If there is one cocktail that has properly taken off in the last couple of years, it is the Hugo Spritz. Light, floral and refreshing, a good Hugo Spritz recipe is honestly one of the easiest things you can make at home. You only need five ingredients, it takes about three minutes, and the result looks and tastes genuinely impressive. Built on prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, fresh mint and lime, it is the kind of drink that feels perfect for a sunny afternoon garden or a relaxed evening with friends. If you would rather skip the mixing, Boozy's Hugo Spritz is a ready-to-drink can with all the same floral flavour and none of the faff.
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Serves: 1
- Glass: Large wine glass
- Garnish: Mint sprig and lime wheel
- Difficulty: Very easy
What Is a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz recipe originates from northern Italy, specifically the South Tyrol region. It was created in 2005 by a barman called Roland Gruber, who wanted to offer something lighter and more floral than the Aperol Spritz that dominated the area at the time. The name "Hugo" was reportedly chosen at random, but the drink quickly spread across Italy and into the rest of Europe.
Unlike the bitter, orange-led Aperol Spritz, the Hugo is gentle and sweet-floral. The elderflower does most of the heavy lifting on flavour, with the prosecco and soda water keeping things light and sparkling. Fresh mint adds an aromatic lift that makes it feel especially summery.
How Is It Different from an Aperol Spritz?
This is probably the most common question people have when they first come across the Hugo. Here is a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Hugo Spritz | Aperol Spritz |
|---|---|---|
| Key flavour | Elderflower and mint | Bitter orange |
| Sweetness level | Gently sweet | Bittersweet |
| Colour | Pale golden | Vibrant orange |
| Base spirit | Elderflower liqueur | Aperol |
| Garnish | Mint and lime | Orange slice |
| Best occasion | Garden parties, sunny afternoons | Pre-dinner drinks, aperitivo |
Hugo Spritz Recipe: Ingredients
The ingredient list for a Hugo Spritz recipe is short and simple. You can find everything in most supermarkets.
- 90ml prosecco (dry or extra dry works best)
- 30ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the classic choice)
- 30ml soda water
- 4 to 5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime wheel, plus 1 extra for garnish
- Plenty of ice
- 1 fresh mint sprig, to garnish
A Note on Elderflower Liqueur vs Elderflower Cordial
You can use elderflower cordial if you do not have elderflower liqueur, but the result will be noticeably different. Cordial is non-alcoholic and sweeter, so the cocktail will be lighter on strength and more sugary in taste. For the most balanced Hugo Spritz recipe, stick with the liqueur if you can.
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
This is as straightforward as cocktails get. No shaker needed, no special technique required.
- Fill a large wine glass generously with ice.
- Drop in the mint leaves and one lime wheel.
- Pour in the elderflower liqueur.
- Add the prosecco slowly, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- Top with the soda water and give it a very gentle stir.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an extra lime wheel.
- Serve straight away while everything is cold and sparkling.
The key step most people miss is the pour. Adding the prosecco down the side of the glass rather than pouring straight in keeps far more of the fizz in the drink. It makes a real difference to how the finished cocktail feels.
Tips for Getting the Hugo Spritz Recipe Right
A few simple habits will consistently produce a better result:
- Use dry prosecco. The elderflower liqueur already brings sweetness, so a dry prosecco keeps things balanced rather than cloying.
- Bruise the mint gently. Give the leaves a light clap between your palms before dropping them in. This releases the oils without making the mint taste harsh or bitter.
- Chill your glass first. A quick blast in the freezer for five minutes makes a noticeable difference to how long the drink stays crisp.
- Don't over-stir. One or two slow stirs is all you need. Heavy stirring kills the bubbles fast.
- Use fresh mint, not dried. Dried mint has a completely different character and will not work the same way in this recipe.
- Serve immediately. The Hugo Spritz is best the moment it is made, before the mint starts to wilt and the sparkle fades.
