Hugo Spritz Recipe: St. Germain Sparkling Summer Cocktail
Inside: A Hugo Spritz recipe with prosecco, elderflower, and mint—a light and refreshing go-to cocktail with a hint of mint and floral flavor!
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When hot summer days roll in, there’s nothing better than a light, crisp refreshing cocktail that goes down easy. If you’re a fan of aperol spritzes but looking for a sweeter version with a floral flavor, say hello to the Hugo Spritz!
I didn’t even know I’d been missing this one every summer of my adult life until I spotted a sparkling pitcher of cocktails infused with mint sprigs on a neighboring table of a bachelorette party at a hip restaurant in New Orleans. I had to ask them what it was, of course. I’d never heard of a Hugo Spritz, but prosecco, St. Germain, and fresh mint? I knew this could be my new favorite cocktail for summer.
What is a Hugo Spritz?
This modern classic cocktail hails from northern Italy, where bartender Roland Gruber first served up the classic Hugo Spritz in a small cocktail bar in the early 2000’s. His idea was a more floral and less bitter take on the Aperol spritz using fresh mint leaves, elderflower, and bubbly prosecco.
The main difference between the Hugo and other spritzes like Aperol, is its unique use of elderflower cordial (or St-Germain elderflower liqueur) that brings a slight floral flavor, making it the perfect cocktail to sip during the summer months.
Hugo Spritz Ingredients.
I’ve included exact amounts for preparing one cocktail, as well as ratios if you want to make a large batch of Hugo Spritzes for a gathering:
- 4 parts Prosecco (4 oz), chilled
- 1 part St Germain or elderflower liqueur (1 oz)
- 2 parts soda water or club soda (2 oz), chilled
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or lime slice for garnish
- Mint sprig for garnish
SH&H Tip: When making big batch Hugo Spritzes, either serve immediately or wait until right before to add the chilled prosecco and soda water to preserve the carbonation.
Hugo Spritz Recipe Instructions.
In a few simple steps you’ll quickly be enjoying a refreshing sip of this easy drink for summer!
1. Add mint leaves to a large wine glass. Gently press the leaves a few times with a bar spoon or other object to muddle and release some of the oils (don’t overdo or they will become bitter).
2. Add ice to the glass and pour in the elderflower liqueur (or syrup), followed by the Prosecco.
3. Top it off with the splash of soda water or club soda and give it a gentle stir.
4. Garnish with a lime or lemon slice. Lightly clap or slap the fresh mint sprig in your hands to release the fragrance and add to the top of the drink.
SH&H Tip: To help keep the Hugo Spritz cool, pre-chill the wine glass. And to slow dilution of the drink, use large highball ice cubes that don’t melt as fast.
Hugo Spritz Cocktail Variations.
Whether you’re watching your alcohol intake or simply want to mix things up, here are a few fun and refreshing ways to put a twist on the classic Hugo Spritz:
Mocktail Version (Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz).
Still want that floral flavor and none of the alcohol? This version is just as lovely and bubbly. Follow the same simple steps but sub sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine for the prosecco. Use elderflower syrup in place of elderflower liqueur.
Berry-Infused Hugo.
Muddle a few raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries at the bottom of the glass before adding the ingredients. It’s a fun way to enhance the sweet floral flavor and bring in a pop of color and fresh fruit.
Cucumber Hugo.
Add a few thin cucumber slices for a super light and ultra-refreshing drink—this one’s perfect for spa days or a ladies’ lunch.
Citrus Twist Hugo.
Swap the lemon or lime for orange slices, and add a bit of orange liqueur for a citrusy kick that balances beautifully with the elderflower.
When to Serve a Hugo Spritz.
The Hugo is the perfect cocktail for a variety of warm-weather occasions. Here are a few times it really shines:
- Kentucky Derby parties – Serve alongside those fancy hats and finger sandwiches for a bubbly floral option to the mint julep.
- Bridal showers or baby showers – Light, elegant, and crowd-pleasing.
- Mother’s Day brunch – Especially if you’re offering a big batch of cocktails for easy entertaining.
- Al fresco dinners – A lovely aperitif for those patio evenings.
- Poolside afternoons – A lighter alternative with lower ABV to more potent drinks.
- Garden parties or summer soirées – It looks just as lovely as these events.
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Hugo Spritz Printable Recipe.
Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur like St-Germain (1 part)
- 4 ounces prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled (4 parts)
- 2 ounces soda water or club soda, chilled (2 parts)
- Ice cubes
- Lime or lemon slice and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Add mint leaves to a large wine glass. Gently press the leaves with a bar spoon or other object to muddle and release some of the oils (don't overdo or they become bitter).
- Add ice to the glass.
- Pour in the elderflower liqueur.
- Add the prosecco.
- Top it off with soda water or club soda and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish the glass with a lime or lemon slice.
- Slap or clap the mint sprig(s) between your hands to release the fragrance and add the garnish to the top of the drink.
This light and bubbly St-Germain Spritz pairs perfectly with summer appetizers, patio conversations, and outdoor entertaining!
Cheers,
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