The Hugo Spritz is a glamorous refreshing Prosecco cocktail that comes to us from the Italian Alps. It’s beautiful, clean-tasting, and easy to make!
It’s popping up on menus everywhere; once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why!
Unlike its colorful cousin, the Aperol Spritz, the Hugo is delicate, floral, and light thanks to a combination of fresh mint, Prosecco, and St-Germain elderflower liqueur. It’s the perfect drink or aperitif on a warm summer night with its lower-by-volume alcohol content and calories.
We’ve got directions for a single drink, and a pitcher of drinks for a crowd. It’s an aperitif, so be sure to add some fun bites, like our Honey Roasted Cashews, and pita chips with Tzatziki Dip and you’ve got a party!
Ingredients Needed
- St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur – or any brand you prefer
- Fresh Mint Sprigs – see tips below for keeping them fresh
- Prosecco – use a dry (brut) Prosecco
- Sparkling Water or Soda Water – choose unflavored and chill it before using
- Ice – this is a drink best served very cold!
- Lime – lime wheels for garnish
How to make a classic Hugo Spritz cocktail
There are just four easy steps for this refresher:
- Add the St-Germain elderflower liqueur and 2 torn mint leaves to a large wine glass or cocktail glass. Gently muddle the mint leaves with the back of a spoon and let sit for about 2 minutes to allow the mint to release its natural oils
- Add a generous scoop of ice, and the chilled Prosecco, and stir
- Top with the chilled sparkling water, and briefly stir to combine
- Drop in the lime wheel and garnish with a sprig of mint
How to make a pitcher of Hugo Spritz cocktails
- Add the St-Germain liqueur and 5-6 leaves of torn mint in a large pitcher. Muddle the mint gently and let rest for about 2 minutes to infuse with flavor.
- Add plenty of ice and pour in the Prosecco. Stir to combine and top with the sparkling water. Gently stir to mix everything.
- Add a few lime wheels to the pitcher and a lime wheel slice to each glass and fill each glass with the Hugo mixture.
- Garnish with prepared mint sprig and enjoy!
How to keep mint fresh for a garnish
- Rinse in cool water and store in a small ice bath or store stem down in a small container of water
- Strip the lower leaves from the stalk so that you have a nice bouquet remaining at the top
- Gently slap the mint on your palm to release the natural oil right before garnishing. This will result in a beautiful perfume of mint with each sip!
Who invented the Hugo Spritz?
- Roland Gruber, a bartender in the northern Italian town of Naturno, which is on the Italian-Austrian border, invented the Hugo Spritz cocktail around 2005
- It quickly gained popularity in Austria, Germany, and Italy. More recently it has become popular in the U.S., as well. It was originally named “Otto” and is sometimes referred to as just a “Hugo”
What is Elderflower Liqueur
- This liqueur is made from elderflower blossoms and sugar that is fermented
- It has a lightly sweet and floral flavor
- We recommend the St-Germain brand, but any elderflower liqueur will work, and you should consume it within 6 months of opening it. Store in a cool dry place.
Substitutions and Variations
- For a pink Hugo Spritz use a Rosé Prosecco
- Use white wine instead of Prosecco for a less bubbly version, sometimes called the St-Germain Cocktail
- A St-Germain Spritz is similar and delicious. It’s a simple mixture of Prosecco, St-Germain, Soda Water, and a lemon wheel.
Best glasses to use for a Spritz
- Any type of spritz will benefit from a large wine glass which allows you to use plenty of ice. This is a drink that needs to be cold!
- A highball glass, or a standard rocks-style will work, as well.
What to serve with a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo is an aperitif, meant to be served before a meal or with a late afternoon snack. Thanks to all the bubbles in this drink, it pairs well with salty and creamy foods. Here are some fun options:
- Roasted Chickpeas – a perfect crunchy salty treat
- Baked Brie with Garlic – creamy, and a perfect pairing
- How to Make a Cheese Board – an easy make-ahead appetizer
- Sun Kissed Tomatoes – Italian-style and a traditional aperitif snack
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Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
For one Hugo Spritz
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, divided for drink and garnish
- 1 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, chilled
- 1 scoop ice
- 4 ounces Prosecco chilled
- 1 ounce Sparkling Water or Soda Water chilled
- 1 slice Lime cut into a wheel for garnish
For a Pitcher (6 servings)
- 1 bunch fresh mint, divided
- 6 ounces St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur chilled
- ice
- 750 ml Prosecco, (1 bottle) chilled
- 6 ounces Sparkling Water or Soda Water, chilled
- 6 slices Lime, cut into wheels for garnish
Instructions
For one Hugo Spritz
- Add the St-Germain and 2 torn mint leaves into a wine glass. Gently muddle and let sit for 2 minutes.1 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur,
- Add ice and Prosecco. Stir gently. Top with sparkling water and stir again.Add the lime wheel to the glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.1 scoop ice, 4 ounces Prosecco, 1 ounce Sparkling Water or Soda Water, 1 slice Lime
For a pitcher of Hugo Spritz
- Add the St-Germain liqueur and 5-6 mint leaves to a large pitcher. Gently muddle and let sit for 2 minutes.6 ounces St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- Add ice and Prosecco and stir gently to combine. Add sparkling water and gently stir again.ice, 750 ml Prosecco, (1 bottle), 6 ounces Sparkling Water or Soda Water,
- Add a lime wheel to each of 6 wine or cocktail glasses for serving, pour in mixed Hugo Spritz, and garnish each glass with a sprig of mint.6 slices Lime,
Notes
- Be sure to chill ingredients in advance for best results.
- If making a pitcher of drinks ahead of time add only the torn mint and liqueur, then add the Prosecco, ice, and sparkling water when ready to serve. Finish with garnishing.
- To bring out full mint sprig flavor gently slap the sprig on the palm of your hand before garnishing.
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