Hugo Spritz (Italian Elderflower Cocktail)
The Hugo spritz is a light, floral Italian cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, fresh mint, lime, and prosecco. Ready in 5 minutes and perfect for aperitivo hour.
Equipment
- Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic base
- 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves plus a sprig for garnish
- 5 ounces chilled prosecco
- ½ lime juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Splash of sparkling water
- Lime wheels and extra mint for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Infuse the Mint: Slap the mint leaves firmly between your palms — you will smell the oils release immediately. Drop them into your glass and pour the St. Germain over them. Let them infuse for 3 minutes while you open the prosecco, juice the lime, and prepare the garnish. This step is quick but it matters — it gives the Hugo its signature herbal freshness without bitterness.
- Step 2: Build the Cocktail: Add ice generously to the glass. Pour in the prosecco first, then the lime juice, then a small splash of sparkling water. Stir gently with a bar spoon — just two or three slow turns. The goal is to combine everything without knocking out the bubbles.
- Step 3: Garnish and Serve: Add a fresh mint sprig and a couple of lime wheels. Serve immediately while the prosecco is cold and effervescent.
Notes
- Slap the mint, don't muddle. Slapping releases the aromatic oils without bruising the leaves, which turns them bitter. The St. Germain infusion does the rest.
- Want more mint flavor? Gently muddle the leaves in the base of the glass with the St. Germain before adding ice. This gives a more pronounced, mint-forward Hugo.
- Chill the prosecco well. A warm prosecco goes flat fast and throws off the balance of the drink. Keep it in the fridge until the moment you pour.
- Make a pitcher for a crowd. Multiply the ratios — 6 oz St. Germain, 30 oz prosecco, 3 limes juiced — and pour into a large pitcher over ice with a generous handful of mint. Let guests serve themselves. Add soda water when pouring each glass so it stays fizzy.
- Try it with lemon instead of lime. Traditional Hugo recipes often use lemon. Both work — lime is slightly sharper and more citrusy, lemon is softer and more floral with the elderflower.