A Hugo Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail that is the perfect aperitif. Try this cranberry version for a festive twist on a delicious classic.

During our trip to Italy this year, I fell in love with the Hugo Spritz cocktail. It was afternoon go-to since it was so light and refreshing. When we returned home, I started making them and decided to put a festive twist on the classic recipe in preparation for the holidays.

While the Aperol Spritz may be the most well known Italian cocktail, I’m totally team Hugo Spritz.

So, what is exactly is the traditional Hugo Spritz cocktail?

The Hugo Spritz is a light and refreshing aperitif that is made with elderflower liqueur, sparkling soda or water, limes, mint and prosecco. This cranberry version adds a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch. (Note: You can muddle the cranberries a little if you want more of their flavor. 

When working on perfecting this cranberry hugo spritz, I found that the best combination came with the addition of a small amount of orange liqueur to go along with the tart cranberries. You can leave it out completely and still have a fabulous cocktail though.

A few key things when making this cranberry hugo spritz cocktail:

• Rub the mint lightly before adding it to your glass to release the oils
• Add all of the fruit and the mint before the ice and liquids
• Use a large glass so that everything will fit

I may not be able to go to Italy for their famous Italian cocktails as often as I’d like but I can definitely enjoy this Italian cocktail at home any time I want now. 

If you love this Italian cocktail, you need to these other great cocktails:

• Thyme Limoncello Spritz
• Sparkling Winter Sangria
• Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
• Holiday Sangria

If you make this cranberry hugo spritz or any other recipe from the blog, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Twitter.

Yield: 1 cocktail

Cranberry Hugo Spritz Cocktail

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This fun twist on a classic Italian cocktail is one you'll want to keep at the top of your bar recipe pile.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 mint leaves
• 2 slices lime
• 5-6 fresh cranberries
• 1 oz Elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 2 oz sparkling water
• 6 oz prosecco
• Ice

Instructions

1. Rub the mint leaves lightly between your hands to release the oils. Add to glass along with cranberries and lime slices.
2. Fill glass halfway with ice.
3. Add elderflower liqueur, orange liqueur and sparkling water. Stir.
4. Top off with prosecco and enjoy immediately.