The Hugo Spritz is one of those cocktails that instantly transports you to a sunny patio in Italy, sipping away while the world moves slowly around you. Light, refreshing, and elegantly floral, the Hugo Spritz recipe has become a favorite around the globe. It’s easy to make, and with a handful of ingredients like Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and mint, you’ll have a delightful drink perfect for any occasion.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Hugo Spritz recipe—its origins, variations, food pairings, and more. Whether you’re already a fan or just hearing about this spritz, you’ll find this comprehensive guide full of tips and inspiration.
What Is a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz is a cocktail made from a simple yet delicious blend of Prosecco, elderflower liqueur (commonly St-Germain), soda water, and fresh mint. It’s served over ice in a large wine glass, and garnished with a sprig of mint and a lemon or lime wheel. What sets the Hugo Spritz recipe apart from other spritzes, like the Aperol Spritz, is its floral sweetness. The use of elderflower liqueur gives the cocktail a delicate, aromatic flavor, while the mint adds a refreshing herbal note that keeps the drink light and fresh.
But the Hugo Spritz is more than just a drink; it’s a part of Italian aperitivo culture, a pre-dinner tradition of light drinks and snacks meant to stimulate the appetite. Its origins are much more recent compared to classic Italian cocktails, but it has quickly become a staple in bars around the world.
Want to learn more about other Italian aperitivo drinks? Take a look at this Italian aperitivo guide, where cocktails like the Negroni and Americano are also featured.
The Origins of the Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz was first created in 2005 by Roland Gruber, a bartender in Naturno, a small town in Northern Italy. Gruber initially crafted the drink as an alternative to the bitter Aperol Spritz, offering a sweeter, more floral option for patrons who preferred a lighter cocktail. Interestingly, the first versions of the Hugo Spritz recipe were made with lemon balm syrup, but Gruber soon replaced it with elderflower liqueur, which gave the drink the more complex, floral flavor it’s known for today.
The cocktail quickly gained popularity in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland before making its way to the rest of Europe and beyond. By the 2010s, the Hugo Spritz had made a name for itself internationally, and it’s now a go-to summer drink in cocktail bars around the world.
Curious about the key ingredient that gives the Hugo Spritz recipe its unique floral sweetness? Learn more about St-Germain elderflower liqueur and how it became the perfect addition to this cocktail.
Why Choose the Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz has become a fan favorite for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to light, refreshing cocktails. Here’s why the Hugo Spritz stands out:
- Floral Sweetness: Unlike the more bitter spritz cocktails, such as the Aperol Spritz, the Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liqueur, which imparts a sweet, floral flavor that’s both aromatic and light.
- Minty Freshness: Fresh mint is a key element in the drink, providing a cooling, herbal note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the Prosecco and elderflower.
- Effervescence: The addition of Prosecco and soda water creates a bubbly, effervescent drink that’s perfect for sipping on hot days.
- Lower Alcohol Content: The Hugo Spritz recipe has a relatively low alcohol content compared to other cocktails, making it a light, easy-drinking option that won’t overwhelm the senses.
- Customizable: One of the best things about the Hugo Spritz recipe is that it’s easy to customize. You can adjust the sweetness, swap out the garnish, or add fruits for an extra layer of flavor.
Now that you know why this drink is special, let’s move on to how you can make it yourself.
Ingredients for a Classic Hugo Spritz
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make a classic Hugo Spritz:
- 4 oz Prosecco, chilled
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
- 1 oz soda water, chilled
- Fresh mint sprigs (for muddling and garnish)
- Lemon or lime wheel (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
When selecting your ingredients, it’s important to choose a good-quality Prosecco and fresh mint to ensure that your cocktail has the best possible flavor. If you’re unsure which Prosecco to use, check out this guide to choosing the best Prosecco to find the right one for your drink.
How to Make the Perfect Hugo Spritz (Step-by-Step)
Making a Hugo Spritz is simple, but the result is a complex and refreshing cocktail. Follow these steps to make your own Hugo Spritz at home:
1. Muddle the Mint
Start by placing a few fresh mint leaves into a large wine glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the mint, releasing its essential oils. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can make the mint taste bitter.
2. Add Elderflower Liqueur
Pour 1/2 oz of elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain) into the glass with the mint. Give the glass a gentle swirl to combine the flavors.
3. Fill with Ice
Next, add ice cubes to the glass, filling it about halfway. The ice will help chill the drink and balance the flavors.
4. Pour the Prosecco
Slowly pour 4 oz of chilled Prosecco into the glass. The bubbles from the Prosecco will start to mix with the mint and elderflower liqueur, creating the base for the spritz.
5. Top with Soda Water
Add 1 oz of chilled soda water to lighten the drink and give it an extra sparkle.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your Hugo Spritz with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon or lime wheel. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This simple process results in a light, refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. For more cocktail inspiration, try making a Gin Martini for your next gathering.
