Hugo Spritz
Hugo Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that you should try this summer. This low-alcohol cocktail is easy to make (no cocktail shaker needed) but also a delicious and fresh blend of bubbly prosecco, sweet elderflower syrup, zesty lime, and refreshing mint leaves—a true Italian crowd-pleaser.
Type: cocktail
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cocktail, spritz, drink, hugo spritz, drink
Recipe Yield: 1
Calories: 199
Preparation Time: 5
Total Time: 5
Recipe Ingredients:
- elderflower syrup
- prosecco
- sparkling water
- mint leaves
- ice cubes
- lime or lemon slice
Recipe Instructions: Add fresh mint leaves to a (wine) glass. Briefly muddle the mint in the glass using a muddler or the back of a spoon. Be gentle so you don’t overly bruise the mint. Add the elderflower syrup to the glass. Followed by ice cubes (fill about 1/3 of the glass). Pour in the Prosecco or sparkling white wine over the mint, ice cubes, and elderflower syrup. Finally, top it off with sparkling water. Gently stir the ingredients together with a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon. Optionally, garnish the drink with a slice of lime or lemon and more mint leaves. Serve immediately.
Hugo Spritz
Hugo Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that you should try this summer. This low-alcohol cocktail is easy to make (no cocktail shaker needed) but also a delicious and fresh blend of bubbly prosecco, sweet elderflower syrup, zesty lime, and refreshing mint leaves—a true Italian crowd-pleaser.
Type: cocktail
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cocktail, spritz, drink, hugo spritz, drink
Recipe Yield: 1
Calories: 199
Preparation Time: 5
Total Time: 5
Recipe Ingredients:
- elderflower syrup
- prosecco
- sparkling water
- mint leaves
- ice cubes
- lime or lemon slice
Recipe Instructions: Add fresh mint leaves to a (wine) glass. Briefly muddle the mint in the glass using a muddler or the back of a spoon. Be gentle so you don’t overly bruise the mint. Add the elderflower syrup to the glass. Followed by ice cubes (fill about 1/3 of the glass). Pour in the Prosecco or sparkling white wine over the mint, ice cubes, and elderflower syrup. Finally, top it off with sparkling water. Gently stir the ingredients together with a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon. Optionally, garnish the drink with a slice of lime or lemon and more mint leaves. Serve immediately.
Hugo Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that you should try this summer. This low-alcohol cocktail is easy to make (no cocktail shaker needed) and a delicious and fresh blend of bubbly prosecco, sweet elderflower syrup, zesty lime, and refreshing mint leaves—a true Italian crowd-pleaser.
⭐️ Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Low-alcohol option: hugo Spritz offers a low-alcohol alternative compared to stronger cocktails, making it an excellent choice if you are looking for a light summer cocktail.
- Easy to make: you can whip up this delicious drink without the need for a cocktail shaker or to hunt for exotic ingredients.
- Budget-friendly: with readily available ingredients, this drink is a budget-friendly option for a fancy cocktail experience.
- Versatile: customize your Hugo by experimenting with different garnishes and syrups.
🍸 What is Hugo Spritz?
Hugo Spritz, also known simply as “Hugo,” is a beloved Italian sparkling wine cocktail that originated in the charming region of South Tyrol. This cocktail combines prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water, fresh mint leaves, and lime. This cocktail is bubbly, refreshing and slightly sweet.
Today, most Hugo cocktails are made with elderflower liquor, but for this recipe, I am keeping it traditional and I’m using elderflower syrup.
🍋 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Italian cocktail.
- Prosecco or sparkling white wine: sparkling white wine or prosecco is the base of this cocktail.
- Elderflower syrup: infused with the delicate aroma of elderflowers, this sweet syrup adds a floral and sweet touch.
- Sparkling water: to balance out the alcohol and syrup, add soda water for a light and fizzy touch to the drink.
- Fresh mint leaves: mint add a burst of color and a refreshing and aromatic element.
- Lime: lime juice adds a tangy twist.
🍸 Variations and Twists
Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts have created various creative twists and variations of this classic drink. Here are some popular options you might want to try.
- Hugo Rosé Spritz: substitute the prosecco with rosé wine for a pink hue and a fruitier flavor.
