The Hugo Spritz is the very definition of summer in a glass—a refreshingly light and fragrant cocktail that’s loved for its delicate bubbles, citrus brightness, and heady elderflower aroma. Picture yourself on a sun-dappled patio, gently swirling a chic stemmed glass filled with a lively tangle of mint, lemon, and sparkling bubbles. This recipe is so much more than a drink; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life’s sweetest moments. If you’re searching for a cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with, the Hugo Spritz is about to become your warm-weather best friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, the Hugo Spritz manages to taste effortlessly sophisticated yet incredibly approachable. Each element shines, creating a perfectly balanced drink where nothing is wasted or overlooked. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:
- St-Germain elderflower liqueur: This is the heart of your Hugo Spritz—a floral, subtly sweet liqueur that brings out the cocktail’s signature flavor and aroma.
- Fresh mint leaves: A handful of just-picked mint gives herbal freshness and a cooling lift that makes the whole drink sing.
- Ice: Keeps your drink delightfully chilled and crisp from start to finish—don’t skimp on this!
- Lemon or lime slices: Adds a burst of zesty citrus and a pop of sunny color.
- Chilled prosecco: Sparkling Italian prosecco makes every sip dance with bubbles and bright, fruity notes.
- Chilled sparkling water or club soda: This stretches the cocktail, adding a playful fizz and keeping it oh-so-refreshing.
- Extra lemon or lime slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish: The centerpiece of your glass and the finishing touch that makes this cocktail truly irresistible.
How to Make Hugo Spritz
Step 1: Muddle the Mint
Start by grabbing your nicest large wine glass. Add the fresh mint leaves and pour in the St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Now, with a gentle hand, use a cocktail muddler to very lightly press the mint—just enough to release its oils and awaken its aroma, but not so much that it tears or becomes bitter. This first step lays down an herbaceous foundation that makes every sip of your Hugo Spritz burst with freshness.
Step 2: Add Citrus and Ice
Next comes the all-important chill! Fill your glass about halfway with ice cubes and tuck in a few lemon or lime slices. Not only does this cool the drink down beautifully, but those vibrant citrus slices will infuse every sip with a subtle tang and look absolutely gorgeous floating in your glass.
Step 3: Pour in the Prosecco
This is where the magic happens. Slowly pour in the chilled prosecco, letting it mingle gently with the mint and citrus. Take a moment to admire the bubbles—they’re like little jewels racing up the sides of your glass, promising a taste that’s lively and fun.
Step 4: Top with Sparkling Water
Finish by topping off your cocktail with a splash of chilled sparkling water or club soda. Give everything a gentle stir just to combine. This final touch lightens the drink and makes it wonderfully effervescent, perfect for sipping all afternoon long.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Crown your Hugo Spritz with an extra sprig of fresh mint and another vibrant slice of lemon or lime. Serve immediately—preferably outdoors, under a bit of sunshine!
How to Serve Hugo Spritz
Garnishes
A Hugo Spritz truly comes alive with its glorious garnishes. Fresh mint sprigs add an inviting aroma right at the first sip, while lemon or lime slices tuck a sunny pop of color and zing along the rim or inside the glass. You can even experiment with edible flowers or a thin spiral of citrus peel for a little cocktail flair. Never underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish to turn a simple drink into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Hugo Spritz with light appetizers is a guaranteed way to impress. Think marinated olives, herby goat cheese crostini, or a platter of crisp, seasonal veggies with a creamy dip. The cocktail’s floral and citrus notes play so nicely with salty snacks and fresh flavors, making it the ultimate companion for a summer spread. Hosting friends? Lay out a few nibble boards and let everyone help themselves as they sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation! Serve your Hugo Spritz in oversized wine goblets, frosted glasses, or even stylish mason jars for a rustic touch. For a big gathering, try batching the cocktail in a glass pitcher; it looks absolutely striking filled with layers of floating mint and citrus. You can even prep a DIY bar and let guests muddle their own mint and choose their favorite garnishes—guaranteed to spark conversation and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While the Hugo Spritz is definitely at its fizziest and brightest when freshly made, you can store any leftovers covered in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors will continue to infuse, but keep in mind the bubbles will fade over time—just add a splash of fresh sparkling water when ready to serve to bring it back to life.
Freezing
Freezing a Hugo Spritz isn’t recommended, as the prosecco and sparkling water will lose their fizz and may take on a strange texture. However, you can freeze leftover citrus slices or mint, then use them later as quick garnishes or drink chillers!
Reheating
Thankfully, there’s no need to reheat a Hugo Spritz. This is a drink best enjoyed frosty-cold, straight from the glass. If your prepared cocktail has been sitting out too long, simply add a few fresh ice cubes to bring back that essential chill.
FAQs
What makes the Hugo Spritz different from other spritz cocktails?
The Hugo Spritz stands out thanks to its unique use of elderflower liqueur, which gives the cocktail a subtle floral sweetness layered over mint and citrus. This sets it apart from classics like the Aperol Spritz, which uses a bittersweet aperitif and has a much more assertive flavor profile.
Can I use a different sparkling wine besides prosecco?
Absolutely! While prosecco gives that iconic lightness and fruity sparkle, any crisp, dry sparkling wine will do nicely. Cava or Champagne are both delightful twists—just keep it bracingly cold for best results.
What if I can’t find St-Germain elderflower liqueur?
If you can’t find St-Germain, look for another quality elderflower liqueur—they’re popping up in more stores these days. In a pinch, you could make a simple syrup steeped with dried elderflowers, or substitute with a bit of floral, aromatic liqueur like Domaine de Canton (ginger liqueur) for a fun flavor riff.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz?
Definitely! Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or high-quality sparkling water, and swap the elderflower liqueur for an elderflower cordial or syrup. The result is every bit as refreshing and beautiful, with all the uplifting botanicals and fizz.
Can I batch this recipe for a party?
Yes! To make a large batch, simply scale up your ingredients, combine the St-Germain, mint, and citrus slices ahead of time, and store chilled. Top with prosecco and sparkling water right before serving to ensure everyone gets that bubbly, just-made freshness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a garden party or winding down on a quiet evening, the Hugo Spritz always manages to bring a little extra sparkle to the table. There’s no better way to celebrate the simple joys of summer or treat yourself to a bit of sunshine in a glass. Give it a try and let the floral-citrus magic win you over—you really can’t go wrong!
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Hugo Spritz Recipe
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and aromatic cocktail recipe for a Hugo Spritz, perfect for a summer day or any celebratory occasion. The combination of elderflower liqueur, mint, prosecco, and citrus creates a light and bubbly drink that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Elderflower Liqueur Mix:
- 1 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur
Mint Mixture:
- 6 fresh mint leaves
Additional Ingredients:
- Ice
- Lemon or lime slices
- 4 ounces chilled prosecco
- 1 ounce chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Lemon or lime slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the mint – Add the St-Germain and mint leaves to a large wine glass. Use a cocktail muddler to very lightly muddle the mint and release its aroma.
- Finish the cocktail – Fill the glass halfway full of ice and a few lemon or lime slices. Add the prosecco and stir to combine. Top with the sparkling water, then garnish with extra lemon or lime slices and mint if desired.
- Serve – Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
