A Hugo Spritz is a light, bubbly Italian cocktail that comes from Trentino Alto‑Adige. Made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, a splash of soda, fresh mint and a lemon slice, it’s the ideal refreshing drink for warm weather.
Although the Hugo Spritz originates in northern Italy, I first tasted it on the Amalfi Coast. Instead of the usual lemon, my glass was filled with ripe nectarines — a fruity variation that was incredibly refreshing after a long, hot day of sightseeing.
If you usually prefer a slightly bitter aperitivo like an Aperol Spritz, the Hugo is a sweeter, floral alternative. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a lighter, more fragrant cocktail that still feels summery and elegant.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Elderflower liqueur – St Germain is the most common choice: easy to find and wonderfully aromatic.
- Prosecco – any dry sparkling wine will work, but Prosecco keeps the drink light and bright.
- Soda water – just a splash of sparkling water to lift the flavours.
- Mint leaves – fresh mint adds a cooling herbal note, not just garnish.
- Lemon slices – lemon cuts through the elderflower’s sweetness; lime can be used, but lemon is my preference.
Make it an Aperitivo!
In Italy, cocktails are often enjoyed with small bites. Here are a few light nibbles that pair well with a Hugo Spritz:
- Taralli Pugliesi (crispy Italian bread snack)
- Easy marinated olives
- Italian tuna stuffed cherry peppers
- Pizza pinwheels with prosciutto and gorgonzola
- Fried sage leaves with anchovies
More Italian cocktails to try
Drinks
Venetian Select Spritz
Drinks
Giostra d’Alcol (Italian Red Wine Spritz)
Drinks
Classic Negroni Cocktail
Drinks
Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
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Hugo Spritz
By Emily
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30ml) Elderflower liqueur (St Germain recommended)
- 4 oz (120ml) Prosecco
- 1 oz (30ml) Soda water
- 1 sprig Fresh mint leaves
- 1 slice Lemon
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in the elderflower liqueur, then add the Prosecco.
- Add the soda water and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip the lemon and mint — they cut through the sweetness and brighten the drink.
- Substitute lime or add slices of ripe nectarine for a fruitier twist inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
- Adjust the elderflower or Prosecco amounts to taste: more liqueur for sweetness, more Prosecco for a lighter, drier spritz.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless stated otherwise.
- When using canned or jarred tomatoes I prefer trusted brands for the best flavour.
- Vegetables are medium sized unless noted.
- Recipes are tested in a convection (fan) oven unless stated otherwise.
- Nutrition calculations are approximate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.