This Hugo spritz is light, floral, and incredibly refreshing. It’s a bubbly little cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, soda water, fresh mint, and lime that just works beautifully together.

About this recipe

The Hugo spritz is a low-alcohol cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, soda water, fresh mint, and lime. It’s one of the easiest cocktails to make at home, no shaker needed, and it’s a perfect choice for warm weather, brunch, or anyone who loves light, floral drinks.

It comes from the northern Italian region of South Tyrol, and once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s become so popular. The elderflower brings a lovely light sweetness, the Prosecco adds fizz, and the soda water keeps it light. The muddled mint and lime give it a fresh, herby lift. If you enjoy an Aperol spritz, think of this as its floral, lighter cousin.

The ratio I use is 3-2-1: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts soda water, and 1 part elderflower liqueur. The higher proportion of soda compared to a classic spritz keeps it really light and easy to drink.

Key ingredients and why

Elderflower liqueur: This is what gives the Hugo its signature floral sweetness. St-Germain and Fiorente are both great options. You only need 1 oz since the flavor is quite concentrated.
Prosecco: Adds the main body and fizz. Any dry Prosecco or sparkling white wine works here. Keep it chilled before making the drink.
Soda water: Lightens the cocktail and adds extra fizz. The Hugo uses more soda than a typical spritz, which is what makes it so refreshing and easy to drink.
Fresh mint: Muddling a few leaves at the bottom of the glass releases the natural oils and adds a lovely herby freshness that lifts the whole cocktail.
Lime: A wedge or slice adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the elderflower. Lemon works too if you don’t have lime.

Method

Add a couple of fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime to the bottom of a large wine glass. Gently muddle to release the mint oils.

Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the elderflower liqueur.

Add the prosecco.

Finish with soda water and give it a gentle stir.

Tips

Muddle gently. You just want to bruise the mint to release the oils, not tear it to shreds. A few light presses with a muddler or the back of a spoon is enough.
Keep everything cold. Chill your Prosecco and soda water before making the drink. It stays refreshing longer and you won’t dilute it as quickly.
Try different herbs. Basil or thyme leaves work beautifully in place of mint for a slightly different flavor. Basil especially pairs well with the elderflower.
Making for a group? Mix each glass individually rather than batching. This keeps the soda and Prosecco bubbly and the drink fresh.
Lemon works too. If you don’t have lime on hand, lemon is a great substitute.

More spritz and bubbly cocktails

If you love light, refreshing cocktails, try some of these: