If you know me, you know I love spritzing during the summer months! This Hugo Spritz Recipe cocktail is another cocktail recipe with bubbly prosecco! I love this Hugo Spritz Recipe because it’s such a refreshing cocktail with floral notes, fresh lime slices, and fresh mint leaves. You’ll sip on this Hugo Spritz all summer long!  I promise this spritz is so easy to make, it will become your new favorite cocktail in no time! Its refreshing taste makes it ideal for warm weather sipping.

This Hugo Spritz recipe originated in South Tyrol,  which is a northern Italian province nestled among the Dolomite mountain range. Unlike traditional spritzes made with a bitter aperitif, the Hugo Spritz features elderflower cordial. I love spritz cocktails because they are so easy to make.Plus, you can mix the drink in the same glass you’re serving in it! My favorite cocktail, a classic aperol spritz, comes from Northern Italy, just like this Hugo Spritz recipe! Both use prosecco and soda water for an extra effervescent cocktail. The main difference is that Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liqueur (St Germain) instead of Aperol! And for another fun aperol spritz, check out my cranberry aperol spritzer!

Hugo Spritz Recipe History

The Hugo Spritz  recipe is a relatively modern cocktail, especially compared to classic Italian aperitivo drinks. It was made  in 2005 by Roland Gruber,  in South Tyrol, a scenic region in northern Italy known for its alpine views and strong aperitivo culture. Gruber originally crafted the drink as a lighter, floral alternative to the Aperol Spritz, which had long dominated the spritz scene.

The original recipe used melissa syrup, but because it was harder to find, bartenders quickly began replacing it with elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur, giving the drink its now-iconic floral profile. As the Hugo spread from South Tyrol across Italy, Austria, and Germany, it became a staple on summer menus—especially in alpine bars and lakeside cafés.

By the early 2010s, the Hugo Spritz gained international popularity thanks to its refreshing taste, low alcohol content, and Instagram-worthy presentation featuring mint sprigs, lime slices, and sparkling bubbles. Today, it’s considered one of the most beloved modern spritz cocktails, perfect for warm weather and leisurely afternoons—an instant classic born from contemporary creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Hugo Spritz Recipe

It’s light and low ABV. This spritz recipe is really refreshing and light. It’s lower in alcohol content than a lot of other drinks and the st. germaine gives the hugo drink a great flavor. Plus, the sparkling wine adds the perfect bubbly touch! Looking for another light alcohol drink? Try my Strawberry Spritz!!

It’s an easy cocktail Hugo Spritz Recipe that anyone can make. With fresh lime, club soda, a bottle of prosecco, and St. Germain, this elderflower cocktail can’t get much easier! You can use elderflower syrup or liquor for this Hugo cocktail recipe. Oh, and  don’t forget the sprig of mint! 

It’s the perfect aperitivo drink! Italian spritzes are perfect to enjoy this time of year. They are delicious to sip on for the rest of the afternoon before welcoming dinner time. 

Ingredients for Hugo Spritz Recipe

Fresh Mint Leaves –  A sprig of mint adds a refreshing, aromatic touch to your Hugo Spritz. Look for bright green, unblemished leaves at the store or farmers’ market. To keep them fresh, store mint sprigs in a glass of water in the refrigerator, just like cut flowers.

Lime – Slices of lime provide a zesty, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the elderflower. Choose limes that are heavy for their size and have slightly glossy skin, which indicates juiciness. Roll the lime on the counter before slicing to release more juice.

Elderflower Syrup or Liqueur –  Elderflower syrup or liqueur (like St-Germain) gives the drink its signature floral flavor. If you are using syrup, adjust the amount to your taste preference. For a more budget-friendly option, elderflower syrup can be found in many specialty grocery stores. It’s a great option if you aren’t someone who keeps a bottle of St-Germain on your cocktail bar. 

Prosecco –  Prosecco gives this Hugo Spritz recipe a bubbly finish! Look for a dry (Brut) Prosecco to avoid making the drink too sweet. Chill it thoroughly before mixing for the best taste.

Club Soda –  Club soda gives the spritz a fizzy lift, without adding any sweetness.  Choose a good quality club soda with a neutral taste. Make sure it’s chilled, too! 

Ice Cubes –  Ice cubes are a must for keeping your Hugo Spritz chilled and refreshing. Use large ice cubes to slow down dilution, keeping your drink cool without watering it down too quickly. 

READ MORE : Healthy Mashed Potatoes: A Creamy And Guilt-Free Comfort Dish

Hugo Spritz Recipe Additions

Fresh Berries – Adding a handful of fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries adds a nice sweet touch to your spritz! 

Cucumber – Thin cucumber slices or ribbons can enhance the freshness and add a subtle crisp flavor.

Edible Flowers – Edible flowers like pansies or violets make for a beautiful garnish and add a subtle floral note.

Simple Syrup – Add some simple syrup if you prefer your spritz on the sweeter side.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Ensure your Prosecco and club soda are well-chilled before starting. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Add the mint leaves and lime slices to the glass. Lightly muddle the mint leaves if desired, to release their aroma.

Step 2: Pour in 1 oz of elderflower syrup or liqueur.

Step 3: Slowly add 4 oz of chilled Prosecco to maintain its bubbles.

Step 4: Add 2 oz of chilled club soda.

Step 5: Give the Hugo Spritz Recipe a gentle stir to mix the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.

Step 6: Garnish with an additional mint sprig or lime slice if desired. Enjoy immediately while the drink is cold and fizzy.

Tips and Notes

Chill Everything –  Ensure your Prosecco and club soda are well-chilled before making the drink. This keeps the cocktail refreshingly cool and maintains the bubbles.

Stir Gently –  Stir the ingredients gently to mix them without losing too much of the carbonation from the Prosecco and club soda.

Garnish Last –  Add your garnish of a mint sprig or lime slice just before serving to keep them fresh and bright. 

Serve Immediately –  Serve the Hugo Spritz Recipe immediately after making it to keep it bubbly!

Serving Suggestions

Batch Preparation – I LOVE a batch cocktail! For larger gatherings, you can prepare a batch of Hugo Spritz in a large pitcher. Add the ice, mint, lime slices, and elderflower syrup. Just before serving, pour in the chilled Prosecco and club soda to keep it fizzy.

Perfect for Brunch – Serve this cocktail for brunch with light and fresh dishes such as salads, quiches, and fresh fruit.

Aperitivo Hour – Pair the Hugo Spritz Recipe with light appetizers like bruschetta, cheese platters, or prosciutto-wrapped melon. Blue cheese-stuffed olives, prosciutto-wrapped dates, fried goat cheese balls, or crab arancini would also be delicious! For a traditional pairing, try my Sicilian arancini.

Conclusion

The Hugo Spritz Recipe is truly the ultimate warm-weather cocktail—light, floral, bubbly, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or looking for a refreshing drink to serve with brunch, this spritz is always a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a cocktail that feels both elegant and effortless. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Hugo Spritz has become a favorite all over the world. Mix one up, sip, relax, and enjoy every refreshing, minty, citrusy moment! Cheers!

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