I’m excited to share my Hugo Spritz Cocktail with you! It’s light, bubbly, and smells like a tiny flower garden thanks to elderflower and fresh mint. Think of it as sunshine in a glass — simple to make, pretty to look at, and perfect for warm evenings with friends.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail (about 8–10 oz / 240–300 ml)
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
The first time I made this drink for a last-minute backyard get-together, it disappeared faster than the snacks. Everyone loved the gentle floral taste, the pop of fizzy bubbles, and the fresh mint smell. This recipe keeps things very simple: we’ll sweeten with elderflower syrup (or liqueur if you prefer a boozy twist), add sparkling wine (Prosecco), finish with soda water, and brighten it with mint and lemon. No fancy tools needed — just a chilled glass and a gentle stir.
Description
Here’s how the Hugo Spritz comes together in plain words:
- Sparkling Prosecco for tiny dancing bubbles
- Elderflower syrup for a soft, floral sweetness (or elderflower liqueur for a light bitterness + floral kick)
- Soda water to make it extra refreshing
- Fresh mint leaves for a cool aroma
- Thin lemon slices for sunny brightness and a clean finish
Ingredients
- 3–4 oz (90–120 ml) chilled Prosecco
- 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) elderflower syrup
- OR 1 oz (30 ml) elderflower liqueur for a less sweet, lightly bitter version
- 1 oz (30 ml) chilled soda water (sparkling water/club soda)
- 4–6 fresh mint leaves (plus a small sprig for garnish)
- 2–3 thin lemon slices (rounds or half-moons)
- Chilled wine glass (chilling helps since we’re not using ice here)
Directions
- Prepare the Glass
o Chill a clean wine glass in the fridge or freezer so the drink stays cold longer. - Scent the Mint
o Take the mint leaves in your palm and give them a soft clap or gentle press.
o This wakes up the smell without tearing the leaves. - Build the Flavor
o Add 1–2 oz elderflower syrup to the chilled glass (or use 1 oz elderflower liqueur if you like it less sweet).
o Drop in the scented mint leaves and the lemon slices. - Add the Bubbles
o Slowly pour in 3–4 oz chilled Prosecco.
o Tilt the glass a little so the bubbles don’t rush out. - Top and Stir
o Add about 1 oz chilled soda water.
o Give a very gentle stir from the bottom so everything mixes without killing the fizz. - Garnish & Serve
o Add a small mint sprig on top.
o Serve right away while it’s lively and bubbly.
Process Details
- Why syrup first: Putting syrup at the bottom helps it blend smoothly when you add Prosecco and soda.
- How to keep fizz: Pour the Prosecco slowly down the inside of the glass and stir gently. Less splashing = more bubbles.
- Flavor balance: Elderflower brings flowers and sweetness. Lemon adds brightness. Mint cools the nose so every sip feels fresh.
- Liqueur option: Using elderflower liqueur instead of syrup gives a soft, grown-up bitterness with floral notes and makes the drink a touch drier.
Tips for Success
- Chill everything: Cold Prosecco, cold soda water, and a cold glass make a big difference.
- Quality matters: A decent Prosecco will taste cleaner and more delicate.
- Gentle with mint: Don’t muddle hard; a light clap is enough to release aroma without bitterness.
- Herb twist: Basil or a tiny sprig of rosemary can swap in for mint for a different aroma.
- Sweetness control: Start with 1 oz syrup; taste, then add up to 2 oz if you prefer it sweeter.
Serving Ideas
- Sunset sip: Perfect as a welcome drink before dinner.
- Party platter: Pair with simple snacks like salty chips, olives, or a crisp cucumber salad.
- Make a mini bar: Set out syrup, mint, lemon, and chilled bottles so guests can build their own.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: ~150–190 (syrup version tends toward the higher end; liqueur version toward the lower end)
- Carbohydrates: ~10–18 g
- Sugar: ~8–16 g
- Alcohol: ~10–12% ABV in the glass (varies by Prosecco and liqueur)
This Hugo Spritz Cocktail is simple, pretty, and very refreshing. With just a few chilled ingredients, you get a drink that smells like mint and flowers, tastes bright and lightly sweet, and looks like a tiny celebration in a glass. Make one for yourself, then share a round — it has a way of turning any warm evening into a happy little moment.