Imagine a warm summer evening. The sun sets on the horizon. A cool breeze brings a hint of floral fragrance, perfectly setting the mood for a refreshing Hugo Spritz Cocktail recipe.
You reach for your glass. With the first sip, you feel like you’re in Northern Italy. The Hugo Spritz is more than a drink. It’s an experience that celebrates life’s simple joys.
It’s a toast to moments we should cherish. The Hugo Spritz comes from South Tyrol. It’s loved worldwide for its refreshing mix.
This includes elderflower syrup, sparkling prosecco, mint leaves, and lime. It’s great for summer gatherings or relaxing after a long day. The Hugo Spritz recipe makes any moment special.

Key Takeaways
- The Hugo Spritz was first created in 2005 by Roland Gruber in South Tyrol.
- Main ingredients include elderflower syrup, sparkling water, fresh mint leaves, lime, and ice cubes.
- This cocktail is ideal for summer due to its light and refreshing taste.
- Variations of the Hugo Spritz can include fresh berries, herbal infusions, and tropical flavors.
- For the best taste, use chilled ingredients and garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices.
Introduction to the Hugo Spritz Cocktail
The Hugo Spritz cocktail comes from South Tyrol. It was made in 2005 by Roland Gruber. It’s a mix of prosecco, elderflower cordial, mint, and lime.

Making a Hugo Spritz is easy. You need prosecco, elderflower syrup, mint, lime, and club soda. It’s great for any time.
Try using Fever-Tree’s Elderflower Tonic Water for a twist. It adds a fruity smell. It’s the best tonic water, made from elderflowers.
Here’s what you need for a Hugo Spritz:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Prosecco or Sparkling Grape Juice | 1/2 cup |
Elderflower Syrup | 1/4 cup |
Fresh Mint Leaves | 6-8 leaves |
Lime Zest and Juice | 1 lime |
Club Soda | Top up |
For the best taste, serve it cold. Enjoy your new favorite drink!
History and Origin of the Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz is a tasty drink from South Tyrol, Italy. It quickly became famous in Europe and around the world. People love it for its fresh and aromatic taste.
South Tyrol Roots
South Tyrol is known for its beautiful mountains and tasty food. In 2005, the Hugo Spritz was born here. It’s different from other strong drinks because it’s light and refreshing.
This makes it perfect for hot days and outdoor parties.
Bartender Roland Gruber’s Creation
Roland Gruber, a bartender from South Tyrol, created the Hugo Spritz. He wanted a drink that was light and smelled good. He mixed Prosecco, elderflower syrup, club soda, mint, and lime.
This mix is known as the traditional spritz drink recipe. It’s also great for making other versions, like the Berry Hugo Spritz. The Hugo Spritz is loved in summer for its easy ingredients and fancy taste.

