Hugo Spritz Recipe: The Elderflower Cocktail Everyone Loves

The Hugo Spritz is Italy's answer to "I want something refreshing that's not an Aperol Spritz." Born in the South Tyrol region, this elderflower cocktail is lighter, more floral, and dangerously easy to drink. Here's how to make it perfectly.

Ingredients (1 Serving)

• 150ml (5 oz) Prosecco, well chilled
• 30ml (1 oz) elderflower syrup (St-Germain liqueur also works)
• A splash of soda water
• Fresh mint leaves (6–8)
• 1 lime wedge
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the elderflower syrup.
3. Pour in the Prosecco.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Gently stir once to combine.
6. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink, then drop it in.
7. Slap the mint leaves between your palms (this releases the oils) and add them to the glass.

Tips for the Best Hugo Spritz

Use good Prosecco

You don't need expensive — but use something you'd happily drink on its own. An extra-dry or brut Prosecco works best. Avoid sweet (dolce) as the elderflower already adds sweetness.

Elderflower syrup vs. St-Germain

Traditional Hugo Spritz uses elderflower syrup (non-alcoholic, like Monin or D'Arbo). St-Germain is elderflower liqueur (20% ABV) — it works but makes the drink stronger and slightly different in flavor. Both are great.

Fresh mint is non-negotiable

Dried mint won't work here. The fresh leaves add aroma that makes the whole drink. Slap them between your palms before adding — this releases the essential oils without shredding the leaves.

Make it a batch

For 8 servings: combine 1 bottle of Prosecco with 240ml elderflower syrup and juice of 2 limes in a large pitcher. Add soda water and fresh mint just before serving.

Variations

• Non-alcoholic Hugo: Replace Prosecco with sparkling apple juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Keep everything else the same.
• Rosé Hugo: Use rosé Prosecco for a pink, Instagram-worthy version with slightly more berry notes.
• Hugo Royale: Swap Prosecco for Champagne. Fancier, drier, perfect for celebrations.
• Cucumber Hugo: Add 3–4 thin cucumber slices for an extra-refreshing spa-like variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Hugo Spritz taste like?

Floral, refreshing, and lightly sweet — like drinking a garden in the best possible way. It's lighter and less bitter than an Aperol Spritz, with a more sophisticated sweetness.

Is a Hugo Spritz strong?

Not very. With elderflower syrup (non-alcoholic), it's about the same strength as a glass of Prosecco (~11% ABV diluted with soda). With St-Germain, it's a bit stronger.

Where did the Hugo Spritz come from?

It was invented around 2005 by bartender Roland Gruber in Naturns, South Tyrol (northern Italy). It spread through the Alpine regions before becoming a global summer staple.

Can I make Hugo Spritz ahead of time?

Mix everything except the Prosecco and soda water. Keep it in the fridge. Add the sparkling components just before serving to keep the bubbles alive.