Easy Hugo Spritz Recipe: Light, Bubbly and Beautiful
Approx. 6 min read
A fresh spritz for slow, sunny moments
The Hugo Spritz is light, floral and beautifully easy to make. It has that relaxed summer feeling: cold prosecco, fresh mint, a little lime and soft elderflower sweetness.
It is a lovely choice when you want something fresher and softer than a classic bitter spritz. If you usually reach for an Aperol Spritz, this one feels like its garden-party cousin — lighter, greener and a little more delicate.
The best part? You do not need a shaker, special technique or complicated ingredients. Just build it in a glass, add plenty of ice and let the bubbles do the work.
Easy Hugo Spritz recipe
Recipe details
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Tools: Wine glass, jigger or measuring cup, bar spoon
- Taste: Light, floral, fresh and gently sweet
- Calories: Approx. 170–210 kcal, depending on the elderflower ingredient used
- Serves: 1 cocktail
- Best served: In a large wine glass with plenty of ice
Ingredients
- 30 ml / 1 oz elderflower liqueur, or 20–25 ml / 0.7–0.8 oz elderflower syrup for a lighter version
- 120 ml / 4 oz chilled prosecco
- 30–60 ml / 1–2 oz chilled soda water, to taste
- 2–3 fresh mint sprigs
- 1 lime wheel or 1 small squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Gently clap the mint between your hands to release the aroma, then add it to the glass.
- Pour in the elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup.
- Add the prosecco slowly, so the drink stays bubbly.
- Top with soda water.
- Add a lime wheel or a small squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Stir gently once or twice and serve right away.
Quick tip: Do not stir too much. A Hugo Spritz should feel fresh and fizzy, so a gentle mix is enough.
What makes a Hugo Spritz taste so fresh?
A good Hugo Spritz works because every ingredient has a small job. Elderflower brings soft floral sweetness. Lime adds brightness. Mint gives the drink that fresh garden aroma. Prosecco makes it bubbly, while soda water keeps it light.
The balance is simple, but it matters. Too much elderflower can make the drink feel syrupy. Too little lime can make it taste flat. Start with the recipe above, then adjust the soda and lime until it feels crisp and refreshing to you.
If you like this kind of tall, fizzy drink with a bright citrus finish, you may also enjoy this easy Paloma recipe. It has a completely different flavor, but the same sunny, refreshing feeling.
Hugo Spritz variations
Once you make the classic version, Hugo Spritz is very easy to adjust. Keep the base light and bubbly, then change one small thing to match the mood.
Hugo Spritz with elderflower syrup
Use elderflower syrup instead of elderflower liqueur if you want a lighter drink with less alcohol. It will taste a little sweeter, so add extra soda water or a small squeeze of lime to keep it fresh.
Lemon Hugo Spritz
Swap lime for lemon if you want a softer citrus flavor. Lemon works beautifully with elderflower and makes the drink feel even more delicate.
Berry Hugo Spritz
Add a few raspberries, strawberries or blueberries to the glass before pouring the prosecco. It makes the drink more colorful and gives it a gentle fruity note without changing the recipe too much.
Non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz
For a 0% version, use elderflower syrup, non-alcoholic sparkling wine or tonic water, soda water, mint and lime. It still feels pretty, fresh and special, even without alcohol.
Best glass and garnish for a Hugo Spritz
A large wine glass is the easiest and prettiest choice for a Hugo Spritz. It gives the ice, mint and bubbles enough space, and it makes the drink look generous without feeling heavy.
For garnish, keep it simple: fresh mint, a lime wheel and maybe a few edible flowers if you want a more romantic look. Plenty of ice is important too. The colder the drink, the fresher it tastes.
If you want another easy drink that looks elegant without much effort, try a classic Gin and Tonic. It is also built straight in the glass and works beautifully for relaxed evenings at home.
What to serve with a Hugo Spritz
Hugo Spritz is perfect for light snacks and casual hosting. It works especially well with fresh, salty or creamy flavors because the drink itself is floral, fizzy and refreshing.
- Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
- Olives or marinated vegetables
- Soft cheese, crackers and fruit
- Light summer salads
- Prosciutto, melon or simple antipasti
- Brunch dishes like quiche, toast or fresh fruit
This is the kind of cocktail that looks lovely on a sunny table, but it is still easy enough to make for one quiet evening at home.
FAQ about Hugo Spritz
What is a Hugo Spritz made of?
A Hugo Spritz is usually made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur or syrup, soda water, fresh mint, lime and ice. It is light, floral and refreshing.
Can I make Hugo Spritz without alcohol?
Yes. Use elderflower syrup, non-alcoholic sparkling wine or tonic water, soda water, mint and lime. It will still taste fresh and feel special.
Is Hugo Spritz sweet?
It is gently sweet, but it should not taste heavy. The soda water, lime and mint help keep it fresh. If you prefer a drier drink, use less elderflower and more soda water.
Can I use elderflower syrup instead of elderflower liqueur?
Yes. Elderflower syrup is a good option if you want a lighter or lower-alcohol Hugo Spritz. Since syrup is usually sweeter than liqueur, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
What prosecco is best for Hugo Spritz?
Use a chilled dry or extra dry prosecco. Avoid anything too sweet, because elderflower already adds sweetness to the drink.
Make it once, then make it your summer drink
Hugo Spritz is simple, but it feels like a little moment. Fresh mint, soft elderflower, cold bubbles and lime make it easy to love from the first sip.
Make it for brunch, a warm evening, a garden table or just because you want something pretty and refreshing. This one looks like effort, but it is wonderfully easy.
