosting a group? Mix elderflower and lemon juice in a pitcher and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour into glasses and top with the sparkling wine and water so the fizz stays fresh.
- Make it less sweet. Add a splash more sparkling water or an extra squeeze of lemon for balance.
- Travel hack: Pack a bottle of elderflower liqueur for the cabin or beach house. Prosecco and lemons are easy to find anywhere.
Serving Ideas
A Hugo Spritz shines as part of an Italian-inspired aperitivo (or happy hour) spread. Think light snacks you can nibble while sipping: olives, nuts, cheese, and crisp crostini. It's also a breezy starter at summer brunch - refreshing without being heavy.
For easy pairings, try it with our Mushroom Bruschetta or a platter of Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers.
More light and refreshing summer drinks
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Recipe
Hugo Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1 ¼ oz elderflower liqueur
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz sparkling water
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Instructions
- Gently crush mint leaves in your hand and drop into glass. Fill glass with ice.4 fresh mint leaves
- Add elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, Prosecco and sparkling water to glass.1 ¼ oz elderflower liqueur, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, 3 oz Prosecco, 1 oz sparkling water
- Stir gently to combine. Garnish with optional lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The Hugo Spritz is traditionally served in a large, goblet-shaped wine glass, but feel free to use whatever glass you prefer.
- There are a variety of substitutions you can make with this drink:
- use Cava or another dry sparkling wine instead of Prosecco (but skip sweet sparklers like Moscato)
- use limes instead of lemons
- use non-alcoholic elderflower syrup instead of elderflower liqueur
- skip the mint entirely
- use club soda instead of sparkling water
- Multiply the recipe to make a batch cocktail. Simply use 1 (750ml) bottle of Prosecco, 10 ounces of elderflower liqueur, 4 ounces of fresh lemon juice and 8 ounces of sparkling water. Combine chilled ingredients in a pitcher with a large handful of mint leaves, stir and pour into ice-filled glasses.
- Want a cocktail with a bit more kick? Add a shot of gin.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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