Hugo Spritz Recipe (Elderflower Spritz)
A Hugo spritz is a light sparkling drink. It tastes floral, minty, and bright. You build it in one glass. It is quick to make. Serve it right after mixing.
Hugo Spritz Quick Answer and Best Ratio
A Hugo spritz uses chilled Prosecco, elderflower, mint, and soda over ice. Start with more Prosecco for balance. Then adjust sweetness in small steps. Keep everything cold. Stir once and stop.
Best starting ratio for one drink
This ratio is easy to remember. It tastes balanced with most elderflower brands. It also scales well for a pitcher. Use 4 oz of Prosecco, 1 oz of elderflower liqueur, and 2 oz of soda water. That is 120 ml, 30 ml, and 60 ml.
Quick adjust rules
If it tastes too sweet, reduce elderflower next time. Choose Brut Prosecco and add a splash more soda. Add one more lime slice for brightness. If it tastes too strong, add more soda and ice. If it tastes too weak, add a small splash of Prosecco.
What Is a Hugo Spritz
This drink is a sparkling wine cocktail. Elderflower brings a soft floral taste. Mint adds a fresh aroma. Soda keeps it light. It is usually less bitter than an Aperol spritz.
Where it comes from
It became popular in South Tyrol in northern Italy. Many people credit Roland Gruber for the drink. It appeared around 2005. Some early versions used lemon balm syrup. Elderflower became the common choice later.
Hugo spritz vs Aperol spritz
An Aperol spritz tastes bitter and orange. A Hugo spritz tastes floral and minty. If you dislike bitterness, this can feel easier. If you want more bite, add extra lime. Keep the elderflower amount steady.
Ingredients and What to Buy
Two choices matter most here. Pick a dry Prosecco. Pick the right elderflower option. Then keep the soda cold. Use fresh mint that smells strong.
Prosecco
Choose a dry Prosecco when possible. Brut is a safe pick for balance. Extra Dry can taste sweeter. Chill the bottle well before mixing. Cold wine keeps bubbles longer.
Elderflower liqueur vs elderflower syrup
Liqueur adds floral flavor and alcohol. Syrup is sweeter and has little alcohol. Syrup can overpower fast. Start with a small amount and taste. Add more only if needed.
Soda water and mint
Soda water, seltzer, or sparkling water can work. Use the coldest one you have. Use whole mint leaves, not shredded mint. Do not crush mint hard. That can make it taste bitter.
How to Make It Step by Step
You build it in the serving glass. Pour gently to protect bubbles. Stir only once. Serve right away for best sparkle. This method stays consistent every time.
Ingredients for one drink
Ice cubes, mint leaves, lime slices, elderflower liqueur 1 oz, chilled Prosecco 4 oz, chilled soda water 2 oz. Use a large wine glass if you can. Fill it with plenty of ice. More ice often melts slower.
Method
Step 1: Fill the glass with ice and add mint and lime. Clap the mint once to release aroma. Step 2: Pour in elderflower and stir once gently. Step 3: Add Prosecco slowly along the side. Step 4: Top with soda water and stir once. Step 5: Add a mint sprig and serve.
Pitcher Version Without Going Flat
Pitcher spritz can go flat fast. The fix is simple. Prep the flavor base first. Add bubbly parts at the end. Keep the pitcher and glasses cold.
Pitcher formula for 6 drinks
Use 1 chilled bottle of Prosecco. Add 6 oz elderflower liqueur and 12 oz soda water. Add a big handful of mint and sliced lime. Put ice in glasses, not the pitcher. Pour and serve right away.
Make ahead plan
Rinse mint and slice lime earlier. Keep them covered in the fridge. Add elderflower, mint, and lime to the pitcher first. Add Prosecco and soda just before serving. Stir once and stop.
Variations That Still Taste Right
Small swaps work well here. Keep it light and bubbly. Avoid heavy juices and thick mixers. Taste after each change. Use lime to bring back balance.
St Germain style
Use St Germain as the elderflower liqueur. Keep the same ratio. Add one extra lime slice if you want. Do not increase elderflower first. Start with more soda instead.
Nonalcoholic version
Use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur. Use a nonalcoholic sparkling drink as the base. Add soda water and lime. Start with 2 teaspoons of syrup. Add more only after tasting.
Cucumber or berries
Add two thin cucumber slices or two berries. Keep it minimal for better bubbles. Too much fruit dulls the sparkle. Avoid muddling the fruit. Let it sit in the ice.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Most problems come from warmth, too much elderflower, or rough stirring. Fixes are quick and simple. Change one thing at a time. Taste after each change. Then stop when it feels balanced.
Too sweet
Use less elderflower next time. Choose Brut Prosecco. Add more soda and more lime. Serve colder than before. Avoid syrup if you tend to oversweeten.
Flat or weak bubbles
Chill everything more before mixing. Pour Prosecco slowly along the glass. Add soda last and stir once. Do not build it early. Do not shake or stir hard.
Watery taste
Use more ice, not less. Use bigger cubes if possible. Serve immediately after mixing. Do not leave it sitting. Keep the Prosecco cold.
Bitter mint taste
Do not crush mint into tiny pieces. Use whole leaves and gentle stirring. Use a mint sprig for aroma. Clap the sprig before adding it. Replace old mint that smells dull.
What to Serve With It
This drink pairs best with light, salty foods. Simple snacks match the bubbles. Fresh flavors match the mint. Heavy spicy food can hide the floral notes. Keep the plate easy and bright.
Easy pairing ideas
Olives, nuts, and mild cheese work well. Bread with a simple topping is great too. Light salads also fit the vibe. Keep sauces light and not too sweet. Add citrus on the side.
FAQs
These answers help you decide fast. They also prevent common mistakes. Keep the steps simple. Taste as you go. Cold ingredients do most of the work.
Can I use elderflower cordial instead of liqueur?
Yes, you can use cordial. It is usually sweeter than liqueur. Start with 2 teaspoons and taste. Add more in small steps. Balance with extra soda and lime.
What Prosecco is best?
A dry style is best for balance. Brut is the safest choice. Chill it well before pouring. If it still tastes sweet, use less elderflower. Add more soda instead.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep mint and lime ahead. You can measure elderflower ahead too. Do not add Prosecco or soda early. Add them right before serving. That keeps the bubbles lively.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less elderflower and more soda. Choose Brut Prosecco. Add extra lime. Avoid syrup if you want less sweetness. Taste after each small change.
How do I make it lower alcohol?
Use syrup instead of liqueur. Use more soda and slightly less Prosecco. Add more lime for balance. Keep it very cold. Serve right away.
Conclusion
A Hugo spritz is fast and refreshing. Start with a Prosecco forward ratio. Keep everything cold and pour gently. Stir once and stop. Adjust sweetness in small steps. Serve immediately for the best bubbles.