If you’re looking for a light and refreshing Italian cocktail, look no further than this Hugo Spritz Recipe! This crisp & classic drink is a refreshing combination of prosecco, elderflower liqueur, lime and soda water – that can be enjoyed any time of the year!

The Hugo Spritz is a traditional Italian cocktail that’s popular in Northern Italy. Traditionally served in a wine glass, this slightly sweet & floral afternoon drink is usually served alongside lunch or dinner – and pairs well with savory meats and cheeses.

It’s a light twist to the classic Aperol Spritz – and in our recipe, it takes on a refreshing note of mint, elderflower liqueur and soda water to provide a simple, yet crisp taste to the palate.

If you’re looking for a drink that provides sunny afternoon brunch vibes, this Hugo Spritz Recipe is the perfect fit. And best of all, it’s really simple to make!
What Is The Difference Between a Aperol and Hugo Spritz?
They are both very similar spritzes made with bubbly wine and aromatic liqueur, but Aperol Spritz contains a more citrusy flavor and a slight hint of bitterness, due to the Aperol.
The Hugo is more light, with herbal notes as it features elderflower liqueur. Also it typically has slightly less alcohol content than the Aperol Spritz.
Tips For Making The Perfect Hugo Spritz

- Don’t be shy with the elderflower liqueur! It’s the heart and essence of this cocktail.
- Chilled is best – fill at least 2/3 of the glass with ice as this spritz works best when served cold!
- When mixing the cocktail, stir gently – this spritz is a delicate mixture of all of the different flavors and you don’t want to be too rough with it.
Key Elements Of This Recipe
- Elderflower Liqueur: St-Germain or St. Elder are the two best elderflower liqueurs for this Hugo Spritz.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Using fresh mint leaves will make a huge difference in this recipe.
The Ingredients for Hugo Spritz Cocktail

- 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur, (St. Germain or St. Elder)
- 1.5 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic (or other sparkling water)
- 2 Lime Slices
- 1 sprig Mint
- 2/3 cup Ice
The Equipment Needed
How To Make A Hugo Spritz Cocktail
A Hugo Spritz recipe is really simple.

Start by muddling your mint leaves with your lime juice in a separate mixing cup. Next, add in your elderflower liqueur and give it a gentle stir. Then, set the mixture aside for a second.

Take your tall wine glass and fill it about 2/3 of the way with ice. Then place your fresh lime wheel or wedges into the glass, along with a couple of leaves of mint.

Next, add in your muddled mint & lime mixture – and give everything a gentle stir.

Afterwards, slowly pour in your chilled Fever-Tree Tonic Water, followed by the Prosecco and garnish with an extra sprig of mint.

Serve immediately and enjoy while the drink is still bubbly and cold!
What To Serve With Your Hugo Spritz

This Hugo Spritz is a light and airy cocktail that’s perfect to pair with summer salads, light appetizers and small tapas. Here are a few dishes that would work well with this drink.
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Hugo Spritz (Elderflower Cocktail)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur, (St. Germain or St. Elder)
- 1.5 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, (or other sparkling water)
- 2 Lime Slices
- 1 sprig Mint
- 2/3 cup Ice
Instructions
How To Make A Hugo Spritz Cocktail
- A Hugo Spritz recipe is really simple.
- Start by muddling your mint leaves with your lime juice in a separate mixing cup. Next, add in your elderflower liqueur and give it a gentle stir. Then, set the mixture aside for a second.
- Take your tall wine glass and fill it about 2/3 of the way with ice. Then place your fresh lime wheel or wedges into the glass, along with a couple of leaves of mint.
- Next, add in your muddled mint & lime mixture – and give everything a gentle stir.
- Afterwards, slowly pour in your chilled Fever-Tree Tonic Water, followed by the Prosecco and garnish with an extra sprig of mint.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while the drink is still bubbly and cold!
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is just an estimate derived by an online calculation tool.
FAQ
What is a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz is a traditional Italian cocktail that’s popular in Northern Italy. It’s a light twist to the classic Aperol Spritz – and in our recipe, it takes takes on a refreshing note of mint, elderflower liqueur and soda water to provide a simple, yet crisp taste to the palate.
Who invented the Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz originated in the early 2000’s by an Italian bartender named Roland Gruber. This drink started the trend of popular St-Germain cocktails (elderflower liqueur) and has become immensely popular world wide.
What is the difference between a Aperol and Hugo Spritz?
They are both very similar spritzes made with bubbly wine and aromatic liqueur, but Aperol Spritz contains a more citrusy flavor and a slight hint of bitterness, due to the Aperol. The Hugo is more light, with herbal notes as it features elderflower liqueur. It is also typically has slightly less alcohol content then the Aperol Spritz.


Milo
Perfecto, a really good hugo spritz recipe!
Gillian
Loved this drink! I was actually looking for something new to drink and stumbled upon this drink. So light and refreshing! I’ll be making this one again. Thanks!