Hugo Spritz Variations Worth Trying
Once you are comfortable with the classic Hugo Spritz recipe, there are some enjoyable ways to switch things up depending on the occasion:
| Variation | What to Change | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rosé Hugo | Swap prosecco for rosé sparkling wine | A slightly fruitier, blush-coloured serve |
| Virgin Hugo | Use elderflower cordial and sparkling water instead of alcohol | Non-drinkers and designated drivers |
| Frozen Hugo | Blend with crushed ice for a slushy texture | Very hot days |
| Gin Hugo | Add 25ml of a floral gin alongside the elderflower liqueur | A slightly stronger, more complex serve |
| Berry Hugo | Add a few fresh raspberries or blackberries to the glass | Colour and a fruity edge |
| Grapefruit Hugo | Replace lime with a grapefruit wheel | A more citrus-forward, slightly bitter twist |
Making a Hugo Spritz for a Group
The Hugo Spritz recipe scales up brilliantly for parties. To make enough for eight people, use a large serving jug or punch bowl.
- 720ml prosecco
- 240ml elderflower liqueur
- 240ml soda water
- A generous handful of fresh mint
- 2 limes, sliced into wheels
- Ice added to the jug just before serving
Mix the elderflower and juices ahead of time, then add the prosecco and soda water at the last minute to keep the fizz alive. Keep a bowl of mint sprigs and lime wheels nearby so guests can top up their own glasses.
What Does a Hugo Spritz Taste Like?
The Hugo Spritz has a light, floral sweetness from the elderflower, a bright citrusy lift from the lime, and a cool freshness from the mint. It is considerably lighter and more delicate than most other cocktails, which is a big part of its appeal. The prosecco keeps things sparkling and lively, while the soda water dilutes everything just enough to make it feel genuinely refreshing rather than sweet.
In short, it tastes like a summer afternoon. It is not a big, bold cocktail. It is easy-drinking, elegant and very sessionable.
Hugo Spritz Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
What alcohol is in a Hugo Spritz?
A Hugo Spritz is made with prosecco and elderflower liqueur. Some versions also add a small measure of gin for extra depth, but the classic two-ingredient base is all you really need.
Is a Hugo Spritz very alcoholic?
It is relatively light on alcohol compared to most cocktails. With 90ml of prosecco at around 11% ABV and 30ml of elderflower liqueur, you are looking at roughly 1.5 to 2 units per serve. It is similar in strength to a standard glass of wine.
Can I use gin instead of elderflower liqueur?
Not as a direct swap, as the elderflower liqueur is what gives the Hugo Spritz recipe its distinctive floral character. You could add a splash of gin alongside the elderflower liqueur for a stronger serve, but replacing it entirely would make a very different drink.
What is the best elderflower liqueur to use?
St-Germain is the most widely recommended and is easy to find in supermarkets and off-licences across the UK. Belvoir and Bottega also make good options if St-Germain is not available near you.
Can I use cava or champagne instead of prosecco?
Yes, both work. Cava gives a slightly crisper, drier result. Champagne is a more indulgent option and works well for special occasions. The overall character of the Hugo Spritz recipe stays the same.
Why is my Hugo Spritz too sweet?
The most likely cause is using a sweeter prosecco rather than a dry one, or adding too much elderflower liqueur. Stick to the ratios above and choose an extra dry or brut prosecco to keep things balanced.
Want One Without the Measuring?
If you love the Hugo Spritz recipe but would rather just grab something cold from the fridge, Boozy's Hugo Spritz is a ready-to-drink can with all the elderflower, fizz and floral flavour already dialled in. Great for festivals, picnics, BBQs or keeping a supply in the fridge for whenever the mood strikes.
Other light and refreshing cocktails from Boozy you might enjoy:
- Dragonfruit Mojito - bold and tropical with a minty freshness
- Peach On The Beach - peachy, fruity and very easy to drink
- Blue Daiquiri - sweet, tropical and a serious crowd-pleaser
- Taster Box (x8 flavours) - a great way to try the full Boozy range
The Final Pour
The Hugo Spritz recipe is one of those cocktails that rewards you for very little effort. Floral, sparkling and genuinely refreshing, it is the kind of drink that works for almost any occasion where you want something light and a little bit special. Get the prosecco right, use proper elderflower liqueur, and do not skip the fresh mint. It really does make all the difference.
Give it a go and you will see why it has become one of the most talked-about spritz cocktails in Europe over the past few years.
