Legendary Authentic Hugo Spritz

A Spritz That Sparked a Love Affair with Bubbles and Blossoms

I first tasted a Hugo Spritz on a warm afternoon at a vineyard picnic outside Florence. A friend handed me a glass filled with mint leaves, lime slices, and tiny bubbles rising in golden elderflower sparkle. I took one sip—and I was hooked. It was like springtime in a flute. Bright, floral, crisp, and refreshing in a way that felt both indulgent and light. I came home and started serving this legendary authentic Hugo Spritz at every garden gathering and book club night, and let me tell you—folks couldn’t get enough. It’s elegant but unfussy, charming but easy to make. My kind of cocktail.

Flavor and Popularity

What Makes the Hugo Spritz So Legendary?

The Hugo Spritz (pronounced “OO-go”) is a sparkling Italian aperitif that originated in South Tyrol, nestled in the Italian Alps. It’s built on elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, mint, and soda water. This cocktail is often compared to the Aperol Spritz, but it’s lighter, fresher, and more floral—perfect for those who want something elegant without the bitterness.

Here’s what you can expect with every sip:

• Aromas of fresh mint and elderflower
• Crisp citrus from lime or lemon
• Effervescent sparkle from bubbly Prosecco
• Delicate sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm

It’s the drink of choice in northern Italy during summer afternoons. And now, it’s a go-to across patios and porches worldwide.

Why the Hugo Spritz Is a Global Favorite

This drink exploded in popularity for good reason:

• It’s low in alcohol, making it perfect for day sipping.
• The elderflower flavor is universally loved—subtle, sweet, and floral.
• It’s quick to mix but looks high-end.
• It suits every season but sings in summer.

You can make a Hugo in minutes, with no special tools, and you’ll feel like you’re sipping under Italian sunflowers with every bubbly sip.

Ingredients and Preparation

What You Need for a Legendary Authentic Hugo Spritz

Core Ingredients:

• 2 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
• 4 oz chilled Prosecco
• 1 oz soda water (or sparkling water)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime or lemon wheels
• Ice

Optional Garnishes:

• Cucumber ribbons
• Edible flowers (like pansies or chamomile)
• A sugared rim (for flair)

Substitutions:

• No elderflower liqueur? Use elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
• No Prosecco? Use any dry sparkling wine (Cava, Brut, or sparkling rosé).
• No soda? Sparkling mineral water or tonic water works fine.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips

1. Chill your glass. A large wine glass or balloon glass works best.
2. Add mint leaves. Lightly slap them between your hands to release oils, then place in the glass.
3. Add elderflower liqueur. Pour directly over the mint.
4. Add ice. Fill the glass ¾ full.
5. Add Prosecco. Pour slowly to preserve the bubbles.
6. Top with soda water.
7. Garnish with lime wheels and extra mint or edible flowers.

Tips:

• Use fresh, fragrant mint—not bruised or yellowed leaves.
• Always add sparkling wine after the ice to prevent foaming.
• Serve immediately. This spritz is all about the fizz.

Cocktail Tips and Techniques

How to Make the Perfect Hugo Spritz

The Legendary Authentic Hugo Spritz shines brightest when you treat it like the floral treasure it is:

• Use quality Prosecco. Dry is best (Brut), so the elderflower doesn’t get too sweet.
• Choose a high-end elderflower liqueur. St-Germain is the classic, but many craft versions are available.
• Build it in the glass. This keeps things easy and lets layers form naturally.
• Serve over ice in a wine glass. It makes it feel special—and chills beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much elderflower. Stick to 2 oz or less, or the drink turns syrupy.
• Skimping on mint. It’s essential for the Hugo’s freshness.
• Warm wine or soda. The drink must be ice-cold to stay balanced.
• Over-stirring. Gentle is better—preserve those bubbles!

Health Benefits and Serving Suggestions

Is the Hugo Spritz a Light Drink?

Yes! The Hugo Spritz is one of the more refreshing and lower-ABV cocktails:

• Light on alcohol compared to other cocktails (approx. 9–11% ABV total)
• No added sugar beyond the natural sweetness of elderflower
• Gluten-free and low-calorie (around 140–160 calories depending on pour)

For a lighter twist, go half-Prosecco and half sparkling water—or make a Hugo Mocktail with elderflower syrup and tonic!

Best Pairings for a Hugo Spritz

Pair your Hugo with:

• Prosciutto-wrapped melon
• Caprese skewers
• Marinated olives
• Herby goat cheese crostini
• Light summer pasta dishes

It’s also the perfect welcome drink for:

• Bridal showers
• Summer brunches
• Garden parties
• Alfresco dinners

FAQ Section

What does a Hugo Spritz taste like?
It’s light, floral, bubbly, and slightly sweet—with herbal notes from mint and citrus brightness from lime. It’s like a botanical garden in a glass!

Is elderflower liqueur alcoholic?
Yes. St-Germain and similar liqueurs are about 20% ABV. You can swap it with elderflower syrup for a mocktail version.

Can I batch Hugo Spritz for a party?
Yes! Combine the elderflower and Prosecco in a pitcher right before serving. Add soda and mint in glasses to keep things bubbly.

How do I make a non-alcoholic Hugo?
Use elderflower syrup, tonic water or sparkling water, mint, and lime. Still light, lovely, and floral.

Conclusion

If you’re like me, you appreciate the kind of drink that lifts your spirits without weighing you down. There’s something comforting about how the Legendary Authentic Hugo Spritz blends sparkle, sweetness, and herbal charm in a single glass. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again. Whether it’s sunset on your back porch or brunch with friends, this drink brings elegance to every clink.

Legendary Authentic Hugo Spritz

Print Recipe

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This Legendary Authentic Hugo Spritz is a light, floral Italian cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, soda water, and fresh mint—perfect for summer sipping.

• Author: Margaret Rowe
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Built in glass
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)

4 oz Prosecco (dry, chilled)

1 oz soda water

Fresh mint leaves

Lime wheels

Ice

Optional: edible flowers, cucumber ribbon

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Instructions

1. Lightly slap fresh mint leaves to release oils and place in a large wine glass.

2. Add elderflower liqueur over the mint.

3. Fill glass ¾ full with ice.

4. Pour in Prosecco slowly.

5. Top with soda water.

6. Garnish with lime wheels, mint sprig, and optional edible flowers.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use chilled Prosecco and soda for best results.

Add more soda water to lighten the drink further.

Make it non-alcoholic with elderflower syrup and sparkling water.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg