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    Home » All Recipes » Drinks

    Hugo Spritz

    Published on Mar 15, 2019 by Tara · Updated on May 16, 2021 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail with hints of elderflower, lime, and mint that is so delicate and versatile, it makes the perfect aperitivo to any meal.

    Two wine glasses with Hugo Spritz, lime and mint.

    Hugo Spritz, welcome to our curated cocktail anthology

    If you've spent any amount of time looking at our site, you know that our collection of drink recipes includes some that are original, but there are many that are not.

    We want to be your one-stop-shop for recipes and that is why we've curated a cocktail anthology that includes some "tried and true" recipes.  Especially ones that hail from the Italian peninsula, like this Hugo cocktail recipe.

    The Hugo Spritz, or Spritz Hugo, is one that is still young enough to be modern, but old enough to have been tested, approved, and loved by many.

    What is a Hugo Spritz?

    In 2005, Roland Gruber created an alternative spritz cocktail at his bar in the small Alpine town of Naturno, Italy, just south of the Austrian border.

    Inspired by the Elder trees that grow abundantly in the Alps, he combined elderflower syrup, prosecco, mint and sparkling water and the Spritz Hugo cocktail was born.

    We use elderflower liqueur and lime in our recipe, but this slight variation has minimal impact on the integrity of the drink.

    What is elderflower?

    Elderflower is the flower that blooms on the Elder tree, which is also well known for the berries it bears, elderberries, which are often used for their medicinal properties.

    Elderflower has become a bit more popular over the past year as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding cake combined the flavors of lemon and elderflower.

    When to serve a Hugo Spritz cocktail?

    As stated above, this drink is so versatile, it really could be served before any meal, even brunch.  It is light, and not overly alcoholic.

    Consider serving it as an aperitivo before any of the following:

    • Semolina French Toast with Lemon and Blueberries
    • Spaghetti Carbonara
    • Italian Sausage Pasta
    • Salsa Di Noci, or Walnut Sauce
    • Porchetta Roast

    This is definitely a drink you can make in bulk to serve a crowd.  Just serve from a pitcher or punch bowl and you're set!

    And, speaking of crowd-pleasers, make sure to add this limoncello spritz to your list!  It's another great spritz type recipe that's perfect for summertime gatherings!

    How to make the Hugo Cocktail

    First, you'll need to gather your ingredients:  Prosecco, elderflower liqueur such as St. Germain or St. Elder, sparkling water/seltzer, mint leaves, ice, and lime for garnish.

    We did use lime flavored seltzer, but plain sparkling water would be fine as well, and probably what was used to make the very first Spritz Hugo.

    Hugo cocktail ingredients.

    The tools we used for this Hugo drink recipe included a measuring jigger, measuring spoon, stemless wine glasses, and stirrer.

    Hugo drink process shot collage.

    Begin by adding ice to your wine glass.  Then tear some mint leaves and place them in the glass.  Before you tear them, give them a pound in your hand to release their flavor.

    Then, add the elderflower liqueur.

    Measure about 2 oz of sparkling water or seltzer and add to the glass.

    Add your lime slices and fill to the top with prosecco.

    Give the drink a gentle stir and serve immediately.

    Pouring the prosecco into the Hugo cocktail.

    Hugo cocktail with limes and mint in background.

    This simple recipe is definitely easy and requires little to no effort.  In fact, the hardest part might be uncorking the prosecco!

    What I love most about the Hugo Spritz is that while it's refreshing, its taste is anything but simple, and the elderflower adds a bit of mystique.

    Want More Prosecco Recipes?

    • Aperol Spritz
    • Sparkling Lemon Thyme Cocktail
    • Peach Bellini
    • Lavender French 75

    DID YOU MAKE THIS DRINK?

    Give it a star rating!

    If you liked this Hugo Spritz recipe we would really appreciate it if you would share it on Instagram or Facebook using #sipandfeast.

    We would love to know how you did and it’s nice to show others as well.  Thanks!

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    Hugo spritz cocktail featured image.

