This bubbly, refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktail is easy to make, and so delightful with the soft floral flavor of elderflower liqueur. There’s nothing quite like a spritz on a warm summer day!
I love a good spritz recipe, all bubbly and refreshing. And the Hugo Spritz? Well it’s one of the loveliest, with the addition of softly floral elderflower liqueur. My spritz journey started while on vacation in Italy, first with the classic Aperol Spritz – and then the Campari Spritz and Limoncello Spritz. Each one has its own flavor merit – try them all and see what you like best!
Why The Hugo Spritz Is the Perfect Summer Refresher
Whenever I serve this cocktail to someone who’s not familiar with elderflower liqueur, or the elderflower flavor in general, they immediately ask what that wonderful flavor is – because it’s just so dang good! Here’s why this cocktail belongs on repeat all summer long:
- Crisp & effervescent. One of the reasons I love a Hugo spritz is because it’s so light and crisp. It’s not overly sweet, as some summer drinks can be, and the fizzy combination of Prosecco and club soda makes it ultra refreshing.
- That elderflower flavor! Elderflower is one of the most wonderful, unique flavors in the whole world – and drastically underutilized, in my opinion. It also combines beautifully with the fresh lime and mint.
- Easy to make. There’s no need to be a fancy mixologist for this elderflower spritz cocktail. The recipe is easy – you’ve definitely got this!
What You’ll Need
The Hugo Spritz originated in northern Italy, just like the Aperol Spritz. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this drink! Scroll down to the printable recipe card to find the exact ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- St-Germain – This is a French elderflower liqueur with a sweet, floral flavor. It’s also a key ingredient in my Rosé Sangria, Blood Orange Mimosa, and Raspberry Smash. There are other brands of elderflower liqueur as well, if you prefer.
- Mint – You’ll need some fresh mint leaves to muddle for the cocktail itself and then a sprig for garnish.
- Lime – Thinly slice the lime into wheels.
- Prosecco – Chill the Prosecco before making your Hugo spritz, for the ultimate chilled, bubbly refreshment.
- Club soda – This adds even more bubbles, without additional alcohol, and should also be chilled.
What Is Elderflower Liqueur?
Elderflower liqueur is a sweet, floral spirit made from the blossoms of the elderflower plant. Although it’s floral, the flavor profile is also lightly fruity, with notes of pear, lychee, and citrus, making it a versatile ingredient to use in so many cocktails. It’s often paired with sparkling wine, gin, vodka, and other light spirits that don’t overwhelm its delicate flavor. It is LOVELY!
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
Find the complete instructions for making this cocktail in the recipe card below – plus here’s a quick overview of the steps involved.
- Muddle. Combine the St-Germain, mint leaves, and one lime wheel in a glass. Muddle to infuse the liqueur with the fresh mint and lime flavors.
- Pour. Add ice to the glasses and slowly pour in the Prosecco and club soda (they’re both bubbly!). Give it a quick, gentle stir to incorporate, without chasing away the carbonation.
- Pretty it up. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Tips & Variations
Here are some tips, plus some ways to switch up this cocktail recipe.
- Chill all the bubbles. Make sure that your Prosecco and club soda are fully chilled, so the finished cocktail is as refreshingly cool and bubbly as possible.
- Only a quick, gentle stir. Stir the drink quickly and gently to combine, right before garnishing. You want to preserve the carbonation from the Prosecco and club soda.
- Serve right away. This is not a drink to make in advance; if you do so, you’ll miss out on the very best bubbly experience!
- Make a pitcher of spritz. Big-batch cocktails are perfect for larger gatherings. And, yes, you can easily prepare a pitcher of Hugo Spritz. Just add the St-Germain, mint leaves, and lime wheels to a pitcher – then muddle and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, divide the mixture into individual glasses, then add the chilled Prosecco and club soda, stir, and garnish.
- Swap the lime for lemon. Some Hugo cocktail recipes call for lemon instead of lime. I’ve tried it with lemon, but obviously prefer the lime, as that’s how my recipe is written. But you do you – if you’re more of a lemon fan, go right ahead and swap it in, in equal quantity as the lime juice.
- Make it a mocktail. We make cocktails into mocktails all the time. Swap the St-Germain for elderflower syrup. And swap the Prosecco for extra club soda – or sparkling white grape juice, or sparkling lime or lemon soda.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve the Hugo spritz cocktail for aperitivo hour (like I learned how to do in Italy!) – and it’s also wonderful with brunch.
- Aperitivo Hour – Pair this cocktail with light appetizers like cheese trays, Deviled Eggs, Rosemary Thyme Spiced Nuts, or these tender, thinly-sliced Grilled Red Potatoes.
- With brunch – Serve with a delicious morning spread of Crustless Quiche, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, and fresh berries.
- With seafood – This cocktail is also excellent with grilled fish and seafood, like Grilled Scallops and my go-to Grilled Shrimp recipe.
More Summery Cocktail Recipes
Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 6 medium-large fresh mint leaves
- 2 thinly sliced lime wheels, divided
- 4 ounces chilled dry Prosecco
- 2 ounces chilled club soda
- 1 fresh mint sprig
Instructions
- Add St-Germain, mint leaves, and one lime wheel to a wine glass. Muddle to incorporate flavors of mint and lime.
- Add ice to ⅔-full. Then slowly pour in Prosecco and club soda. Give the drink a brief, gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
get new posts via email: