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Recipe

Hugo Spritz Recipe

A refreshing, minty spritz with elderflower, citrus, and bubbly Prosecco. Light, floral, and very easy to sip.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.9
A chilled Hugo Spritz in a large wine glass with mint, citrus slices, and ice on a sunlit patio table
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If an Aperol Spritz is your bold, bittersweet friend, the Hugo Spritz is the breezy one who shows up with fresh mint and insists you sit down for a minute. It is floral, bright, and super refreshing, with elderflower doing most of the heavy lifting and a squeeze of citrus keeping everything snappy.

This is the kind of cocktail I make when I want something light but still special. It looks fancy, tastes like summer, and takes about as much effort as opening a bottle of bubbles. Accessible ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of room to make it your own. That is the whole vibe.

Hands adding fresh mint and citrus juice to a wine glass for a Hugo Spritz

Why It Works

  • Balanced and refreshing: Elderflower brings floral sweetness, while citrus adds bite so it never tastes syrupy.
  • Built for crisp fizz: Chilling everything and adding soda last keeps the drink lively longer.
  • Low effort, high payoff: No shaker, no strainer, no drama. Just build it in the glass.
  • Easy to scale: Make one, or prep a base for a group and top with bubbles to order.

Pairs Well With

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Storage Tips

Spritzes are happiest fresh, but you can still set yourself up for success if you are prepping for a crowd.

Best approach: prep the base

  • Mix ahead (best within 12 to 24 hours): Combine elderflower liqueur (or syrup) and fresh citrus juice in a jar and refrigerate. For the brightest pop, make it the day of.
  • Keep it cold: Chill your Prosecco and soda hard. Warm bubbles go flat fast.
  • Mint tip: Wash and dry mint, then store wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel inside a bag in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

If you already made the drink

  • Fridge: You can refrigerate a leftover spritz for a couple hours, but it will lose fizz.
  • Revive it: Add fresh ice, a splash of soda, and a quick mint slap to wake up the aroma.

Common Questions

What is a Hugo Spritz made of?

A classic Hugo Spritz is made with elderflower (often syrup or cordial), Prosecco, a splash of soda water, plus fresh mint and citrus (lemon is traditional in many regions). It is typically served over lots of ice in a wine glass.

Can I make a Hugo Spritz without alcohol?

Yes. Use elderflower syrup (not liqueur), then top with sparkling water or nonalcoholic sparkling wine. Keep the mint and citrus, and do not skip the ice.

Do I have to use Prosecco?

Prosecco is traditional, but any dry sparkling wine works. Cava and Brut sparkling wine are great. Avoid anything too sweet unless you reduce the elderflower.

Why does my spritz taste too sweet?

It usually comes down to the bubbles and the elderflower. Use a drier Prosecco, add a touch more citrus, and keep soda water in the mix. Also, measure the elderflower. It is easy to free-pour yourself into dessert territory. If you are using syrup, sweetness varies a lot by brand, so start small and adjust.

How do I keep it fizzy?

Start with cold ingredients, build in the glass, and pour gently. Add soda last and stir once, lightly. Over-stirring knocks out carbonation.

The first time I made a Hugo Spritz at home, I was fully convinced I would mess it up because it looked like a “real cocktail.” Then I realized it is basically the friendliest drink on earth: mint, elderflower, citrus, bubbles, done. Now it is my go-to when I want something that tastes like I planned my life, even if dinner is just pasta and a bagged salad. The mint makes it feel intentional. The Prosecco makes it feel like a reward.