Ingredients Needed for a Hugo Spritz
To make a great Hugo Spritz, you need a few key ingredients. They work together to make a drink that’s both refreshing and tasty. Let’s look at each part and why it’s important for a perfect Hugo Spritz.
Prosecco Selection
Choosing the right prosecco is key for a great Hugo Spritz. For the best taste, pick a dry or extra-dry prosecco. It should balance the sweetness of the elderflower syrup or liqueur. Mionetto and Cinzano are top choices for their quality.
Prosecco’s bubbles make the drink lively. It’s a must-have for the perfect Hugo Spritz.
Elderflower Cordial or Liqueur
The elderflower syrup or liqueur is what makes a Hugo Spritz special. It adds a sweet, floral taste that goes well with the prosecco’s bubbles. You’ll need about 0.5 oz (15 ml) for each drink. You can adjust this to your taste.
This ingredient is what gives the Hugo Spritz its unique flavor.
Mint Leaves and Lime
Fresh mint leaves add a nice smell to the Hugo Spritz. You’ll need 4-5 leaves for one drink. Adding a slice of lime or lemon gives it a zesty kick and a bit of acidity.
These add to the drink’s refreshing quality.
Club Soda
Club soda makes the drink light and bubbly. It balances the sweetness and keeps the fizz going. Use about 1 oz (30 ml) of club soda per glass.
Club soda helps keep the drink light and bubbly, perfect for any time.
Ingredient | Quantity | Role |
---|---|---|
Prosecco | 3 oz (90 ml) | Main ingredient, adds effervescence |
Elderflower Syrup | 0.5 oz (15 ml) | Signature flavor, adds floral sweetness |
Soda Water | 1 oz (30 ml) | Balances sweetness, adds fizz |
Fresh Mint Leaves | 4-5 leaves | For aroma and garnish |
Lime or Lemon Slice | 1 slice | Optional garnish, adds acidity |
Step-by-Step Hugo Spritz Recipe
Making the best Hugo Spritz is easy. Just follow a few simple steps. This way, you’ll make a perfect Hugo Spritz every time.
Step 1: Chilling Your Ingredients
First, chill all your ingredients. Put the prosecco, elderflower syrup, and club soda in the fridge for an hour. Cold ingredients make your drink crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Preparing the Glass
Then, get your glass ready. Use a large wine glass or highball glass. Fill it with ice cubes to keep it cool. Ice also makes your drink look good and stay cold.
Step 3: Mixing the Cocktail
Now, mix the cocktail. Pour 3 oz (90 ml) of chilled prosecco into the glass. Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) of elderflower syrup for sweetness. Then, pour 1 oz (30 ml) of club soda on top. Stir gently to mix without losing fizz.
Finish with 4-5 fresh mint leaves and a lime slice. Clap the mint leaves to release their oils. This makes your drink smell amazing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 129 kcal
By following these steps, you’ll make the best Hugo Spritz. It’s perfect for any time.
Pro Tips for the Best Hugo Spritz
To make your Hugo Spritz refreshing and tasty, follow some key steps. These tips will help you make the perfect drink.
Chill Everything
Chill all ingredients well before mixing. This means the Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, club soda, and the glass. A cold drink is more refreshing and bubbly.
Stir Gently
Stir your drink gently. Don’t stir too much or the bubbles will go away. This keeps your drink bubbly and fun.
Garnish Last
Add garnishes like mint leaves or lime slices just before serving. This keeps them fresh and pretty. Your drink will look and taste great.
The classic Hugo Spritz recipe involves 2 tablespoons of elderflower syrup or liqueur, 5 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of club soda, 5-6 fresh mint leaves, 2 thin slices of lime, and ice.
Follow these tips to make your Hugo Spritz amazing. It will impress everyone at any party.
What to Pair with a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz cocktail is light and refreshing. It has elderflower, mint, and sparkling wine. It’s great for brunch or an elegant hour.
Light Appetizers
Looking for light appetizer ideas for your Hugo Spritz? Try bruschetta, prosciutto e melone, or a fresh seafood salad. These pair well with the drink’s light taste.
- Bruschetta: Tomatoes in bruschetta balance with elderflower’s sweetness.
- Prosciutto e Melone: This dish has salty prosciutto and sweet melon. It goes well with the Hugo Spritz.
- Fresh Seafood Salad: A seafood salad is light and refreshing. It adds nice textures and flavors with the cocktail’s citrus.
Perfect Brunch Choices
A Hugo Spritz is great for brunch. Here are some hugo spritz food pairing ideas:
- Avocado Toast: Avocado toast’s creaminess matches the Hugo Spritz’s bright taste.
- Egg Benedict: The rich hollandaise sauce in Eggs Benedict balances with the Hugo Spritz’s crispness.
- Fruit Parfaits: Fruit parfaits with yogurt, granola, and fruit match the cocktail’s flavors. They’re perfect for a sunny brunch.
Choosing the right hugo spritz food pairing is key. Pick light appetizer ideas or brunch dishes. This will make your meal better and show off the Hugo Spritz’s great taste.
Variations of the Traditional Hugo Spritz
Want to try new drinks? Start with traditional spritz drink recipe variations. The Hugo Spritz is a hit in 2024. It’s loved for its cool taste and how you can change it up.
Adding Fresh Berries
Try adding fresh berries to your Hugo Spritz. Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries are great. They make the drink colorful and add a sweet taste.
Using Edible Flowers
Want to make your drink look pretty? Use edible flowers like elderflowers or violets. They make your drink look good and taste nice. These traditional spritz drink recipe variations let you make your Hugo Spritz special for any time.
These changes make your Hugo Spritz fun for any event. It’s a drink that everyone will like.
FAQs: Hugo Spritz vs Aperol Spritz
When comparing popular cocktails, you might wonder what is the difference between Aperol and Hugo Spritz? These two drinks have unique tastes for different times and tastes.
The Hugo Spritz is known for its bright, floral taste. It’s made with Prosecco, elderflower, mint, and lime. This makes it light and full of flavor. It’s great for those who like a milder, herbal taste.
The Aperol Spritz, on the other hand, has a bittersweet flavor. It mixes Aperol with Prosecco and soda water. The mix of Aperol’s tanginess and Prosecco’s fizz makes it refreshing and a bit bitter. It’s often served with an orange slice for extra citrus.

