Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is an effervescent cocktail that combines prosecco, elderflower liqueur, seltzer, lime, and mint.  Its flavor is delicate and refreshing making it the perfect aperitivo to any meal.

Editor’s Note: Originally published on 3/15/2019.  Updated with expanded info.

The Hugo drink is a cocktail that originated in the small Alpine town of Naturno, Italy just south of the Austrian border and was inspired by the elder trees native to that area.

The original recipe included elderflower syrup, which we’ve replaced with elderflower liqueur.  

We’ve also added lime to our Hugo spritz because it further enhances the flavor and compliments both the mint and the elderflower flavors.

The Hugo spritz is great served at brunch, barbecues, and gatherings and the recipe can be increased to make a large pitcher for easier serving.

Hugo spritz ingredients

• Prosecco. We use prosecco for the Hugo spritz, but any sparkling white wine would work perfectly here.
• Elderflower liqueur. St. Germaine and St. Elder are two brands of elderflower liqueur that can be used for the Hugo spritz. St. Elder tends to be more budget-friendly than the St. Germaine, but use any brand you’d like.  If you prefer less alcohol, you can use an elderflower syrup in its place.
• Seltzer. We used lemon-lime flavored seltzer as it adds just a touch of extra flavor.  Any sparkling plain or lime-flavored seltzer or club soda would work well here. 
• Fresh mint leaves. Don’t skip the step of gently whacking the mint leaves before placing them in the glass.  This helps to release their oil and flavor!
• Lime. Lime slices make a beautiful garnish and add additional flavor to the Hugo cocktail.

How to make a Hugo Spritz cocktail

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Place 6 mint leaves in the palm of your hand and lightly whack them with your other hand. Then, place the mint leaves in the glass.
3. Add 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur, 2 ounces of sparkling water or seltzer, and 3 slices of lime.
4. Fill the glass to the top with prosecco and stir gently.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

This Hugo spritz recipe is 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.

More refreshing cocktails

Here are a few of our favorite refreshing and effervescent cocktails, all of which include prosecco and are super easy!

• Aperol Spritz– the bitter orange cocktail that’s a must in Italy.
• Limoncello Spritz – lemon, mint, limoncello and prosecco.
• Lavender French 75 – lavender syrup, prosecco, and gin.

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This recipe was originally published on March 15, 2019.  It was completely updated on May 11, 2023.