The Perfect Hugo Spritz Recipe
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The Perfect Hugo Spritz
If the Aperol Spritz is bold and vibrant, the Hugo Spritz is its quieter, more romantic cousin.
Delicate elderflower, fresh mint, crisp lime and chilled Prosecco come together to create one of Italy's most refreshing cocktails. Light, floral and effortlessly elegant, it's the sort of drink that feels perfectly at home on a lakeside terrace in northern Italy, a hidden garden overlooking Lake Como, or a peaceful afternoon along the French Riviera.
Originally created in the South Tyrol region in the early 2000s, the Hugo Spritz quickly became a favourite across Italy and beyond. Today, it's a staple on cocktail menus from Milan to Portofino, loved for its subtle sweetness and refreshing simplicity.
It's the ideal aperitivo when the weather is warm, friends are gathered around the table, and the only plan is to enjoy the moment.
Club Riviera Scorecard
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Serves | 1 |
| Best Enjoyed | Sunny Afternoons & Garden Aperitivos |
| Riviera Feeling |
★★★★★ |
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Wonderfully light and refreshing
- Floral without being overly sweet
- Ready in just a few minutes
- Beautifully elegant for entertaining
- A refreshing alternative to the Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 90 ml chilled Prosecco
- 30 ml elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain) or elderflower cordial for a lighter, non-alcoholic variation
- 30 ml sparkling water
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves
- 2 thin slices of lime
- Plenty of ice
Equipment
- Large wine glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger or measuring cup
Method
1. Gently release the mint
Place the mint leaves in the bottom of the wine glass and gently clap them between your hands or lightly press them once. This helps release their natural oils without making them bitter.
2. Fill the glass with ice
Add plenty of ice to keep the cocktail perfectly chilled.
3. Add the elderflower liqueur
Pour the elderflower liqueur over the ice, followed by the chilled Prosecco.
4. Top with sparkling water
Finish with sparkling water for a beautifully light, refreshing finish.
5. Garnish
Add two slices of fresh lime and an extra sprig of mint.
Give the cocktail one gentle stir before serving.
What Makes a Hugo Spritz Different?
Unlike the bittersweet character of an Aperol Spritz or the citrus-forward freshness of a Limoncello Spritz, the Hugo Spritz is all about delicate aromas.
The elderflower brings soft floral notes, while fresh mint and lime add brightness without overpowering the drink. The result is elegant, balanced and incredibly easy to enjoy.
It's the sort of cocktail that feels equally appropriate at an alfresco lunch, a summer wedding or a relaxed evening with friends.
What to Serve with a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz pairs beautifully with fresh, delicate flavours.
Try serving it alongside:
- Burrata with Peaches, Prosciutto & Honey
- Classic Burrata Caprese
- Salade Niçoise
- Fresh focaccia with extra virgin olive oil
- Goat's cheese crostini with honey
- Green olives
- Marcona almonds
- Fresh melon wrapped in prosciutto
Light, seasonal ingredients allow the floral character of the cocktail to shine.
Riviera Hosting Tip
Fill a large bowl with lemons, limes and fresh mint and place it in the centre of your table.
Not only does it make a beautiful natural centrepiece, but it also perfumes the air ever so slightly and creates the relaxed atmosphere of a Mediterranean garden lunch.
Sometimes the simplest details leave the strongest impression.
The Riviera Mood
Picture a quiet courtyard hidden behind an old villa.
The scent of jasmine drifts through the warm afternoon air.
Linen curtains move gently in the breeze.
A chilled Hugo Spritz catches the sunlight while lunch slowly turns into the rest of the afternoon.
No schedules.
No rush.
Just another beautiful summer day.
Set the Scene
Create the feeling of an elegant European garden lunch.
- White or sage green linen
- Fresh herbs in terracotta pots
- Vintage wine glasses
- Bowls of citrus fruit
- Soft jazz or acoustic Italian music
- Wildflowers in simple glass vases
- Plenty of natural light
- An outdoor table beneath trees, if possible
Did You Know?
The Hugo Spritz was created in 2005 by bartender Roland Gruber in South Tyrol, a picturesque alpine region in northern Italy known for its vineyards and mountain scenery.
Although it's a relatively modern cocktail, it has quickly become one of Europe's favourite summer aperitivos thanks to its refreshing, understated elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hugo Spritz made of?
A traditional Hugo Spritz combines Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, fresh mint, lime and plenty of ice.
Is a Hugo Spritz sweeter than an Aperol Spritz?
Generally, yes.
The elderflower adds a gentle floral sweetness, while the absence of bitter orange flavours makes it softer and lighter on the palate.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz?
Absolutely.
Replace the elderflower liqueur with elderflower cordial and use alcohol-free sparkling wine or additional sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
What glass should I serve it in?
A large wine glass is traditional, giving the ice, mint and citrus plenty of room while allowing the aromas to develop.
The Club Riviera Ritual
Open the windows.
Let fresh air fill the room.
Pour the drinks before anyone arrives.
Leave the music playing quietly in the background.
And remember that the most memorable gatherings are rarely the most elaborate—they're simply the ones where everyone feels welcome enough to stay a little longer.
Because la dolce vita begins the moment you stop rushing.