Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe

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I live by the motto that there is a spritz for everyone. Of course, an Aperol spritz has a cult following but after being introduced to this other classic Italian cocktail in Italy, the Hugo spritz quickly became my absolute favorite spritz.

Originating in the northern part of Italy, the Hugo spritz is different than most traditional Italian spritz cocktail recipes. Instead of being made with a bitter aperitif like Aperol or Campari, the base of this spritz is an elderflower liqueur.

Hugo Spritz Ingredients

• Limes – Try to choose a lime that has a glossy skin because these tend to be juicier. Roll the lime back and forth on the counter, pressing slightly, before slicing. This helps release the juices.
• Fresh Mint Leaves – Pat the leaves gently to release the most flavor from the leaves. You can store cut mint in a little bit of water in the fridge to keep it fresh until ready to use.
• Prosecco or Sparkling Wine – Prosecco is the traditional choice for a St. Germain spritz but you can substitute with a brut sparking wine if that is what you have on hand. I’m a big fan of using the Kirkland brand of prosecco from Costco because of it’s low cost for the quality.
• St-Germain or Elderflower Liqueur – Elderflower liqueur is what gives this spritz the signature floral flavors. St-Germain is a well known brand but there are several others available too. You can substitute a non-alcoholic elderflower syrup, if you prefer.
• Club Soda or Sparkling Water – This is used in the traditional cocktail as the final ingredient. I always forget to pick it up from the store so I usually just add a little extra prosecco.
• Ice – A spritz is best served cold and over ice. I usually try to use larger ice cubes as they melt slower and keep the drink from getting too diluted.

How to Make a Hugo Spritz Cocktail

This recipe is so simple to make. You don’t need a cocktail shaker or any fancy equipment. Just be sure you choose a glass large enough to hold all of the ingredients and then get started. Tip: Be sure your prosecco and club soda are both well chilled for the best results.

I like to start by adding my ice first. Then, add the mint, lime slices, and St-Germain (or elderflower liqueur if using a different brand). Give it a little stir.

Add the prosecco and then top with club soda, if using. I usually just use extra prosecco because I always seem to forget to buy the club soda or sparkling water! Stir gently to combine.

I have made the drink by adding the ice followed by mint and lime. Then, adding the prosecco BEFORE the St-Germain. This will work fine too and has become a popular way to mix the drink as well.

Hugo Spritz Variations

This cocktail recipe is super flexible. Some ideas to change it up include:

• Add in fresh berries or even citrus slices. One of my favorite versions is a cranberry Hugo spritz.
• Add cucumber slices or ribbons. One of the first versions I had in Italy included cucumber and it was divine.
• Add more citrus. You can add lemon or orange slices for some additional citrus flavors.
• Make a hybrid spritz. I love mixing limoncello with St. Germain in a spritz for a hybrid of two delicious options.

More Great Summer Cocktail Recipes

• Thyme Limoncello Spritz
• Pink Grapefruit Sorbet Mimosa
• Grapefruit Prosecco Smash
• Wine Slushie Popsicles
• Mojito