The Hugo Spritz recipe is a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days. Originating in Northern Italy, it combines the floral sweetness of elderflower with sparkling wine and soda water.
What is a Hugo Spritz Recipe?
A Hugo Spritz is a light and refreshing Italian cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and soda water, garnished with mint and lime
Hugo Spritz Recipe Ingredients
- Prosecco. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine similar to Spanish Cava or French Champagne. I recommend choosing a dry (brut) Prosecco so your drink doesn’t turn out too syrupy or sweet (choose one that hits the sweetness level you prefer). Good choices range from 12 to 18 dollars. If you decide to go on the cheaper end, they’re not always as tasty. Trust me. I also buy a small bottle to enjoy one Hugo Spritz at a time!
- Elderflower liqueur. St. Germain and St. Elder are two brands of elderflower liqueur that can be used for the Hugo spritz. It was hard to source the St. Germain, so call around to see who might have it before you go to your local liquor store. Instead of the bitter Aperol, the Hugo uses a floral base/elderflower, which allows for the natural lemon and citrus found in Prosecco to shine through.
- Club Soda: To add a little volume and help dilute the fizz, use any unflavored sparkling water. Always great to keep cans of sparkling water in your pantry for this reason. Just make sure to throw them in the refrigerator to help cool/chill the drink (even though you’ll add ice, it still helps!)
- Fresh mint leaves. Don’t skip the step of muddling the mint leaves. This helps to release their oil and flavor! Your nose plays a critical role in the enjoyment of this drink.
- Lime. Lime slices make a beautiful garnish and are completely optional. The mint however is not.
How to make a Hugo Spritz Recipe cocktail
- Add the St. Germain and 1-2 mint sprigs into a wine glass. Gently muddle and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Add ice, the Prosecco, and soda water.
- Stir to gently combine. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This Hugo spritz recipe is easy and requires little to no effort. In fact, the hardest part is uncorking the prosecco! The Hugo Spritz is light and refreshing, however, the taste is anything but ordinary – that elderflower liquor adds that bit of mystery. Hugo Spritz > Aperol Spritz, every day, all day!
What To Serve With Your Hugo Spritz Recipe
The Hugo Spritz is served as an aperitif. Aperitifs are meant to be served before a meal to help stimulate your appetite (and not fill you up too much!) They’re lighter in alcohol and more dry than sweet. Remember the Hugo is on the lighter, refreshing side and does have bubbles. Foods that will pair well will be salty, creamy/fatty, and sweet foods that will take the edge away from the bitter flavor.
- Homemade Hummus
- Mezze Board
- Marinated Feta
- Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or burrata with crusty bread (dipped in olive oil)
FAQs
Can I use a different sparkling wine?
You can substitute Prosecco with sparkling wines like Champagne or Cava.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
For a non-alcoholic version, use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur and replace Prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
How do I store the ingredients?
Keep the Prosecco chilled in the fridge. Store the elderflower liqueur at room temperature and the mint leaves in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel.
What glassware should I use?
A large wine glass is traditionally used to serve a Hugo Spritz.
Enjoy crafting and savoring this delightful cocktail!
Recipe!
Homemade Hugo Spritz Recipe
Equipment
- juicer
- Large mixing bowl
- pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz St. Germain
- 4 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounces soda water
- 1-2 mint leaves
- Slice of lime, optional
Instructions
- Add the St. Germain and 1-2 mint sprigs into a wine glass.
- Gently muddle and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Add ice, the Prosecco, and soda water.
- Stir to gently combine. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!