Last updated: August 12, 2026
This Hugo spritz recipe combines elderflower liqueur, prosecco, fresh mint, and sparkling water into one of the most refreshing cocktails you can make at home.
You will find the full printable recipe card below with exact measurements, but keep reading first for tips that make this drink taste like it came from a rooftop bar in Vienna.
What Is a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo spritz is a low-alcohol cocktail that originated in South Tyrol, the German-speaking region of northern Italy, sometime in the early 2000s.
It was created as a lighter, herbal alternative to the Aperol spritz, built around St-Germain or another elderflower liqueur instead of bitter orange liqueur.
You get floral sweetness from the elderflower, effervescence from prosecco and soda water, and a cooling brightness from fresh mint and lime.
How It Differs From an Aperol Spritz
An Aperol spritz leans bitter and orange-forward, while the Hugo spritz is floral, herbaceous, and noticeably softer on the palate.
If you find Aperol too bitter, the Hugo spritz is the cocktail you will reach for instead.
Ingredients for the Best Hugo Spritz
Elderflower Liqueur
St-Germain is the classic choice, but any quality elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup works if you want a lower-proof or alcohol-free version.
Elderflower syrup swaps in easily for a mocktail take on this same recipe.
Prosecco
Use a dry prosecco rather than a sweet one, since the elderflower liqueur already brings plenty of sweetness to the glass.
A brut or extra dry prosecco keeps the drink balanced instead of syrupy.
Fresh Mint and Lime
Fresh mint leaves, slapped between your palms before adding them to the glass, release essential oils that make the aroma pop the moment you take a sip.
Fresh lime juice and a few lime wheels add the acidity that ties the floral and bubbly elements together.
Soda Water
A splash of chilled soda water lightens the drink further and stretches it into a taller, more sippable glass.
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
Chill Everything First
Keep your prosecco, soda water, and glasses in the refrigerator ahead of time so the drink stays cold without needing extra ice to dilute it.
Build the Glass
Fill a large wine glass or spritz glass with ice, then add the elderflower liqueur and fresh lime juice first.
Top with prosecco, then finish with a short splash of soda water so the bubbles stay lively.
Garnish and Serve
Add a handful of slapped mint leaves and a lime wheel or two, then give the drink one gentle stir so you do not knock out the carbonation.
Serve immediately while it is still fizzy and cold.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It a Mocktail
Swap the elderflower liqueur for elderflower syrup and the prosecco for a dry sparkling white grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
The mint, lime, and soda water stay exactly the same, so the flavor profile barely changes.
Add Cucumber
A few thin cucumber slices dropped into the glass add a cooling, garden-fresh note that pairs beautifully with the elderflower.
Swap the Bubbles
If you are out of prosecco, a dry cava or another crisp sparkling wine works just as well in this recipe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The Hugo spritz is best mixed fresh since the carbonation fades quickly once combined.
For a party, you can pre-measure the elderflower liqueur and lime juice into a pitcher and keep it chilled, then add the prosecco and soda water to individual glasses right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Hugo spritz alongside light bites like prosciutto-wrapped melon, marinated olives, or a simple cheese board.
It also pairs well with brunch spreads, since the low alcohol content and bright flavor work any time before evening.
Where This Recipe Comes From
The Hugo spritz takes its name from Hugo Loesch, the bartender credited with popularizing the drink in South Tyrol in the early 2000s.
It quickly spread across Austria, Germany, and northern Italy before becoming a summer staple across Europe and, more recently, in cocktail bars throughout the United States.
Ready to build your own? Use the recipe card below for exact measurements and timing.
Hugo Spritz
A refreshing Italian-Austrian cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, prosecco, fresh mint, lime, and a splash of soda water.
Ingredients
- 2 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
- 3 oz dry prosecco, chilled
- 1 oz soda water, chilled
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves, slapped
- 1-2 lime wheels, for garnish
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass or spritz glass with ice.
- Add the elderflower liqueur and fresh lime juice to the glass.
- Top with the chilled prosecco.
- Add a short splash of chilled soda water.
- Add the slapped mint leaves and lime wheels.
- Give the drink one gentle stir to combine without losing carbonation.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Notes
Use a dry or brut prosecco so the drink doesn't taste overly sweet. For a mocktail, swap the elderflower liqueur for elderflower syrup and the prosecco for a dry sparkling white grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 cocktail (about 6.5 oz)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g
Hugo Spritz Recipe Questions
What does a Hugo spritz taste like?
It tastes floral and slightly sweet from the elderflower liqueur, balanced by tart lime, cooling mint, and dry, bubbly prosecco.
Can I make a Hugo spritz without prosecco?
Yes, any dry sparkling wine like cava or a dry sparkling white grape juice for a mocktail version works well in place of prosecco.
Is a Hugo spritz stronger than an Aperol spritz?
They are similar in alcohol content, but the Hugo spritz tastes lighter and less bitter, so it can feel easier to drink.
What glass should I use for a Hugo spritz?
A large wine glass or a stemless spritz glass works best since it gives the mint and lime room to float and release aroma.
Can I batch a Hugo spritz for a crowd?
You can pre-mix the elderflower liqueur and lime juice in a pitcher, then top individual glasses with prosecco and soda water right before serving so the bubbles stay fresh.
How many calories are in a Hugo spritz?
A standard Hugo spritz runs around 150 calories per serving, mostly from the prosecco and elderflower liqueur.
Final Thoughts on This Hugo Spritz Recipe
This Hugo spritz recipe comes together in about five minutes and delivers a floral, refreshing cocktail that feels like a warm-weather vacation in a glass.
Keep the ingredients chilled, use fresh mint and lime, and you will have a drink worth making all summer long.
