Cranberry Hugo Spritz Cocktail
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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.
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.)
Cranberry Hugo Spritz Ingredients
- Fresh Mint and Limes – These are the two quintessential items you need to make a St. Germain cocktail.
- Fresh Cranberries – The cranberries add a festive touch. If you muddle the cranberries slightly before adding to the glass, you will get more cranberry flavor.
- St. Germain Liqueur – This French liqueur is made with elderflower blossoms and is known for its bright, floral flavors.
- Orange Liqueur – This is basically an liquor that has been sweetened and has an orange flavor. Typically, it is made with oranges, orange peels, or orange oil. Depending on which orange liqueur you choose, it may be clear or orange. The color of this Hugo spritz cocktail will change accordingly.
- Prosecco – Prosecco offers just the right amount of sweetness and bubbles for this Italian spritz.
- Sparkling Water or Club Soda – This is used to top off the cocktail. If you don’t have any on hand, you can add additional prosecco instead but it will slightly alter the flavor of the spritz.
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.
Important Notes 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 liquids
- Use a large glass so that everything will fit
In this recipe, I add the St. Germain and orange liqueurs before the Prosecco. You will want to give the cocktail a very gentle stir after adding the sparkling beverages to combine all of the flavors.
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.
More Great Cocktail Recipes
If you love this Italian cocktail, you need to these other great cocktails:
Cranberry Hugo Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 mint leaves
- 2 slices lime
- 5-6 fresh cranberries
- 1 ounce Elderflower liqueur
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- 6 ounces prosecco
- Ice
Instructions
- Rub the mint leaves lightly between your hands to release the oils. Add to glass along with cranberries and lime slices.2 mint leaves, 2 slices lime, 5-6 fresh cranberries
- Fill glass halfway with ice.Ice
- Add elderflower liqueur, orange liqueur and sparkling water. Stir.1 ounce Elderflower liqueur, 1 ounce orange liqueur, 2 ounces sparkling water
- Top off with prosecco and enjoy immediately.6 ounces prosecco
Notes
- The color of your cocktail may vary depending on the color of orange liqueur you use. Some are clear while others have an orange color.
Nutrition
