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Think of this Hugo Spritz as the easiest “I have my life together” cocktail: Prosecco, elderflower, mint, lime, and soda – done in minutes.
It’s light, bubbly, and floral in the best way – like a little celebration you can make on a random Tuesday. And because I can’t help myself, I’ve tested the ratios enough times to know exactly how to keep it refreshing (not too sweet) with that crisp, minty finish that makes you want another sip. If you’ve been looking for a Hugo Spritz recipe that tastes like a fancy outdoor café moment without any fuss… this is it.
Kellie’s Note
Sip on Springtime
I’m the person who will happily “test” spritz ratios (purely for science) until it’s perfectly balanced – bright, fragrant, and not too sweet. I love drinks that feel celebratory but stay simple, and after making this one for everything from spring lunches to last-minute patio hangs, I can tell you the secret: keep it ice-cold, use fresh mint for that aroma, and let the elderflower do the heavy lifting.
Why You’ll Love My Hugo Spritz
- Perfect spring/summer cocktail… but I make it year-round. It’s basically sunshine in a wine glass.
- Light + bubbly + refreshing. It’s crisp, bright, and not overly boozy.
- Floral and a little sweet. Elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is classic) makes it taste special with basically zero effort.
- It’s fast. Like “someone just texted they’re on the way over” fast.
- Easy to tweak. Sweeter, drier, more citrusy, or pitcher-style for a crowd—done.
Ingredients For Hugo Spritz Cocktail
(Measurements are in the recipe card, I promise.)
- Prosecco – Go for well-chilled Prosecco – this drink is at its best when it’s super cold and super fizzy. If you don’t have Prosecco, any dry sparkling wine works (Cava is great). Champagne works too, but it’s pricier and a bit more toasty.
- Elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is classic) – This is the signature flavor: floral, slightly sweet, and very “garden party.” Elderflower syrup or cordial (great for a lighter or lower-ABV version – just note it’s sweeter, so you’ll usually use a bit less and adjust to taste) is a great substitute. In a pinch: a splash of pear liqueur with a tiny squeeze of citrus gives a similar vibe (not identical, but still lovely).
- Soda water or sparkling water – This keeps the drink airy and refreshing instead of syrupy.
Club soda is good substitute. For a sweeter sip, use a lemon-lime sparkling water (just keep it subtle so it doesn’t bulldoze the elderflower). - Fresh mint – Mint is the “wow” aroma when you take that first sip, don’t skip it.
You can substitute with Basil, it’s surprisingly good here (more peppery, fresh green flavor). No fresh herbs? Add a thin ribbon of citrus peel for extra aroma. - Lime (or lemon) – That bright citrus keeps everything tasting clean and not too sweet.
Lemon is totally classic too. If all you have is bottled citrus, use it lightly, fresh tastes best. - Ice (lots of it!) – A Hugo Spritz should be frosty-cold from first sip to last sip.
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
This is the kind of cocktail you can make while you’re chatting, cooking dinner, or pretending you’re not “hosting” even though you definitely are.
- Start with a cold glass + lots of ice. If you can, chill your glass first, then fill it all the way up with ice so the drink stays crisp and doesn’t water down too fast.
- Wake up the mint (no aggressive muddling). Gently clap the mint between your hands or rub it gently between your fingers and you should immediately smell that bright minty aroma. That’s what you want, fragrant, not bruised and bitter.
- Add your citrus wheel. Drop it right in so the oils mingle with the bubbles as you sip.
- Build it in the right order for max bubbles. I like to pour the elderflower first, then the Prosecco, then top with soda water so it gently mixes itself as you build.
- Stir once or twice, that’s it. You’re not mixing cake batter; you’re barely combining. When it looks evenly mixed and still super sparkly, you’re done.
- Garnish and serve immediately. Add a fresh mint sprig (for that first-sip aroma) and another citrus wheel if you’re feeling extra.
Kellie’s Tips for The Best Hugo Spritz
- Batch it for parties (but add soda last). You can pre-mix the Prosecco and elderflower with mint, citrus and lots of ice, then top with soda right before serving for the best fizz.
- Keep everything cold. Chill your Prosecco, chill your glass, use a mountain of ice. This drink wants to stay frosty.
- Don’t muddle mint into oblivion. A gentle clap releases aroma without bitterness.
- Want it sweeter? Add a little more elderflower.
- Want it drier/lighter? Use a touch less elderflower and a splash more soda.
- Want it more citrusy? A small squeeze of lime does it, just don’t let it take over.
What to Serve with Hugo Spritz
The Hugo cocktail is an aperitivo-style drink, so I love it with snacky, salty, “just-one-more-bite” foods:
- Marinated olives or a quick antipasto skewer
- Prosciutto and melon (peak spring/summer energy)
- Parmesan, salty nuts, or a simple cheese board
- Crispy crostini or bruschetta
- Shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon dip, or anything lemony
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
If you’re in your “light, bubbly, pretty drink” era (same), here are a few directions to go next:
- Classic Aperol Spritz (for that bittersweet vibe)
- Limoncello Spritz (bright, lemony, sunshine-y)
- French 75 (bubbly + celebratory)
- Lemonade Gin Mojito (mint lovers, this one’s for you)
- Paloma (easy, citrusy, refreshing)
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Hugo Spritz Recipe (St-Germain Elderflower Spritz)
Equipment
- stemmed cocktail glass
- jigger or shot glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60 ml Prosecco (well chilled)
- 1 oz 30 ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is classic)
- 1 oz 30 ml soda water (or sparkling water)
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime wheel, or lemon wheel, plus an optional squeeze
- Ice, lots, this drink likes to stay super cold
Instructions
- Chill your glass (a large wine glass is traditional) and fill it all the way with ice.
- Add mint and the lime wheel to the glass. Give the mint a gentle clap between your hands to wake it up, then drop it in (don’t aggressively muddle—mint can turn bitter).
- Pour in elderflower liqueur, then Prosecco, then top with soda water.
- Stir once or twice—just enough to combine without killing the bubbles.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and another citrus wheel if you like.
Notes
- Sweeter: add another 0.25–0.5 oz elderflower liqueur.
- Drier/lighter: reduce elderflower to 0.75 oz and add more soda.
- More citrusy: add a small squeeze of lime (go easy so it doesn’t dominate).
- Pitcher for a crowd (6 drinks): 12 oz Prosecco + 6 oz elderflower liqueur + 6 oz soda water, mint + citrus, lots of ice. Add soda right before serving for max fizz.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
