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If you love the Aperol Spritz but want something lighter, floral, and effortlessly refreshing, let me introduce you to the Hugo Spritz. This Italian elderflower spritz is fast becoming one of the most requested cocktails at summer parties, and with good reason.
Invented in South Tyrol in northeastern Italy in the mid-2000s, the Hugo Spritz is Prosecco and elderflower (cordial or liqueur), topped with soda, mint and a slice of citrus. It’s vibrant, delicate, and a joy to sip in the sunshine.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make the perfect Hugo, how to adjust it for low-alcohol or mocktail versions, how to batch it for parties, and which foods to serve alongside.
Table of Contents
What is a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz was created around 2005 by bartender Roland Gruber in northern Italy as a lighter alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Originally made with lemon balm syrup, it quickly evolved to feature elderflower cordial or St-Germain liqueur, both easier to find internationally.
Where Aperol is bitter and orange-forward, the Hugo is floral, herbal and gently sweet, with mint bringing a refreshing lift.
Why you will love this recipe:
- A Hugo Spritz is a balanced cocktail with a gentle sweetness and dryness.
- It makes a wonderful alternative to a more bitter Aperol Spritz.
- Light and herbal, it’s a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients:
Full recipe can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, just scroll down!
Elderflower liqueur – the best one is St-Germain. You can find it at most liquor/alcohol shops.
Prosecco – a dry or Brut prosecco is best here. Make sure it’s chilled.
Substitutions and Variations:
Prosecco – it’s not traditional but any sparkling wine works here such as Cremant or even champagne. An English sparkling wine works too.
Lime – lime is best in a Hugo Spritz but if you only have lemons, this will also work.
Raspberry Hugo – muddle fresh raspberries in the glass or add a splash of raspberry syrup for a pink twist.
Herbal Hugo – swap mint for basil for a slightly savoury, Mediterranean edge.
Low-alcohol Hugo – halve the elderflower liqueur, or replace half the Prosecco with soda.
Mocktail Hugo – 20-30 ml elderflower cordial + 120 ml sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine (plus the mint and lime, of course).
Here’s how to make a Hugo Spritz:
Here’s a step by step guide for what you need to do, but you can find the full recipe at the bottom of the page for detailed instructions.
ONE: Lightly clap the mint leaves between your hands to release aroma and drop them into a large wine glass. Fill with ice.
TWO: Pour in elderflower liqueur.
THREE: Top with Prosecco, then soda water. Stir gently to combine.
FOUR: Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime slices.
How to make a Pitcher Hugo Spritz (for 6 people):
Perfect for parties:
- 360ml elderflower liqueur
- 540ml chilled Prosecco
- 180ml chilled soda water
- Large bunch of fresh mint
- Lime slices and plenty of ice
Mix elderflower + Prosecco + soda in a chilled pitcher just before serving. Add ice and mint at the last moment, and pour into glasses to preserve fizz.
Cooking Tips:
Too sweet? Reduce elderflower or choose a drier Prosecco.
Drink tastes flat? Add Prosecco last, use cold ingredients and serve immediately.
Mint tastes bitter? Don’t muddle it too hard – just lightly slap it before adding.
Too strong? Swap liqueur for cordial, or top up with extra soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use elderflower cordial instead of liqueur. Use 15–30 ml per glass, then balance with extra soda and a dry Prosecco to avoid too much sweetness.
Chill all ingredients, add ice and mint to a pitcher, pour in elderflower and soda, and add Prosecco last just before serving.
A brut or extra-dry Prosecco keeps the drink crisp and prevents it from being overly sweet.
Other recipes you might enjoy:
Hugo Spritz goes well with fresh, salty and slightly sweet bites. Try my brie and cranberry bites, smoked salmon pâté on crostini or my goat’s cheese galettes. Add a drizzle of honey on top for a sweet hit.
Smoked Salmon Recipes
Smashed Potatoes with Crème Fraîche & Smoked Salmon
Easy Dessert Recipes
Sfingi (Italian Doughnuts)
Lunch Recipes
Grilled Peach & Burrata Ciabatta
If you tried this Hugo Spritz or any other recipe on the site, please do leave a rating or comment and let us know how it went!
Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
- 60 ml elderflower liqueur, 2 oz
- 90 ml prosecco, 3 oz
- 30 ml chilled soda water, 1 oz
- Small bunch of mint
- 1 lime, sliced
- Ice
Instructions
- Lightly clap the mint leaves between your hands to release aroma and drop them into a large wine glass.
- Fill with ice.
- Pour in elderflower liqueur.
- Top with Prosecco, then soda water.
- Stir gently once to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime slice.
- The video below will help with this recipe. I had a fun vase in the shape of a handbag so I made a large batch. The recipe above is for one glass.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Hugo spritz recipe is delicious and simple, plus has all of the instructions to make personal taste adjustments as needed.