Hugo Spritz Recipe (Classic Italian Elderflower Cocktail) Recipe

I wasn’t trying to fall in love with another cocktail. I already had my go-to drinks, the ones I could make without thinking. But this one caught me off guard in the best way.

I wanted something light. Something that didn’t feel heavy or overly sweet. I mixed a version of this on a warm afternoon when I honestly just wanted bubbles and a little freshness, and suddenly I had a glass that tasted like I had put in way more effort than I actually did.

That’s what makes this drink special. It feels fancy without asking you to work hard.

The Hugo Spritz is floral, citrusy, and bright. It’s softer than other spritz-style drinks, not bitter, not syrupy. Just crisp, refreshing, and easy to sip slowly while talking too long at the table.

I now make it whenever I want something celebratory that doesn’t scream “big production.” It’s relaxed. It lets the moment do the talking.

Ingredients I Used for the Recipe

• 3 oz chilled prosecco – This brings the sparkle and structure. It’s the backbone of the drink, so I always make sure it’s cold.
• 2 oz sparkling water – Keeps the cocktail light and extra refreshing without overpowering anything.
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur – Adds that soft floral sweetness that makes this drink feel elegant but not sugary.
• 4 to 5 fresh mint leaves – Gives a clean, herbal brightness. I gently press them to release the oils.
• 1 lime wedge or slice – Balances the sweetness with a little citrus bite.
• Ice cubes – This drink should always be served very cold. Warm spritz is just not the same.

How to make Hugo Spritz Recipe (Classic Italian Elderflower Cocktail)?

Step 1 – Wake Up the Mint and Lime

I start by adding the mint leaves and lime wedge to a large wine glass. Then I gently muddle them. Not crushing. Just pressing enough to release the aroma.

If you overdo this, the mint can taste grassy. I learned that the hard way once and never repeated that mistake.

Step 2 – Add Ice and Elderflower Liqueur

I fill the glass with ice next. A generous amount matters because this drink is meant to stay crisp from first sip to last.

Then I pour in the elderflower liqueur. This is where the floral character starts to show up.

Step 3 – Pour the Prosecco

Next comes the prosecco. I pour slowly so the bubbles stay lively instead of foaming up and disappearing.

You want that gentle fizz to last while you drink.

Step 4 – Top with Sparkling Water

I add a splash of sparkling water to lighten everything. This step keeps the cocktail from feeling too strong and makes it incredibly easy to sip.

It also stretches the drink in a way that still tastes balanced.

Step 5 – Stir Gently and Garnish

I give it a soft stir. Just once or twice. Overmixing flattens the bubbles.

Then I add a little extra mint and a lime slice on top. Done. No shaker. No fuss.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Drink

Some cocktails are for occasions. This one is for real life.

I make it when friends come over and I don’t want to disappear into the kitchen. I make it on slow weekends. I’ve even made it on random Tuesdays when the day felt longer than it should have.

It always feels appropriate. Never too much.

The flavor is what keeps me hooked. The elderflower gives this soft floral note that doesn’t taste like perfume. The lime sharpens everything. The mint makes it feel alive.

And the bubbles tie it all together so the drink feels celebratory even if you’re just sitting on your couch.

I’ve also made a non-alcoholic version when hosting mixed groups, and honestly, it works beautifully. I swap the prosecco for white grape juice and use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur, then top with sparkling water. You still get that same refreshing character.

No one feels like they’re missing out, which matters more to me than having a “perfect” cocktail lineup.

This is also one of those drinks that pairs well with almost anything. Light snacks, salty appetizers, even just a bowl of chips. It doesn’t compete. It complements.

Tips

Little Things I’ve Learned After Making This Dozens of Times

Chill everything first. I mean everything. The prosecco, the sparkling water, even the glass if you have time. This drink should feel icy and sharp.

Don’t over-muddle the mint. You want to wake it up, not destroy it. Gentle pressure is enough.

Use a large wine glass. It gives the ingredients space to mix naturally and keeps the aroma right where you want it.

Pour slowly. Fast pouring kills the sparkle. A calm pour keeps the texture lively.

Add sparkling water last. This keeps the drink fresh and fizzy instead of flat.

Play with garnishes if you feel like it. I’ve added cucumber slices, fresh berries, or extra lime depending on what I had. It’s flexible without losing its identity.

If making a batch for guests, wait to add the sparkling water. That final splash right before serving keeps everything bright.

Don’t overthink it. This is meant to be simple. The charm of a Hugo Spritz is that it looks elegant while being incredibly easy to throw together.

That balance is why I keep returning to it. It never asks for perfection. Just a few good ingredients, a little attention, and a moment to enjoy what’s in your glass.