Hugo Spritz Recipe (Classic Italian Elderflower Cocktail)

Published Oct 14, 2025

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This hugo spritz recipe is a light, bubbly cocktail that combines prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, fresh mint, and lime for a drink that tastes like summer in a glass. Whether you’re sipping it poolside, serving it at a bridal shower, or mixing up a mocktail version for a crowd, this refreshing Italian cocktail is bound to be your new favorite aperitivo!

Hugo Spritz recipe in two clear wine glasses garnished with mint and lime, sparkling and chilled on a light background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Y’all, this spritz is the perfect marriage of crisp bubbles and sweet floral notes. Think of it as the elegant cousin of the Aperol Spritz, only a little more delicate and refreshing! With just a handful of ingredients, you get a cocktail that feels fancy without being fussy.

Elderflower liqueur (often St-Germain) adds a soft floral sweetness that balances beautifully with tart lime and bright mint, while prosecco brings the sparkle. A splash of sparkling water keeps it light enough to enjoy more than one, making it perfect for brunches, warm summer evenings on the porch, or festive gatherings. I always like to include a mocktail version too, so everyone can join the fun.

While the Aperol Spritz leans bold and bitter, the Hugo Spritz is floral, delicate, and refreshing – the kind of cocktail that shines at summer cookouts, poolside hangouts, and even bridal or baby showers when you want something celebratory in everyone’s hands. Serving the Hugo at your own table ties your gathering into that timeless Italian ritual of slowing down, savoring, and starting the party with style.

If you’re planning a full spread, this drink pairs beautifully with party favorites like my Pineapple Rum Punch Cocktail. Or, for something a little creamier, my Orange Coconut Creamsicle Drink makes a fun companion to fruity spritzes. And you can always find more inspiration in my collection of 40+ NYE Cocktails & Mocktails!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making the classic Hugo Spritz and its non-alcoholic twin!

Ingredients for Hugo Spritz including prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, fresh mint, and limes.

Cocktail

Prosecco: Gives a crisp effervescence while adding bubbles and lightness. You can also use cava or another dry sparkling wine.
Sparkling water: Keeps the drink refreshing and lowers the alcohol content. Club soda also works if preferred!
Elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain): Brings sweet floral notes and depth. You can substitute elderflower cordial or syrup if you like.
Fresh mint leaves: Keep things bright and herbal.
Lime wedge or slice: Balances sweetness with tart citrus.
Ice cubes

Mocktail

Sparkling water or club soda: Base bubbles for refreshment.
White grape juice (or apple juice): Mimics the body and sweetness of prosecco.
Elderflower cordial or syrup: Adds the signature floral flavor without alcohol.
Fresh mint leaves: Same herbal note as the cocktail. You could substitute cucumber slices for freshness.
Lime wedge or slice: Adds tang and balances the sweetness.
Ice cubes

How to Make a Hugo Spritz

Muddling fresh mint and a lime wedge in a wine glass to start a Hugo Spritz.

Step 1: In a wine glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with a lime wedge. This releases the oils and citrus juice.

Pouring elderflower liqueur over ice in a wine glass for a Hugo Spritz.

Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in the elderflower liqueur.

Topping the glass with prosecco before adding sparkling water for a Hugo Spritz.

Step 3: Add prosecco and top with sparkling water.

Finished Hugo Spritz garnished with mint and a lime slice, ready to serve.

Step 4: Stir gently to combine. Garnish with extra mint and a lime slice, enjoy!

Mocktail Version

Step 1: In a wine glass, muddle mint leaves with a lime wedge. Fill with ice cubes.

Step 2: Pour in white grape juice (or apple juice) along with elderflower cordial or syrup.

Step 3: Top with sparkling water or club soda.

Step 4: Stir gently, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

This mocktail keeps all the charm of the original but skips the alcohol, making it perfect for baby showers, weekday happy hours, or when you just want something light and pretty to sip on!

Mac’s Pro Tip

Tips & Variations

Chill your prosecco, sparkling water, and even your glasses before mixing: A Hugo Spritz tastes best icy cold and refreshing – nobody wants a lukewarm spritz on a hot day!
Swap the bubbles: Try cava or another sparkling wine in place of prosecco.
Make it big-batch: Combine ingredients in a pitcher for easy entertaining, just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep it fizzy.
Elderflower options: If you can’t find St-Germain, any elderflower liqueur works, or you can use cordial/syrup for a sweeter sip.
Seasonal garnish: Add cucumber slices or fresh berries for a twist.
Try another spritz: If you enjoy minty cocktails, you’ll also love my Easy Kiwi Mojito Recipe or this Paloma Mocktail Recipe for a citrusy twist.

Close-up of a chilled Hugo Spritz with mint and lime, crisp bubbles visible in the glass.

Recipe FAQs

What is a Hugo Spritz made of?

It’s made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, mint, and lime. Simple, elegant, and refreshing.

Is a Hugo Spritz the same as an Aperol Spritz?

No, an Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol (a bitter orange liqueur). The Hugo Spritz is lighter and floral, often called an elderflower spritz.

Can I make this easy Italian cocktail without alcohol?

Yes! Just follow the mocktail recipe using white grape juice and elderflower syrup.

What does a Hugo Spritz taste like?

This bubbly cocktail recipe is crisp, slightly sweet, citrusy, and floral.

When do you serve a Hugo Spritz?

Traditionally, it’s enjoyed as an aperitivo drink in Northern Italy before dinner, but it’s perfect anytime you want a summer spritz recipe.

This Hugo Spritz recipe is one of those drinks that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and yet is so easy to make. Whether you serve the cocktail or the mocktail, it’s a refreshing sip that fits into any celebration.

For another fruity, refreshing option, check out my Easy Kiwi Mojito Recipe – it’s minty, tropical, and just as perfect for summer!