Hugo Spritz Recipe: Prosecco, Elderflower and Mint

By Aquarium Guides Editorial Team · Updated November 10, 2026

Last Updated: November 10, 2026

A Hugo spritz is made by filling a large wine glass with ice, adding 1 ounce of elderflower syrup or 0.75 ounce of elderflower liqueur, topping with 3 to 4 ounces of prosecco and a splash of soda water, then garnishing with fresh mint and a lime wheel. It is light, floral and refreshing, with a lower alcohol content than most cocktails. It takes about two minutes to build directly in the glass.

What Is in a Hugo Spritz

The Hugo is a sparkling aperitif drink built from three main components: sparkling wine, elderflower and fresh mint. Elderflower gives it a delicate perfume reminiscent of lychee and pear, while the mint adds cooling freshness and the lime adds a touch of acidity. Unlike an Aperol spritz, it has no bitter element, so it tastes sweeter and more floral.

The drink is built, not shaken, and the quality of the ingredients shows quickly. A dry prosecco is the best base because the elderflower already brings sweetness.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 oz dry (brut) prosecco, well chilled
• 1 oz elderflower syrup, or 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1 to 2 oz soda water
• 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 2 lime wheels
• Plenty of ice cubes

Instructions

1. Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a large wine glass and gently press them with a bar spoon to release their aroma. Do not shred them.
2. Add one lime wheel and the elderflower syrup or liqueur.
3. Fill the glass generously with ice.
4. Pour in the chilled prosecco.
5. Add a splash of soda water.
6. Stir once, gently, from the bottom up.
7. Garnish with a mint sprig and the second lime wheel. Serve with a straw if you like.

Syrup or Liqueur?

Both options are valid, and the choice affects the drink’s strength and flavor.

Syrup keeps the drink’s strength low, which suits long afternoons. Liqueur gives a slightly more complex flavor and a touch more kick. If the drink tastes too sweet, add a bit more soda water or a squeeze of lime.

Choosing Sparkling Wine

Use a dry prosecco labeled brut or extra dry. Very sweet sparkling wines make the drink sugary. Cava or a dry sparkling wine from another region can substitute well. Keep the bottle cold, and open it just before building the drink, since the bubbles fade quickly in a warm glass.

Pour the sparkling wine slowly down the side of the glass to preserve fizz, and add the soda last. Do not stir vigorously.

Variations

Hugo Rosé

Use dry sparkling rosé instead of prosecco. It adds red berry notes and a pink tint.

Non-Alcoholic Hugo

Replace the prosecco with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or chilled sparkling water, and use elderflower syrup. The mint and lime keep it lively.

Gin Hugo

Add 1 ounce of gin before topping with prosecco. It becomes a stronger drink, with juniper adding structure.

Cucumber Hugo

Add two thin cucumber slices to the glass with the mint. The cucumber gives a spa-like freshness.

Frozen Hugo

Blend 3 ounces prosecco, 1 ounce elderflower syrup, 6 mint leaves and 1 cup of ice until slushy for a hot-weather treat.

Garnish and Glassware

Serve in a large stemmed wine glass, a balloon glass or a tall tumbler so there is room for ice and bubbles. A fresh mint sprig should be gently slapped between your palms before placing it in the glass, which wakes up the oils. Lime wheels add color and a hint of acidity. A fully loaded glass of ice keeps the drink cold longer and slows dilution, so do not skimp.

Food Pairings

• Light appetizers: Bruschetta, crostini and marinated olives suit the fresh flavors.
• Cured meats: Prosciutto and salami contrast nicely with the floral sweetness.
• Salads: Arugula, pear and goat cheese match the elderflower notes.
• Seafood: Grilled shrimp and mild white fish need only lemon and herbs.
• Fresh cheese: Mozzarella and burrata are creamy, mild companions.

Batch Pitcher

For six servings, combine 6 ounces of elderflower syrup, a handful of lightly pressed mint, and several lime wheels in a pitcher. Add ice, pour in one 750 ml bottle of chilled prosecco (about 25 ounces) and 8 ounces of soda water, then stir once. Pour into glasses filled with fresh ice. Prepare it only just before guests arrive, because the bubbles will fade within minutes.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Too sweet: Use a brut prosecco, reduce the syrup to 0.75 ounce, or add an extra squeeze of lime.
• Flat and watery: The prosecco was warm or the ice was too small. Chill the bottle for several hours and use large cubes.
• Bitter mint taste: The leaves were crushed too hard. Press gently, or simply slap the sprig and use it as garnish.
• Weak elderflower flavor: Brands differ. Add a little more syrup, or switch to a liqueur.
• Too boozy: Add more soda water or use syrup rather than liqueur.

Small adjustments make a large difference in this light drink, so taste as you build. Because there is no shaking or straining, you can adjust right in the glass before serving.

Hugo Compared With Other Spritzes

A spritz is any aperitivo built from sparkling wine, a flavoring element and soda water. The Hugo uses elderflower and mint for a floral, herbal profile with no bitterness. An Aperol spritz uses a bitter orange aperitif, and a Campari spritz is more bitter still. If you are serving a group, offering both a Hugo and a bitter spritz gives guests a clear choice between sweet-floral and bitter-citrus. The Hugo also suits people who find bitter drinks challenging.

FAQ

What does a Hugo spritz taste like?

It tastes light, floral and sweet, with a cooling mint finish and a little citrus. It is less bitter and less sweet than an Aperol spritz.

Is a Hugo spritz strong?

It is generally lighter than most cocktails, since it is mostly sparkling wine and soda. Using syrup instead of liqueur lowers the alcohol further.

Where does elderflower syrup come from?

It is made from the blossoms of the elder plant, steeped in sugar and water. It is sold in many grocery stores and specialty food shops, and you can make it at home when the flowers are in season.

Can I make a Hugo without mint?

You can, but the mint provides much of the character. If you want a quieter version, use fewer leaves and skip the garnish sprig, or replace it with a thin cucumber slice.

Please drink responsibly and enjoy in moderation.

8 Best Kitchen Soap Dispenser Sets (November 2026)

Taco Bell Sauces Ranked: From Mild Packets to Creamy Dips

Best Air Purifier For Homes With Pets