Hugo Spritz Recipe

The Hugo Spritz is the perfect aperitif for warm weather, offering a refreshing twist on classic cocktails made with prosecco. This sparkling cocktail, with its delicate floral notes, has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a light and aromatic drink. Whether you're a cocktail expert or a home enthusiast, the Hugo Spritz recipe is easy to master and delightful to share.

What Is a Hugo Spritz?

A Hugo Spritz is an Italian cocktail that combines the sparkle of prosecco with the subtle sweetness of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Fresh mint leaves add an aromatic touch, while a splash of club soda or soda water provides extra fizz. It's typically served in a large wine glass, garnished with a sprig of mint and a lemon or lime wedge, making it a visually appealing and refreshing drink.

If you enjoy the Aperol Spritz but want something lighter and more floral, the Hugo is your drink.

The History of the Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz has an intriguing history. This cocktail was created in northern Italy in 2005, specifically in the Tyrol region of South Tyrol. Bartender Roland Gruber is credited with inventing this now-classic cocktail as a refreshing alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Since its creation, the Hugo Spritz has gained popularity across Europe and beyond, becoming a staple in the spritzes category.

Why Choose a Hugo Spritz?

Choosing a Hugo Spritz as your aperitif offers a lighter, more floral alternative to other aperitifs like Aperol or Campari. The Hugo Spritz recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients, making it a convenient choice for both casual gatherings and elegant parties. The combination of St-Germain, prosecco, and fresh mint provides a balanced flavor profile that stimulates the appetite and prepares the palate for a meal. The fresh mint and lemon or lime garnish also add an extra layer of aroma.

For more on how spritzes compare, see our St-Germain Spritz guide.

Hugo Spritz Ingredients

To make a Hugo Spritz, you'll need a few essential ingredients that, when combined, create the distinctive fresh and floral flavor profile:

3 oz prosecco
1.5 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
1 oz club soda or soda water
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Lemon or lime wedge for garnish
Ice

The prosecco provides the sparkle, while the St-Germain adds a sweet, floral note that defines the cocktail. Fresh mint contributes a refreshing aroma and flavor, and the club soda adds extra fizz. Don't forget a lemon or lime wedge for garnish to complete this delightful aperitif.

The Role of Fresh Mint

Fresh mint is indispensable for making a Hugo Spritz. The aromatic qualities of the fresh mint, when gently muddled, release essential oils that enhance the cocktail's refreshing character.

To extract maximum flavor, gently muddle the mint leaves in the large wine glass before adding other ingredients. Avoid over-muddling, as this can make the mint bitter. Use a sprig of mint as a garnish to further accentuate the cocktail's invigorating aroma. Fresh mint elevates the Hugo Spritz from a simple drink to a sophisticated aperitif.

How to Make a Hugo Spritz

To make a Hugo Spritz, start by gently muddling fresh mint leaves with a touch of sugar in a large wine glass. Then follow these steps:

Add ice to a large wine glass
Gently muddle 6-8 mint leaves in the glass (don't overdo it)
Pour in 1.5 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
Add 3 oz prosecco
Top with 1 oz club soda
Stir gently to combine
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon or lime wedge

The key is gentle handling. You want to release the mint's oils without shredding the leaves or making the drink bitter.

Hugo Spritz Variations

The classic Hugo Spritz is delicious on its own, but seasonal variations can make it even more interesting:

Summer Hugo: Add a few slices of cucumber for extra freshness.

Berry Hugo: Muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries with the mint.

Citrus Hugo: Add a splash of fresh grapefruit juice for tartness.

Non-Alcoholic Hugo: Replace the prosecco with sparkling grape juice and use elderflower syrup instead of St-Germain. For more mocktail ideas, see our recipe collection.

These seasonal additions complement the St-Germain and fresh mint perfectly.

What to Serve with a Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz makes an excellent aperitif when paired thoughtfully with food. Its light, floral notes complement appetizers like bruschetta, Caprese salad, or light seafood dishes. The Hugo Spritz's refreshing quality also makes it a great match for spicy cuisine, helping to balance the heat.

Consider serving it alongside a cheese board with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The elderflower sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy textures.

For more pairing ideas, see our dinner party themes guide.

Hugo Spritz vs. Other Spritzes

The spritz family includes several variations, each with its own character:

Hugo Spritz: Floral, minty, light. Built on elderflower liqueur.

Aperol Spritz: Bittersweet, orange-forward. The most popular spritz worldwide.

Limoncello Spritz: Bright, lemony, sweet. Perfect for citrus lovers.

St-Germain Spritz: Similar to Hugo but without the mint. Purely floral.

All spritzes share the same basic structure: a flavoring agent, sparkling wine, and soda water. The Hugo stands out for its herbal freshness from the mint.

Making a Hugo Spritz for a Crowd

Hosting a party? The Hugo Spritz batches well:

For 8 servings:

1 bottle (750ml) prosecco
12 oz St-Germain
8 oz club soda
Large bunch of fresh mint
Lemon and lime wedges

Combine the St-Germain and gently muddled mint in a pitcher. Refrigerate until serving. When ready, add the prosecco and club soda, stir gently, and pour over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each with fresh mint and citrus.

FAQ

What does a Hugo Spritz taste like?

A Hugo Spritz tastes light, floral, and refreshing with a hint of sweetness from the elderflower liqueur. The fresh mint adds an herbal, aromatic quality that distinguishes it from other spritzes. It's less bitter than an Aperol Spritz and more complex than a simple wine spritzer.

Can I make a Hugo Spritz without St-Germain?

St-Germain is the traditional choice, but you can substitute other elderflower liqueurs like Giffard or Bols. For a non-alcoholic version, use elderflower syrup or cordial. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What's the best prosecco for a Hugo Spritz?

Use a dry (brut) prosecco for the best balance. The elderflower liqueur adds sweetness, so a dry prosecco keeps the drink from becoming cloying. Mid-range prosecco works fine since the other ingredients contribute significant flavor.

How do I keep mint from getting bitter?

Gentle muddling is key. Press the mint leaves just enough to release their oils, maybe 5-6 light presses. Don't twist, grind, or shred the leaves. Over-muddling releases bitter compounds from the stems and veins.

Is a Hugo Spritz sweet?

Moderately. St-Germain adds noticeable sweetness, but the dry prosecco and fresh mint balance it out. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the St-Germain to 1 oz or add extra club soda.

Explore more: Tonic, Spritz & Botanical Drinks | St-Germain Spritz | Limoncello Spritz | Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz

Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe: St-Germain Summer Aperitif