Delicate and floral, the Hugo Spritz is a soothing, dreamy cocktail that combines elderflower liqueur, prosecco, soda water and a fresh sprig of mint. If you prefer a spritz that isn’t overly sweet or bitter, this is an elegant choice.
If you enjoy mint-forward drinks, consider trying a mojito spritz variation next time—bright lime and light rum add a lively, tropical twist to the spritz format.
Although the Hugo Spritz is a relatively recent creation—originating in northern Italy just a couple of decades ago—its flavour profile of elderflower and mint feels timeless. In summer, the scent of elderflower is everywhere: floral, lemony and pear-like, and those notes are exactly what make this cocktail so pleasing and easy to sip.
Here are a few spritz favourites (in no particular order):
- Hugo: gentle, floral and refined, perfect for warm afternoons.
- Aperol Spritz: slightly bitter and citrusy with lively orange notes.
- Mojito Spritz: fizz-forward with lime and mint for a Cuban-inspired lift.
- Limoncello Spritz: bright and citrusy, great for lovers of lemon-forward drinks.
- Martini Spritz: a vanilla-sweet twist with herbal, botanical undertones.
Which spritz is your go-to? The variety of styles—from dry and bitter to sweet and floral—means there’s a spritz for every taste.
Hugo elderflower spritz
This light, aromatic spritz highlights elderflower liqueur paired with a dry Italian prosecco and a splash of soda water. The prosecco provides effervescence and a crisp backbone that balances the syrupy sweetness of the elderflower liqueur. Soda water lengthens the drink and keeps it refreshing, while fresh mint and a wedge of lime add cooling herbal and citrus accents.
Typical proportions work well: roughly 50ml elderflower liqueur, 75ml prosecco and 25ml soda water for a single serving—adjust to taste and glass size. Serve in a tall Collins or large wine glass, filled with plenty of ice so the drink stays chilled and the flavours remain bright.
The combination of floral elderflower, crisp bubbles and cooling mint makes the Hugo Spritz feel like a summer meadow in a glass: fragrant, delicate and utterly drinkable.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Substitute elderflower cordial for the liqueur if you prefer a lower-alcohol version; reduce or omit additional sugar if your cordial is sweet.
- To make a mocktail, use elderflower cordial and a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or soda in place of prosecco.
- Because elderflower liqueur can be quite sweet, choose a dry prosecco or sparkling wine to provide balance.
- Use plenty of ice and a generous glass to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Swizzle or stir gently to mix the ingredients—vigorous shaking will bruise the mint and flatten the bubbles.
Serving suggestions
Present the Hugo Spritz in a tall Collins or large balloon glass. Fill the glass with ice, add the mint leaves and elderflower liqueur, then pour in prosecco and finish with soda water. Garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig. The pale green hue and floating mint make this cocktail visually appealing—ideal for garden parties, casual gatherings or a relaxed aperitif at sunset.
More cocktail recipes
- Maple whisky sour — a warming twist on the classic sour.
- Mojito spritz — mint, lime and fizz for a festive, bright cocktail.
- Passion fruit margarita — tropical and tart, perfect for summer evenings.
- Elderflower peach bellini — fruity, floral and delightfully bubbly.
Hugo Elderflower Spritz
Ingredients
- 50ml / 2oz elderflower liqueur
- 75ml / 3oz prosecco
- 25ml / 1oz soda water
- 8–10 mint leaves
- lime wedge, for garnish
- mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
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Fill a large glass with ice and add the mint leaves and elderflower liqueur.
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Pour in the prosecco until the glass is about half full, then top with soda water. Stir gently to combine without bruising the mint or losing the bubbles.
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Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately while cold and effervescent.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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