Hugo Spritz Variations to Try
While the classic Hugo Spritz is always a crowd-pleaser, there are countless ways to customize and adapt the drink to your personal preferences. Here are some fun and delicious variations you can try:
1. Berry Hugo Spritz
For a fruity twist, add fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to the glass before muddling the mint. This variation adds a burst of color and flavor to the drink, making it even more refreshing and visually appealing.
2. Cucumber Hugo Spritz
For a cooler, more refreshing version of the Hugo Spritz, add thin slices of cucumber along with the mint. Muddle the cucumber slices with the mint to release their fresh, crisp flavor. The cucumber pairs beautifully with the mint, creating a drink that’s extra refreshing and perfect for summer.
3. Citrus Twist Hugo Spritz
If you love citrus flavors, try adding a splash of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to the cocktail before adding the Prosecco. The tartness of the citrus balances the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur, resulting in a bright and zesty drink.
4. Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz
For those who prefer a mocktail, the Hugo Spritz is easily adapted into a non-alcoholic version. Simply swap out the Prosecco for sparkling water and the elderflower liqueur for elderflower syrup. You’ll still get the refreshing, floral flavors without the alcohol, making this a great option for anyone who wants a lighter drink.
5. Herbal Hugo Spritz
For a more complex flavor profile, swap the mint for basil or rosemary. These herbs add an earthy, aromatic note to the drink, making it feel even more sophisticated.
Food Pairings for the Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, from light appetizers to seafood dishes and sweet treats. Here are some of the best food pairings to complement the drink’s floral and minty flavors:
1. Light Appetizers
The Hugo Spritz is ideal when paired with light, flavorful appetizers. Some great options include:
- Bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, and garlic
- Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
- Marinated Olives with citrus and herbs
If you enjoy baked goods with your drinks, these Earl Grey Cookies make a delicious pairing with the floral notes of the Hugo Spritz.
2. Seafood
The light, bubbly nature of the Hugo Spritz makes it a great match for seafood dishes. Try pairing it with:
- Grilled Shrimp with lemon and garlic
- Fresh Oysters served with lemon and a dash of hot sauce
- Smoked Salmon with cream cheese and capers
For a more substantial meal, try serving the Hugo Spritz alongside a seafood pasta dish like this Mediterranean Farmhouse Spaghetti.
3. Cheese Platters
A cheese platter with soft cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, or brie works wonderfully with the Hugo Spritz. Add some fresh fruit like figs, grapes, or apples to balance the creaminess of the cheese with the crisp, bubbly drink.
4. Sweet Treats
For those who love dessert with their cocktails, the Hugo Spritz pairs beautifully with baked goods like cookies or sweet breads. Try serving it with this delicious Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a spiced, autumnal treat that complements the sweetness of the drink.
The Hugo Spritz in Italian Cocktail Culture
Italy is known for its rich cocktail culture, and the Hugo Spritz is no exception. It has become a staple in Italy’s aperitivo scene, which revolves around pre-dinner drinks and snacks meant to stimulate the appetite. The tradition of aperitivo is deeply ingrained in Italian culture, with many bars and cafes offering light drinks and small bites in the early evening hours.
While traditional Italian cocktails like the Negroni and Aperol Spritz have long dominated the aperitivo menu, the Hugo Spritz has quickly earned its place as a favorite among those who prefer a sweeter, more floral drink.
To explore more about Italian aperitivo culture and other classic Italian cocktails, check out this comprehensive Italian aperitivo guide.
FAQs About the Hugo Spritz
1. What is the Hugo Spritz made of? The Hugo Spritz is made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, fresh mint, and a lemon or lime garnish.
2. How is the Hugo Spritz different from the Aperol Spritz? The Aperol Spritz is made with a bitter aperitif (Aperol), while the Hugo Spritz recipe uses sweet elderflower liqueur, resulting in a sweeter, more floral drink.
3. Can you make a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz? Yes! You can easily make a non-alcoholic version by substituting elderflower syrup for the liqueur and using sparkling water in place of Prosecco.
4. What are the best foods to pair with the Hugo Spritz? The Hugo Spritz pairs well with light appetizers, seafood dishes, and baked goods like cookies or sweet breads.
Conclusion: The Hugo Spritz – A Versatile, Refreshing Cocktail
The Hugo Spritz is a cocktail that’s perfect for almost any occasion, offering a balance of sweet, floral flavors and refreshing mint. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or exploring Italian aperitivo culture, the Hugo Spritz is sure to be a hit.
With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, the Hugo Spritz is a versatile drink that you can easily adapt to suit your personal tastes. Pair it with light appetizers like bruschetta, seafood dishes, or sweet treats like Earl Grey Cookies to complete the experience.
So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the perfect Hugo Spritz today!