Hugo Spritz Recipe (Classic & Non-Alcoholic Versions)
Aug 04, 2024 • Updated Apr 21, 2025
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If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a light, floral cocktail on a terrace in Northern Italy, the Hugo Spritz Recipe is your drink! This effervescent cocktail blends the subtle sweetness of elderflower, the sparkle of prosecco, and the refreshing lift of mint and citrus—no wonder it’s the drink of the summer. In this version, you’ll find both the original recipe and a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz option, made with natural ingredients and perfect for mindful sipping.
A beloved aperitivo from South Tyrol, the Hugo Spritz was originally created as a gentler, more floral alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. Traditionally served in wine glasses over ice with a sprig of mint and slices of lime, it has become a favorite across Europe, especially in the warmer months.
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Why You’ll Love This Hugo Spritz Recipe
This Hugo Spritz recipe captures the essence of South Tyrol, where the cocktail was first created as a gentler alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. With fresh lime and mint leaves, it delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, floral notes, and crisp bubbles. Whether you’re pouring bubbly prosecco or a dry alcohol-free version, this recipe is easy to personalize and ideal for gatherings or winding down on a hot day.
Unlike heavier cocktails, the Hugo is light and refreshing, and pairs beautifully with light summer fare or enjoyed on its own. It’s perfect for summer brunches, picnics, garden parties, or even a relaxing evening with a good book on the patio. And if you’re steering clear of alcohol, the mocktail version still checks every box—bright, aromatic, and wildly satisfying.
Looking for more warm-weather refreshers? Try this Easy Frosé Recipe (Mocktail or Cocktail!) or this breezy Virgin Mango Passion Fruit Margarita Mocktail.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ice Cubes – Fill your wine glasses generously. This cocktail should be cold and crisp from the first sip.
- Elderflower Syrup or Liqueur – The main ingredient in this cocktail. Use syrup for the mocktail version or a liqueur like St. Germain or St. Elder for the classic take.
- Non-Alcoholic Spirit or Prosecco – For mocktails, a floral non-alcoholic gin or aperitif adds depth. For the cocktail version, prosecco offers a light, bubbly base.
- Club Soda or Sparkling Water – To top it off and create that effervescent cocktail experience.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – A sprig of mint adds fragrance and flavor. Be sure to smack it before adding to release the oils.
- Lime and Lemon Slices – Brightens up the drink and makes it extra pretty. A lime wedge also makes a great finishing touch.
How to Make This Hugo Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Lightly smack the mint leaves to release their aroma and add them to your serving glass.
Step 2: Add elderflower syrup or liqueur, and a non-alcoholic spirit if using the mocktail version.
Step 3: Fill the glass with ice cubes and add slices of lime and lemon.
Step 4: Pour in the prosecco (or non-alcoholic sparkling wine), then top with club soda.
Step 5: Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge. Sip and enjoy immediately!
Secrets to Success
- For the crispest, most refreshing Hugo Spritz, chill your wine glasses, prosecco (or non-alcoholic bubbly), and club soda ahead of time! A colder base means your ice melts slower, keeping the drink bright and fizzy longer.
- Gently smacking the mint sprig between your hands releases essential oils without bruising the leaves. Tearing or muddling too aggressively can make the drink taste bitter.
- While lime and lemon are classic, you can riff on the original by adding thin cucumber ribbons, fresh edible flowers, or even a sprig of lemon balm alongside the mint for a pretty seasonal twist.
Hugo Spritz Mocktail
- ½ to 1 oz elderflower syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 oz non-alcoholic gin or aperitif
- 4 oz non-alcoholic prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 oz club soda
- 3-4 mint leaves
- Ice, lemon/lime slices, and fresh mint to garnish
Classic Hugo Spritz Cocktail
- ½ to 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St. Germain)
- 4 oz prosecco
- 2 oz club soda
- 3-4 mint leaves
- Ice, lemon/lime slices, and fresh mint to garnish
FAQs About Hugo Spritz
A classic Hugo Spritz includes prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, mint, and citrus slices. It’s known for its light, floral flavor and refreshing finish.
St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur made with alcohol, while elderflower syrup is a non-alcoholic version often used in mocktails. Both deliver that signature floral flavor, though syrup is sweeter and thicker.
Start with less elderflower syrup or liqueur and adjust to taste. Adding extra lime slices or a dash more sparkling water can also help balance the sweetness.
Light dishes like a watermelon mint salad, creamy vegan cheeses, crostini, or summer grain bowls pair beautifully. Try it alongside a Cantaloupe Granita with Lime and Mint for a matching flavor profile.
Absolutely. Sparkling water works well and is slightly less salty than club soda. Just ensure it’s well chilled.
This Hugo Spritz recipe brings all the elegance and ease of a European summer to your glass—floral, fizzy, and beautifully customizable. Whether you opt for the alcohol-free version or the classic cocktail, it’s bound to become your go-to cocktail for warm weather. Leave a comment below if you make it, and share your favorite twists!
Looking for more summery sips? Don’t miss this Persimmon Sour Mocktail.
More Mocktail/Cocktail Recipes
If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a star rating and comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!
Hugo Spritz Recipe (Classic & Non-Alcoholic Versions)
Ingredients
Mocktail Version
- ice cubes to fill a glass
- 1/2-1 oz elderflower syrup more as desired
- 1 oz non-alcoholic spirit I used a gin alternative
- 4 oz non-alcoholic prosecco or dry sparkling
- 1 oz club soda
- 3-4 mint leaves fresh
Cocktail Version
- ice cubes to fill a glass
- 1/2-1 oz elderflower liqueur more as desired
- 4 oz prosecco
- 2 oz club soda
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
Garnish
- 1-2 lime slices
- 1-2 lemon slices
- 1 sprig fresh mint
Instructions
- Grab your mint leaves and smack them to release the aromas and essential oils. Add to your serving glass. Add elderflower syrup, non-alcoholic spirit and ice.
- Add lemon and lime slices to the glass, prosecco and top off with club soda. Garnish with more fresh mint, to taste. Stir and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- The standard is 4 parts prosecco to 1 part soda, but feel free to customize this to your liking. You can also add more or less elderflower as you desire.
- To make a large batch of Hugo Spritzes, simply click on the printable recipe card below. Adjust the number of servings you’d like to make and the ingredient amounts will automatically adjust.
- For the crispest, most refreshing Hugo Spritz, chill your wine glasses, prosecco (or non-alcoholic bubbly), and club soda ahead of time! A colder base means your ice melts slower, keeping the drink bright and fizzy longer.
- While lime and lemon are classic, you can riff on the original by adding thin cucumber ribbons, fresh edible flowers, or even a sprig of lemon balm alongside the mint for a pretty seasonal twist.
- Gently smacking the mint sprig between your hands releases essential oils without bruising the leaves. Tearing or muddling too aggressively can make the drink taste bitter.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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