    Hugo Spritz

    5 from 5 votes
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 2 mins
    Total Time: 7 mins
    Servings: 1
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: James

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tbsp Elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain or St. Elder
    • 2 oz Seltzer or sparkling water
    • 6 oz Prosecco
    • 3 slices lime
    • 6 leaves mint
    • 4 cubes ice

    Instructions

    • Fill glass with ice.  Tear and place mint leaves into glass.
    • Add 2 Tablespoons elderflower liqueur, 2 ounces sparkling water or seltzer and lime slices.
    • Fill glass to top with prosecco and give a gentle stir.  Enjoy!

    Notes

    This recipe does not need to be followed exactly. 
    • Adjust the amount of Elderflower liqueur based on the size of your glass and your taste. 
    • We approximated 6 oz of Prosecco, but really just fill the glass to the top.  The amount can vary depending on your glass.
    • Add as much mint and lime slices as you desire!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g
    Did you make this recipe? Mention @sipandfeast or tag #sipandfeast
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Valentina

      March 17, 2019 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love this! I have to make a cocktail (or two) to go with a menu of spring lamb dishes. Do you think this would work to go with it?

      Reply
      • James

        March 18, 2019 at 10:02 pm

        Hi Valentina, I would say have this one before the meal as a pre dinner drink. I'm hard pressed to think of a better pairing for lamb than a nice red wine like Shiraz.

        Reply
        • Valentina

          March 18, 2019 at 11:08 pm

          Sound like a plan! Thank you!

          Reply
    2. Eileen

      August 10, 2019 at 12:53 am

      I Made this recipe exact but it seemed like something f was missing g compared to the ones we had in Europe. This drink was not as sweet. Would tonic water work instead of soda water? Or is there an elderflower syrup vs liquor?

      Reply
      • James

        August 10, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        Hi Eileen - thank you for your comment. Yes, as mentioned above in the post, the original drink was made using elderflower syrup instead of the liqueur so yes, you can definitely try it with the syrup and adjust for how sweet you like it. I would probably not use tonic water as it has a very distinct taste and may change the flavor of the drink, but feel free to experiment!

        Reply
    3. Amanda

      October 22, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • James

        October 23, 2019 at 5:21 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Barbara

      December 29, 2019 at 2:33 pm

      5 stars
      Crisp and effervescent

      Reply
      • James

        December 30, 2019 at 10:16 am

        Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    5. Donna

      December 30, 2019 at 11:15 am

      How do I adjust recipe for a crowd? Please help!

      Reply
      • James

        December 30, 2019 at 12:28 pm

        Hi. If you hover over the recipe card servings information on your computer there is a slider that adjusts servings and will adjust all ingredients accordingly. It works on your phone too. For example, a full bottle of prosecco (750 ml) will be enough for 4 servings.

        Reply
    6. Graziella

      June 12, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      Hi! I love Hugo spritzes, in Italy we use elderflower syrup which can be found just about everywhere, in supermarkets! Thx for sharing this drink ‘news’.

      Reply
      • Jim

        June 13, 2022 at 9:25 am

        Hi Graziella, thank you for your comment and happy you enjoyed the post!

        Reply
    7. Fran Chandler

      July 07, 2022 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this - it's so refreshing! For some reason mint is hard to find in local groceries, but the drink is fine without it.

      Reply
      • Jim

        July 07, 2022 at 9:25 pm

        Hi Fran, thanks for your comment and so happy you liked this one!

        Reply
    8. Glenn

      August 08, 2022 at 9:47 pm

      I enjoy Jim’s YouTube channel, so I was glad to see this pop up when I searched for a recipe for a Hugo cocktail!
      My wife’s version of this is Gin, elderflower syrup (available at ikea), Prosecco, mint leaves and club soda. I’m usually the cook and bartender, but she’s got this one down better than I can do.
      A great drink for a hot summer afternoon!

      Reply
      • Jim

        August 09, 2022 at 4:17 pm

        Hi Glenn, thanks so much for watching and I really appreciate the comment!

        Reply
    9. Glenn

      August 08, 2022 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      Forgot to fill in my rating

      Reply

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