Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz was my favorite cocktail we sipped on all week long during our time in Florence, Italy!

A delicate and herbaceous spritz recipe made with elderflower liquor, Prosecco, fresh mint and sparkling water. Truly the perfect Apertivo drink or summer cocktail to serve on a hot day.

If you love an Aperol Spritz, give this flirty, lightened up version a try! 

Why the hugo spritz has become my drink of summer! 

Totally hooked with one sip! One sip on a gorgeous botanical decorated patio in Florence on a hot 90 degree day and I was HOOKED. This hugo spritz was one of my favorite cocktails I ordered/was given to during our trip to Italy.

Italian mojito?!… No, it was better! One glance and I fully thought it was an Italian mojito…But after the first sip it was a deliciously quenching, effervescent herbal spritz that tasted like a cousin to the Aperol Spritz. 

After some digging I found that the hugo spritz is a relatively new cocktail. It was created in the early 2000’s in the northern region of Italy. 

If you’re one to order an Aperol Spritz or a bubbly drink on a hot day, you must dry the hugo spritz! It’s light in flavor, floral, bubbly and extremely refreshing. 

They are super easy to make at home and come together in minutes. I love a spritz like this served as a welcome drink when guests arrive or for a happy hour paired with a cheeseboard and a variety of snacks. 

Hugo Spritz Ingredients: 

The hugo spritz comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Be sure to have your prosecco chilling before assembly!

• Elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain: an aromatic and floral liqueur made with fresh elderflowers 
• Prosecco: Italian sparkling white wine, perfect for this Italian spritz. 
• Sparkling water, soda water and sparkling water are both acceptable.  
• Fresh mint leaves- A must for the hugo spritz! 
• Lime wheels– Mostly for garnish but does add to the flavor!
• Crushed Ice– I like using crushed ice or pebble ice for the best texture. 

How to make a Hugo Spritz:

1. Fill a large wine glass up with crushed ice. Gently tear a few fresh mint leaves inside the glass.
2. Pour in the elderflower liqueur and add in lime wheels if using. Top 2/3 of the glass with prosecco and gently stir together. 
3. Top the remaining glass with soda water and gently stir once more.
4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.  

Recipes Tips + Notes: 

Well chilled Prosecco: Make sure you put the Prosecco in the refrigerator at least an hour before serving. You want those bubbles to be cold and refreshing! 

Serve with salty snacks: When we were in Italy we almost never got served without a little something salty to nibble on like chips, nuts, olives, etc. Serve a small bowl of your favorite salty snack on the side of your spritz. 

Use crushed ice or pebble ice: Fair warning, this might sound a little boogie but… there is something about ‘straight from the freezer tray ice’ that will kill the vibe of this cocktail. Crush the ice down or use some fancy pebble ice for an amazing texture that enhances the bubbles and doesn’t get in the way of each sip like giant cubes would. 

What to serve with a Hugo Spritz:

• Blueberry Goat Cheese Dip
• Melon and Mozzarella Board
• Jalapeno and Cheddar Cheeseball 
• Zucchini and Corn Fritters 

Love fun spritz recipe ideas?! Try these recipes! 

• Frozen Aperol Spritz 
• Limoncello Spritz 
• Watermelon Tequila Spritzer
• Aperol Pear Cider Spritz 

If you make this Hugo Spritz recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!