The table below shows the main differences between Aperol and Hugo Spritz.
Cocktail | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Garnishes |
---|---|---|---|
Hugo Spritz | Prosecco, Elderflower Cordial or Liqueur, Mint Leaves, Lime | Light, Floral, Herbaceous | Lime, Mint Leaves |
Aperol Spritz | Aperol, Prosecco, Soda Water | Bittersweet, Citrusy | Orange Slice |
Both cocktails offer unique tastes for different times. Whether you like the floral Hugo Spritz or the citrusy Aperol Spritz, there’s a drink for you.
The Pomegranate Aperol Spritz is also popular, with 5-star reviews. It’s made with Aperol, pomegranate juice, Prosecco, and sparkling water. It has 214 calories and is garnished with orange, pomegranate, and rosemary. This shows how the Aperol Spritz can be made in many ways, answering what is the difference between Aperol and Hugo Spritz?.
Conclusion
The Hugo Spritz cocktail comes from Northern Italy. It’s loved for being light and refreshing. Bartender Roland Gruber created it in 2005.
It mixes Prosecco, elderflower syrup, and soda water. This mix is perfect for any party. The recipe is simple: 90 ml Prosecco, 15 ml elderflower syrup, and 30 ml soda water.
The Hugo Spritz is great for any event. It’s perfect for brunch, summer parties, or just hanging out. You can even add fresh berries or flowers for a new twist.
Want a drink without alcohol? Use sparkling water and elderflower cordial instead of Prosecco.
Looking for more tasty ideas? Try this juicy turkey drumstick recipe. It’s delicious with Hugo Spritz. The cocktail has less alcohol and calories than many drinks.
Learning to make Hugo Spritz will wow your friends. It brings a bit of Italy to your home.

FAQ about Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe
What does the Hugo Spritz contain?
The Hugo Spritz has prosecco, elderflower cordial or liqueur, fresh mint leaves, lime, and club soda.
What is the difference between Aperol and Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz is lighter and more floral. It uses elderflower liqueur or syrup. The Aperol Spritz has Aperol, making it more robust and bitter.
What prosecco is best for Hugo Spritz?
Choose dry or extra-dry prosecco like Mionetto or Cinzano. These match the sweet and floral elderflower well.
How do you make a Hugo Spritz?
Chill all ingredients first. Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add elderflower syrup, prosecco, and club soda. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime slices.
What is the formula for 3-2-1 Spritz?
For a 3-2-1 Spritz, mix 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts aperitif (like Aperol), and 1 part soda water.
Can you add variations to the Hugo Spritz?
Yes, you can. Add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Or use edible flowers like elderflowers or violets for flavor and decoration.
What food pairs well with a Hugo Spritz?
Hugo Spritz goes well with light appetizers. Try bruschetta, prosciutto e melone, or fresh seafood salads. It’s perfect for brunch or aperitivo hour.