The Best Hugo Spritz Recipe (Elderflower Spritz)

If you know me, you know I love a spritz during the summer months! This Hugo Spritz cocktail is another cocktail recipe with bubbly prosecco! I love this recipe because it’s such a refreshing cocktail with floral notes, fresh lime slices, and fresh mint leaves. You’ll sip on this Hugo Spritz all summer long!  I promise this spritz is so easy to make, it will become your new favorite cocktail in no time! Its refreshing taste makes it ideal for warm weather sipping.

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This Hugo Spritz recipe originated in South Tyrol,  which is a northern Italian province nestled among the Dolomite mountain range. Unlike traditional spritzes made with a bitter aperitif, the Hugo Spritz features elderflower cordial. I love spritz cocktails because they are so easy to make.

Plus, you can mix the drink in the same glass you’re serving in it! My favorite cocktail, a classic aperol spritz, comes from Northern Italy, just like this Hugo Spritz recipe! Both use prosecco and soda water for an extra effervescent cocktail. The main difference is that a Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liqueur (St Germain) instead of Aperol! And for another fun aperol spritz, check out my cranberry aperol spritzer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s light and low ABV. This spritz recipe is really refreshing and light. It’s lower in alcohol content than a lot of other drinks and the st. germaine gives the hugo drink a great flavor. Plus, the sparkling wine adds the perfect bubbly touch!
• It’s an easy cocktail recipe that anyone can make. With fresh lime, club soda, a bottle of prosecco, and St. Germain, this elderflower cocktail can’t get much easier! You can use elderflower syrup or liquor for this Hugo cocktail recipe. Oh, and  don’t forget the sprig of mint! 
• It’s the perfect aperitivo drink! Italian spritzes are perfect to enjoy this time of year. They are delicious to sip on for the rest of the afternoon before welcoming dinner time. 

Ingredients

• Fresh Mint Leaves –  A sprig of mint adds a refreshing, aromatic touch to your Hugo Spritz. Look for bright green, unblemished leaves at the store or farmers’ market. To keep them fresh, store mint sprigs in a glass of water in the refrigerator, just like cut flowers.
• Lime – Slices of lime provide a zesty, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the elderflower. Choose limes that are heavy for their size and have slightly glossy skin, which indicates juiciness. Roll the lime on the counter before slicing to release more juice.
• Elderflower Syrup or Liqueur –  Elderflower syrup or liqueur (like St-Germain) gives the drink its signature floral flavor. If you are using syrup, adjust the amount to your taste preference. For a more budget-friendly option, elderflower syrup can be found in many specialty grocery stores. It’s a great option if you aren’t someone who keeps a bottle of St-Germain on your cocktail bar. 
• Prosecco –  Prosecco gives this Hugo Spritz recipe a bubbly finish! Look for a dry (Brut) Prosecco to avoid making the drink too sweet. Chill it thoroughly before mixing for the best taste.
• Club Soda –  Club soda gives the spritz a fizzy lift, without adding any sweetness.  Choose a good quality club soda with a neutral taste. Make sure it’s chilled, too! 
• Ice Cubes –  Ice cubes are a must for keeping your Hugo Spritz chilled and refreshing. Use large ice cubes to slow down dilution, keeping your drink cool without watering it down too quickly. 

Hugo Spritz Recipe Additions

• Fresh Berries – Adding a handful of fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries adds a nice sweet touch to your spritz! 
• Cucumber – Thin cucumber slices or ribbons can enhance the freshness and add a subtle crisp flavor.
• Edible Flowers – Edible flowers like pansies or violets make for a beautiful garnish and add a subtle floral note.
• Simple Syrup – Add some simple syrup if you prefer your spritz on the sweeter side.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Ensure your Prosecco and club soda are well-chilled before starting. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Add the mint leaves and lime slices to the glass. Lightly muddle the mint leaves if desired, to release their aroma.

Step 2: Pour in 1 oz of elderflower syrup or liqueur.

Step 3: Slowly add 4 oz of chilled Prosecco to maintain its bubbles.

Step 4: Add 2 oz of chilled club soda.

Step 5: Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.

Step 6: Garnish with an additional mint sprig or lime slice if desired. Enjoy immediately while the drink is cold and fizzy.

Tips and Notes

• Chill Everything –  Ensure your Prosecco and club soda are well-chilled before making the drink. This keeps the cocktail refreshingly cool and maintains the bubbles.
• Stir Gently –  Stir the ingredients gently to mix them without losing too much of the carbonation from the Prosecco and club soda.
• Garnish Last –  Add your garnish of a mint sprig or lime slice just before serving to keep them fresh and bright. 
• Serve Immediately –  Serve the spritz immediately after making it to keep it bubbly!

Serving Suggestions

• Batch Preparation – I LOVE a batch cocktail! For larger gatherings, you can prepare a batch of Hugo Spritz in a large pitcher. Add the ice, mint, lime slices, and elderflower syrup. Just before serving, pour in the chilled Prosecco and club soda to keep it fizzy.
• Perfect for Brunch – Serve this cocktail for brunch with light and fresh dishes such as salads, quiches, and fresh fruit.
• Aperitivo Hour – Pair the Hugo Spritz with light appetizers like bruschetta, cheese platters, or prosciutto-wrapped melon. Blue cheese-stuffed olives, prosciutto-wrapped dates, fried goat cheese balls, or crab arancini would also be delicious! For a traditional pairing, try my Sicilian arancini.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!