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This was the only drink I ordered in Italy this summer, and now I’m hooked. The Hugo Spritz is light, bubbly, and perfectly floral with elderflower and Prosecco! It’s refreshing and so easy to make—ideal for any season!
Looking for more spritz recipes? Try my Aperol Spritz, Aperol Spritz Jello Shots, French Spritz and Lemon Spritz!
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Pin ItWhy You’ll Love This Hugo Spritz
- It’s summer in a glass. Light, refreshing, and made for golden hour sipping on the patio. It’s one of my favorite summer cocktails!
- Straight from Italy. This was the drink on every menu when we visited this summer—and for good reason!
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Just Prosecco, St-Germain, soda water, mint, and lemon. That’s it! It’s simple like my Sparkling Ginger Prosecco Cocktail!
- Perfect Aperitivo. This is what Italians sip before dinner and now it’s my go-to, too.
Hugo Spritz Ingredients
St-Germain: This elderflower cordial adds a sweet, floral note to your Hugo Spritz.
Prosecco: An Italian sparkling wine with a light, bubbly texture and a touch of sweetness. It is an essential ingredient, so use a good-quality Prosecco.
Soda Water: Helps to balance the sweetness and adds a refreshing fizz.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Provides a vibrant, cooling aroma and taste; gently muddle or spank the leaves to release their oils.
Lemon: Adds a splash of tartness to balance the flavors and can be used as a wheel garnish.
Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting the drink to the perfect level.
5 Simple Steps to the Perfect Hugo Spritz
- Prep the mint: Wash and gently rub a few mint leaves between your fingers to release their oils.
- Build the drink: In a large wine glass, add Prosecco, St-Germain, soda water, and two mint leaves.
- Add ice: Fill the glass with ice and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig for a burst of color and aroma.
- Finish with flair: Lightly dust the mint with powdered sugar for a charming, cocktail-bar touch.
Recipe Tips & Variations
1. Prep Your Mint Like a Pro: Gently clap or rub mint between your fingers or palm to release its fragrant oils—just like experts do in Italy
2. Chill Everything: Keep your Prosecco, sparkling water, and glass chilled—or pre-freeze your wine glass—for crisp, refreshing bubbles
3. Gently Muddle for Flavor: Lightly muddle mint and St‑Germain in the glass (or pitcher) and let sit for a minute. This infuses the drink without flattening the fizz
4. Easy Party Pitcher Option: To serve a crowd: muddle mint, St‑Germain, and lime juice in a pitcher, refrigerate briefly, then pour over ice and top with Prosecco + sparkling water per glass
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a light, floral spritz crafted with St‑Germain elderflower liqueur (or syrup), Prosecco (or sparkling wine), soda water, and fresh mint—all served bubbly over ice in a wine glass.
The Hugo is bright, sweet, and aromatic—thanks to elderflower and mint—while the Aperol spritz is bitter and citrusy from Aperol. It’s like choosing between a fragrant garden and a bold sunset.
Yes! For the best flavor, use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine with elderflower syrup or cordial. There are so many great options available now, and it makes the drink feel just as special—without the buzz.
More Spritz recipes
This delicious Hugo spritz recipe gives you an instant taste of Italian summer. Let me know if you make this refreshing cocktail by leaving a comment and review below. Cheers!
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Hugo Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce St-Germain, 3/4 for a sweeter drink
- 4 ounces Prosecco, chilled
- 1 ounce soda water, sparkling water
- 1/8 ounce lemon juice, just a splash
- 2 sprigs mint leaves
- 1 medium lemon wheel
Instructions
- Wash the mint and rub together to release the oils.
- Add all of the ingredients into a wine glass, including 2 mint leaves.
- Add ice and give it a good stir to mix.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and more fresh mint.
- Dust powdered sugar over the fresh mint.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Eden, this drink looks incredible–I love the garnish! Elderflower is a delicate flavor that goes perfectly with mint and lemon. I love that this drink only takes a handful of simple ingredients and just a minute to whip up!