This take on the Hugo Spritz cocktail leans on cool mint and a splash of lime for a crisp, light flavor. Plus, the bubbles from the Prosecco are just irresistible.
It's a cocktail that's necessary for a day after your kids gave you a run for your money, but you also don't need a hangover the next day because you gotta do it all again. This recipe is that type of vibe.
I love a good spritz and consistently make my citrus spritz version, and as a very big Prosecco lover, I can always find a way to incorporate this into cocktails.
Jump to:
- 😋 Taste: Bubbly, minty, floral. This drink is also lower in ABV and is made of wholesome, simple ingredients.
- 👩🏼🍳 Prep Level: This drink is not complicated to make and is very versatile to pair with a variety of dishes and for events.
- 🍽️ Best Served With: Make this cocktail to accompany a refreshing spring mixed greens salad, a veggie-packed pasta salad, or a hearty and fresh turkey club sandwich.
TL; DR Spritz Summary
Trusted Tips and Reminders
- Remember to use a jigger when making the hugo spritz cocktail to make sure the measurements are accurate. Cocktails are based off of balance with flavor.
- Slap the mint leaves to release the oils from the mint and then garnish (or even add a little into the glass to muddle with the straw).
- Do NOT shake the cocktail as the carbonation from club soda and Prosecco will burst out of the shaker and cause for a very sad, depressing event which you do not want to happen. So, use a spoon to stir!
The Ingredient List
- Prosecco - Prosecco is NOT champagne. Let's set the record straight. Prosecco is actually sparkling wine, and while I use it in my champagne waffles, it's technically not champagne.
- Elderflower Liquor - made from elderflowers, its a florally liquor that a golden hue, which is added to cocktails to give it a subtly sweet, florally flavor.
- Club Soda or Sparkling Water - This addition adds to the spritz factor, and helps balance out the alcohol.
- Mint Leaves - Mint is used as a garnish in this drink and can also be slightly muddled with a straw along with the lime.
- Lime - Used as a garnish but can also be squeezed into the drink for a little acidity.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Simple Swaps and Substitutions
- To make this a non-alcoholic version, omit the Prosecco and use a non-alcoholic elderflower syrup.
- Swap out the mint leaves for some thyme or even rosemary if you want to go a little earthy and herbal.
- Make this a fun frozen drink by throwing all the ingredients into a blender with ice.
How to make The Hugo Spritz Cocktail
Step 1: Add ice to a white wine glass.
Step 2: To the glass, pour in the Prosecco, elderflower, then stir.
Step 3: Top the drink with club soda and stir again to combine.
Step 4: Garnish with some mint leaves and a lime wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
The beauty of making cocktails is that you get to choose how much you want of the ingredient. Traditionally, the Hugo is based off of a 3-2-1 ratio: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts elderflower soda, 1 part club soda. I typically go off a 3-2-2 ratio as I like a good amount of bubbles, but you can easily adjust to fit your liking.
If you want to make this ahead of time, I would advise to make the drink without any ice as the ice will dilute the drink as it chills. You can add the ingredients to a large pitcher, then add the mint and lime once you pour into a glass with ice.
To prep for a large batch or a party, you can pour all the ingredients to a bigger dispenser and give people attending the party the option for little or a lot of ice to add to their own glass, as well as the amount of mint and lime they want to add to it too.
All three of these drinks contain a club soda of some kind, as well as Prosecco or sparkling wine. The difference between them is that the St. Germain and the Hugo do not use Aperol, as well as the Aperol spritz does not have mint or lime. Last, the St. Germain Spritz does not have mint or lime whereas the Hugo does! They're all Italian cocktail cousins with subtle differences.
Thirsty? Here's More!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 jigger
- 1 wine glass
- 1 cocktail spoon
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Elderflower Liquor St. Germain
- 1 ounce club soda
- mint leaves garnish
- lime wedge garnish
Instructions
- In a large wine glass, add ice.
- To the glass, pour in the prosecco, club soda, and elderflower liquor. Stir to combine.
- Add a sprig of mint to the glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Cecilia says
This was such a perfectly balanced cocktail I am in love! It's become such a hyperfixation for me this summer, I can't get enough!
Helena T. says
I saw this on my Pinterest feed a while ago and felt like today was a good day to make it after work. It was really so refreshing and easy to make a large batch for me and my mom. We loved it so much!
Ashleigh says
Wow this was a tasty one! I just loved the elderflower and the Prosecco together. It’s not very summery anymore but I will be making this all the time!
Vanessa L. says
Just made this recipe for a few girlfriends visitng out of town and it was really very refreshing. I added a little more elderflower to my batch, and it was delicious!!!!