The Hugo Spritz is the drink of summer! Italy has perfected the art of the summer cocktail, the spritz foremost among them. While I love a good Aperol or limoncello spritz my new favorite summer patio sip may just be the Hugo spritz. I was first introduced to the Hugo when visiting a friend in the Italian town of Ferrara, where I quickly became enchanted by the refreshing combination of elderflower cordial and sparkling wine lightened with a splash of soda water. Light, floral and bubbly the Hugo Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that is sure to delight.
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What is a Spritz Cocktail?
Italian Spritzes are one of the easiest cocktail recipes and are a popular apertivo. Dating back to the 1800’s in the Veneto region of Northern Italy which at the time was controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Soldiers found Italian wines to be a bit too strong so they lightened their drinks with a splash of water (or “spritz” in German). Aperol and limoncello spritzes are quite popular and you’ll also find other liqueurs used such as Campari and amaro.
The Hugo Spritz (also known as an elderflower spritz) was created in the south Tyrol region of Italy (near the Austrian border) by bartender Roland Gruber; who created the Hugo as an alternative to the Aperol spritz, replacing Aperol with elderflower syrup. Elderflower syrup is not as common in the United States as it is in Europe though St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur with a delicate floral flavor, is widely available. If you like St. Germain elderflower liqueur be sure to try it in a French Gimlet and for another classic Italian effervescent cocktail you can’t beat a Peach Bellini! Also my Frozen Aperol Spritz is a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients for the Hugo Spritz
- Elderflower liqueur (like St. Germain)
- Prosecco
- Soda water
- Lime slices
- Fresh mint
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
My hugo spritz recipe is quite simple to make. This delightful elderflower cocktail follows the classic 3:2:1 spritz ratio; pouring 3 parts Prosecco (you can also use champagne or any other sparkling wine), 2 parts elderflower liqueur and 1 part soda water. For a single Hugo spritz I add elderflower liqueur to a large wine glass with ice, top with Prosecco and soda water (or seltzer) and stir to combine. You can also easily make a large batch of Hugo spritzes using the same ratio (in this case 1 bottle of Prosecco or sparkling wine, 2 cups of elderflower liqueur and 1 cup soda water), this is a great cocktail to make for any summer party. Whether you’re making a single cocktail or a pitcher be sure to garnish with fresh lime slices (or lime wedge) and fresh mint leaves for a classic Hugo or cucumber and frsh berries would also be delicious.
If you like this Hugo Spritz Cocktail be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
If you make this Hugo Spritz Cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Hugo Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients
For an individual Hugo Spritz
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Elderflower Liqueur such as St. Germain
- 1 oz soda water
- 2 lime slices
- 1 sprig mint
For a Pitcher
- 1 750 ml bottle Prosecco approx 3 cups
- 2 cups St. Germain
- 1 cup soda water
- 8-12 lime slices
- fresh mint
Instructions
For one Hugo Spritz
- Pour the elderflower liqueur in a glass with ice, top with Prosecco and soda water and stir to combine. Garnish with with fresh mint and 1-2 slices of lime.
For a Pitcher of Hugo Spritz
- Pour the elderflower liqueur in a pitcher with ice, top with Prosecco and soda water and stir to combine. Garnish with with fresh mint and slices of lime.
Video
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nancy says
so light and refreshing. perfect for the summer heat! i am ready!
Emily Flint says
This was so refreshing and delicious. I love learning how to make new cocktails and elderflower liqueur is my favorite!
Katie says
Love this sparkling cocktail! Light and refreshing, perfect for summer !
Nancy says
Easy summer patio drink cocktail Light and refreshing
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow! This cocktail recipe looks absolutely delicious and tasty. The presentation makes it enticing and tempting! Loved it!
Ann says
Sounds very refreshing! I love trying new cocktails, especially in the summer! Thanks for the share!
Bea Radtke says
Way too sweet. Cut the elderflower liqueur in half & perhaps add more seltzer & it’s delicious. That’s the way I had it served to me Milan and then in Mexico.