- Hugo Royale: add a splash of gin for an extra kick.
- Hugo Mule: replace the soda water with ginger beer for an invigorating twist.
- Elderflower syrup: other floral or fruity syrups can add their unique twist to the cocktail.
🍸 How To Make Hugo Spritz (step-by-step with photos)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Hugo Spritz.
Step 1.
To a serving glass add fresh mint leaves and gently crush them to release their aroma.
Step 2.
Add elderflower syrup to the glass.
Step 3.
Next, also add ice cubes to the glass.
Step 4.
Pour prosecco over the ice cubes.
Step 5.
Finally, top it off with sparkling water.
Step 6.
Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Step 7.
Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!
Make sure to check the recipe card for the full recipe with the exact quantities and information on all the ingredients.
📔 Tips
- For a more potent version, consider adding a splash of gin to your Hugo Spritz.
- Experiment with different garnishes, such as cucumber slices or fresh berries.
- To bring out the full flavor of the mint leaves, gently bruise or crush them before adding them to the glass.
- For the best Hugo, ensure that your prosecco and sparkling water are chilled.
- Feel free to adjust the quantities of syrup, prosecco, or sparkling water to suit your preferences. If you like a sweeter drink, add a bit more elderflower syrup. For a stronger cocktail, add more prosecco.
- If you are vegan, ensure the prosecco you use is vegan-friendly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Aperol and Hugo Spritz?
While both Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz are Italian aperitifs, they differ in their key ingredients. Aperol Spritz includes Aperol, an orange-flavored liqueur, while Hugo Spritz features elderflower syrup, giving it a distinct and floral character.
Why is it called a Hugo Spritz?
The cocktail is named after Hugo, a character in a popular Austrian novel. The drink’s creator, a bartender in South Tyrol, was inspired by the novel and decided to name the cocktail “Hugo” as a tribute.
🍸 When to Enjoy a Hugo Spritz
Hugo Spritz is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, making it an excellent pre-dinner drink. It is a light and refreshing drink that will stimulate the appetite. However, this cocktail is so versatile that it can be sipped on any occasion, from casual brunches to festive celebrations.
Thirsty for more?
- Crodino Spritz (No-Alcohol Aperol Spritz)
- Select Spritz (Select Venetian Spritz)
- Toasted Almond Drink
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Hugo Spritz
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: drink
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Hugo Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail. This drink is easy to make (no cocktail shaker needed) and a delicious and fresh blend of bubbly prosecco, sweet elderflower syrup, zesty lime, and refreshing mint leaves—a true Italian crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) elderflower syrup
- 4 oz (120 ml) prosecco (or white sparkling wine)
- 1 oz (30 ml) sparkling water
- 5–6 fresh mint leaves
- ice cubes
- 1 lime or lemon slice (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Add fresh mint leaves to a (wine) glass.
- Briefly muddle the mint in the glass using a muddler or the back of a spoon. Be gentle so you don’t overly bruise the mint.
- Add the elderflower syrup to the glass.
- Followed by ice cubes (fill about 1/3 of the glass).
- Pour in the Prosecco or sparkling white wine over the mint, ice cubes, and elderflower syrup.
- Finally, top it off with sparkling water.
- Gently stir the ingredients together with a cocktail stirrer or a long spoon.
- Optionally, garnish the drink with a slice of lime or lemon and more mint leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Mint: to bring out the full flavor of the mint leaves, gently bruise or crush them before adding them to the glass. This helps release their aromatic oils, infusing the cocktail with a fresh and minty fragrance.
- Chilled ingredients: for the best Hugo, ensure that your prosecco and sparkling water are chilled before adding them to the cocktail. This helps maintain the refreshing and bubbly nature of the drink.
- Personalize to taste: feel free to adjust the quantities of syrup, prosecco, or sparkling water to suit your preferences. If you like a sweeter drink, add a bit more elderflower syrup. For a stronger cocktail, increase the proportion of prosecco.
- Vegan: if you are vegan, ensure the prosecco you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands may use animal-derived fining agents. Look for prosecco labeled as “vegan.”
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 199
- Sugar: 41gr
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42gr
- Fiber: 0.5gr
- Protein: 0.1gr
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I did try the Hugo Spritz out and was impressed, thanks for this!