Move over, Aperol Spritz—there’s a new summer cocktail taking over patios, rooftop bars, and Instagram feeds across Europe and beyond. Meet the Hugo Spritz: a refreshingly floral, bubbly drink that bartenders are calling the unofficial drink of the summer.
What Is the Hugo Spritz?
Originating in the small Alpine town of Naturno, Italy, just south of the Austrian border, the Hugo Spritz was inspired by the region’s fragrant elder trees and the desire for a lighter, more aromatic aperitivo7. While the Aperol Spritz has long reigned supreme, the Hugo offers a delicate twist: it’s built on prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and fresh mint, with a hint of lime for brightness578.
Why the Hugo Spritz Is Trending
- Light and Refreshing: The Hugo is less bitter and more floral than the classic Aperol Spritz, making it approachable for a wide range of palates57.
- Instagram-Ready: With its vibrant green mint and sparkling bubbles, it’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
- Versatile: The recipe is easy to batch for parties or tweak for individual tastes—simply adjust the ratio of prosecco to elderflower liqueur for a sweeter or drier sip578.
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
Ready to join the trend? Here’s a simple recipe you can master at home:
Ingredients:
- 4–6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain) or elderflower syrup for a lower-ABV version457
- 4–6 ounces prosecco, chilled
- 2 ounces sparkling water or seltzer
- 2–3 slices of lime
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add the mint leaves to a large wine glass and gently muddle to release their oils578.
- Add the elderflower liqueur and lime slices.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in the prosecco, then top with sparkling water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with more mint and a lime wheel. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For a non-alcoholic version, swap the prosecco for club soda and use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur7.
- Gently “whack” the mint before adding it to the glass to maximize aroma and flavor7.
The Bottom Line
The Hugo Spritz is everything you want in a summer cocktail: light, floral, effervescent, and endlessly refreshing. As bartenders and trendsetters declare, it’s time to give the Aperol Spritz a break and let the Hugo shine as your go-to drink of the season. Try it at your next gathering—you’ll see why everyone’s buzzing about the Hugo.
- https://www.stgermainliqueur.com/cocktails/hugo-spritz/
- https://www.liquor.com/hugo-spritz-cocktail-recipe-5194222
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/hugo-cocktail
- https://seasonedandsalted.com/the-best-hugo-spritz-recipe-elderflower-spritz/
- https://www.loveandlemons.com/hugo-spritz/
- https://www.amysnutritionkitchen.com/hugo-spritz/
- https://www.sipandfeast.com/hugo-spritz/
- https://www.resplendentkitchen.com/hugo-spritz/