A classic Hugo spritz is a light, floral Italian cocktail made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, mint, and citrus, built directly in the glass for a refreshing, low-effort drink.

What a Hugo Spritz Is

  • The Hugo spritz is an Italian aperitivo-style cocktail that combines sparkling wine with elderflower, mint, and citrus for a refreshing low-ABV drink.
  • It is often seen as a fresher, more floral alternative to the Aperol spritz and has become especially popular in recent summers.

Core Ingredients (Single Serving)

  • 40–45 ml (about 1.5 oz) elderflower liqueur such as St‑Germain.
  • 60–120 ml (about 2–4 oz) chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine.
  • 30–60 ml (about 1–2 oz) club soda or sparkling water to top.
  • 4–10 fresh mint leaves (plus a sprig to garnish).
  • Citrus: lime or lemon slices/wheel, plus an optional wedge for garnish.
  • Ice cubes for serving in a large wine or spritz glass.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make a Hugo Spritz

  1. Prep the glass
    • Fill a large wine glass about three‑quarters full with ice cubes.
 * Add 4–8 mint leaves and a few slices or a wheel of lime or lemon.
  1. Muddle gently
    • Gently muddle or rub the mint with the citrus in the bottom of the glass to release the aromatic oils without shredding the leaves.
 * Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes if you want a stronger herbal note.
  1. Build the drink
    • Pour in 40–45 ml (about 1.5 oz) elderflower liqueur over the mint and citrus.
 * Add 60–120 ml (2–4 oz) chilled Prosecco, depending on how strong and bubbly you like it.

 * Top with 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) club soda or sparkling water to lengthen and lighten the drink.
  1. Finish and garnish
    • Stir gently just once or twice to combine without knocking out too much carbonation.
 * Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime or lemon wedge or wheel on the rim.
  1. Serve
    • Serve immediately while very cold and bubbly as an aperitivo before dinner or as a summer afternoon sipper.

Pro Tips, Variations, and Forum‑Style Takes

  • To make it less sweet, use a drier sparkling wine and more soda water, or slightly reduce the elderflower liqueur.
  • For a brighter, more floral profile, some recipes swap part of the liqueur for elderflower syrup, especially in lower‑alcohol or zero‑proof versions.
  • Many home bartenders online describe the Hugo spritz as “summer in a glass,” often serving it in big wine goblets packed with ice, mint, and citrus slices for an eye‑catching look.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.