How to Make the Perfect Hugo Spritz
Italian · Easy · 5 min · 1 servings
The Hugo Spritz is the best refreshing summer cocktail you can make at home, combining elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and fresh mint into a light and bubbly drink that rivals any Italian aperitivo hour experience. If you are searching for easy homemade cocktail recipes, quick party drink ideas, or how to make a Hugo Spritz from scratch, this simple recipe delivers elegance in under five minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Hugo Spritz recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 180 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 90 ml prosecco chilled
- 30 ml elderflower liqueur such as St Germain
- 30 ml sparkling water or club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 5 leaves fresh mint sprigs
- 2 slices fresh lime
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Choose a large balloon wine glass or a standard wine glass for serving. Fill the glass generously with ice cubes and let it sit for 30 seconds to chill the glass slightly, which will help keep your cocktail colder for longer.
Step 2: Add the Elderflower and Lime
Pour the elderflower liqueur directly over the ice followed by the fresh lime juice. These two ingredients form the flavor base of the Hugo Spritz and should be added before the bubbles to allow them to blend gently without losing carbonation.
Step 3: Slap and Add the Mint
Take the fresh mint sprigs and firmly clap them between your palms two or three times to release the aromatic oils before dropping them into the glass. This simple technique dramatically enhances the mint aroma in every sip.
Step 4: Pour the Prosecco and Sparkling Water
Slowly pour the chilled prosecco into the glass at an angle to preserve as many bubbles as possible. Top with the sparkling water or club soda and give the drink one very gentle stir with a long spoon just to combine everything without deflating the bubbles.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Add a slice of lime and a slice of lemon to the rim of the glass or float them on top of the ice. Serve immediately while the prosecco is perfectly bubbly and cold. The Hugo Spritz is best enjoyed fresh and should not be made ahead of time.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- elderflower liqueur → elderflower cordial syrup for a non-alcoholic version that keeps the same floral flavor
- prosecco → dry sparkling wine or cava as a more budget friendly alternative with similar results
- fresh lime juice → fresh lemon juice for a slightly more classic and less tart Italian aperitivo flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using warm prosecco which immediately flattens the drink and ruins the light bubbly texture that defines a great Hugo Spritz
- Skipping the step of slapping the mint which means you miss out on most of the aromatic oils that make the cocktail smell and taste so fresh
- Over-stirring after adding the prosecco which releases the carbonation and leaves you with a flat and disappointing cocktail
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 180 calories, 0g protein, 14g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →