The Hugo Spritz Cocktail is a refreshing and light Italian aperitif perfect for warm weather and social gatherings. Made with sparkling prosecco, elderflower syrup, fresh lime, and mint leaves, this cocktail is aromatic, slightly sweet, and delightfully bubbly. It’s a fantastic alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz and easy to prepare for any occasion.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 oz prosecco

• 2 oz elderflower syrup (such as St-Germain or homemade)

• 1 oz soda water (club soda)

• Fresh lime wedges

• Fresh mint leaves

• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.

2. Add the elderflower syrup and prosecco to the glass.

3. Squeeze in a wedge or two of fresh lime.

4. Top with soda water to add a refreshing fizz.

5. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and an additional lime wedge.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Sugars: 8 g

• Alcohol: varies based on prosecco used

The Origins and Popularity of the Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz emerged in the early 2000s as a regional favorite in northern Italy, particularly in South Tyrol. Its popularity has since spread internationally, becoming a trendy choice at bars and summer gatherings around the world. Unlike the bitter, orange-forward Aperol Spritz, the Hugo emphasizes floral sweetness and fresh, herbaceous flavors, appealing to those seeking a lighter and more aromatic cocktail.

This drink exemplifies the Italian tradition of “aperitivo,” a pre-dinner ritual meant to stimulate the appetite and encourage socializing. The Hugo Spritz fits perfectly into this tradition, offering refreshment without overwhelming the palate.

Why Elderflower Syrup is the Star Ingredient

Elderflower syrup, typically made from the delicate white blossoms of the elderberry bush, brings a distinctive floral aroma and sweet, slightly fruity flavor to the cocktail. Brands like St-Germain have popularized elderflower liqueurs, but simple syrups made from elderflower concentrate offer the same aromatic qualities without alcohol content.

The syrup’s light sweetness balances the acidity of fresh lime and the dryness of prosecco, creating a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and flavorful. Elderflower’s floral notes evoke spring and summer, enhancing the seasonal appeal of the Hugo Spritz.

The Role of Prosecco and Soda Water

Prosecco, Italy’s sparkling wine, is central to the Hugo Spritz, providing effervescence, crispness, and subtle fruitiness. Its light body and fine bubbles complement the floral sweetness of elderflower syrup without overpowering the cocktail’s delicate balance.

Topping the drink with soda water adds a refreshing fizz that elevates the overall sensory experience, making the cocktail light and easy to sip. The soda water also slightly dilutes the sweetness and alcohol, ensuring the drink remains crisp and thirst-quenching.

Fresh Lime and Mint: Adding Brightness and Herbaceousness

Fresh lime wedges are squeezed into the cocktail, contributing essential acidity that brightens the flavors and balances the elderflower’s sweetness. Lime adds a zesty and invigorating note that enlivens the palate, making each sip refreshing and lively.

Fresh mint leaves provide an herbal, cooling aroma and flavor that complements the floral syrup and sparkling wine. Mint’s presence also adds a visual appeal, with vibrant green leaves enhancing the cocktail’s presentation.

Together, lime and mint complete the Hugo Spritz’s flavor profile, introducing complexity and freshness that elevate this simple yet elegant drink.

Occasions to Enjoy the Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is ideal for warm-weather occasions due to its refreshing nature. It’s perfect for outdoor brunches, garden parties, summer barbecues, and beachside gatherings. Its light alcohol content and bubbly profile make it a wonderful aperitif to stimulate the appetite before meals.

This cocktail is also well-suited for celebratory events like weddings, anniversaries, or casual get-togethers where a crowd-pleasing, elegant drink is desired. Its approachable flavor profile appeals to a wide audience, including those who prefer less bitter or less heavy cocktails.

How to Serve and Garnish

Serving the Hugo Spritz in a large wine glass enhances its aromatic qualities, providing room for ice, fresh garnishes, and bubbles to mingle. Filling the glass generously with ice keeps the drink chilled and refreshing.

Garnishing with fresh mint leaves and an extra lime wedge adds to the visual appeal and allows drinkers to adjust flavor intensity by muddling or squeezing additional lime or mint if desired.

A gentle stir before serving blends the flavors without dissipating the bubbles, ensuring a consistent taste throughout.

Variations and Customizations

While the traditional Hugo Spritz has a fixed formula, there is room for creative twists. Some variations substitute elderflower syrup with elderflower liqueur for an added alcoholic kick. Others experiment with different citrus garnishes, like lemon or grapefruit, to add complexity.

Herbs such as basil or rosemary can be used instead of mint for an herbal twist, changing the aroma and flavor profile subtly. For a lower-alcohol or mocktail version, sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine can replace prosecco, maintaining the effervescence and freshness.

Adjusting the amount of elderflower syrup allows for sweeter or drier versions, tailoring the cocktail to individual preferences.

Nutritional Information and Moderation

The Hugo Spritz is relatively low in calories compared to many cocktails, with approximately 120 calories per serving. The main calorie sources come from the prosecco and the elderflower syrup’s sugars.

Carbohydrate content is moderate, primarily from the syrup, with about 9 grams per serving, including roughly 8 grams of sugar. The drink contains no fat or protein.

While lighter than many mixed drinks, it’s still important to enjoy the Hugo Spritz responsibly, especially given its alcohol content, which varies based on the prosecco used.

Why the Hugo Spritz is a Modern Classic

The Hugo Spritz’s rise in popularity is a testament to the evolving tastes of cocktail enthusiasts seeking fresh, balanced, and less bitter alternatives to traditional aperitifs. Its easy preparation, refreshing profile, and beautiful presentation make it a modern classic that bridges traditional Italian culture with contemporary drinking trends.

The cocktail embodies the social and leisurely spirit of the Mediterranean lifestyle, encouraging relaxation, conviviality, and enjoyment of simple, quality ingredients.

Conclusion

The Hugo Spritz Cocktail is a beautifully balanced, refreshing drink that captures the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. Its combination of sparkling prosecco, fragrant elderflower syrup, zesty lime, and fresh mint creates an aromatic and bubbly experience perfect for warm weather and social occasions.

This cocktail’s light sweetness and effervescence offer a delightful alternative to the more bitter Aperol Spritz, appealing to a broad audience and fitting seamlessly into any summer gathering or celebratory event.

With its ease of preparation and elegant flavor profile, the Hugo Spritz invites you to embrace the joy of slow, convivial sipping—making every toast and gathering feel just a bit more special. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a relaxing moment, this cocktail promises refreshment, sophistication, and a taste of Italy’s vibrant spirit in every glass.