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Hugo Spritz Recipe
This Hugo Spritz Recipe is my go-to summertime cocktail—it’s light, refreshing, and brimming with elderflower charm and minty zest for an Italian-style aperitif that feels like sunshine in a glass.
A Toast to Summer: What Is a Hugo Spritz and Why You’ll Adore It
Think bright afternoons on a sunlit terrace in Northern Italy—this cocktail blends Prosecco’s gentle fizz with elderflower syrup, sparkling water, fresh mint, and a hint of lime. Unlike heavier drinks, it’s low in sugar (about 150 calories per glass) and steeped in floral, citrusy notes. I first discovered it during a family trip to the Dolomites; sipping one as the bells tolled for evening mass felt pure magic. Back home, I’ve tweaked proportions—just enough sweetness, crisp bubbles, and mint perfume—to make it my signature summer sipper at backyard barbecues or quiet porch chats with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No blenders or fancy tools required—just a jigger, a spoon, and a wine glass.
- Ready in under five minutes—perfect when guests show up early.
- Low in sugar yet high on flavor—ideal if you’re counting calories or carbs.
- Customizable fizz level—play with Prosecco, cava, or sparkling water.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
- Uses pantry staples (elderflower syrup lasts months in the fridge).
- Elegant enough for dinner parties, casual enough for a solo treat.
- Mint and lime add a fresh twist that beats plain prosecco any day.
- It’s essentially Italy in a glass—“aperitivo” vibes without the airfare.
Ingredients
• 2 oz elderflower syrup (I trust St-Germain or Monin for consistent flavor)
• 4 oz Prosecco (11% ABV; choose any dry or brut variety you love)
• 2 oz chilled sparkling water (adjust for more or less fizz)
• 5 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish (tear leaves gently to release oils)
• 1 lime slice or wedge (for acidity and color)
• Plenty of ice cubes (clear ice if you want that cocktail-bar look)
Tips on picking and prepping:
– Elderflower syrup: choose one with real flower extracts, not just artificial flavor.
– Prosecco: a mid-range bottle around $12–$18 strikes a balance between bubbles and budget.
– Mint: garden-fresh spearmint yields the sweetest aroma; rinse and pat dry.
– Lime: roll it on the countertop to maximize juice before cutting.
Directions
- Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer or fill with ice while you gather ingredients—cold glass = longer-lasting fizz.
- Add syrup and mint. In your glass, pour 2 oz elderflower syrup over a few ice cubes; gently slap or tear mint leaves to wake up their oils, then nestle them against the sides.
- Pour Prosecco. Tilt the glass at a 45° angle and gently stream in 4 oz prosecco—this little angle trick keeps bubbles lively.
- Top with sparkling water. Add 2 oz chilled soda water and stir once with a bar spoon, pulling from bottom to top.
- Squeeze and garnish. Clip or slide in a lime wedge, then tuck a mint sprig at the rim—voilà, your Hugo Spritz is ready to sip!
- Sip mindfully. Let the effervescence and floral sweetness mingle on your tongue—refreshment guaranteed.
Servings & Timing
Makes 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 5 minutes (glass + ingredients)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
• Cucumber-Infused: Add 2 thin cucumber slices for a spa-like twist.
• Low-Sugar: Swap elderflower syrup for 1 oz light agave syrup + ½ oz elderflower liqueur.
• Non-Alcoholic: Replace Prosecco with elderflower-flavored sparkling water.
• Rosé Spritz: Use sparkling rosé instead of prosecco for a blush-pink hue.
• Herbal Boost: Muddle a small basil leaf with mint for a nuanced herbal note.
Storage & Reheating
• Store components: Mix elderflower syrup and mint in a sealed jar; refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Prosecco and sparkling water should stay chilled separately—don’t store them mixed, or fizz disappears fast.
• No reheating needed—serve cocktails cold over fresh ice each time.
• Make-ahead tip: Prepare syrup-mint blend in the morning; assemble cocktails just before serving.
Notes
I learned that over-muddling mint yields a grassy bitterness—gentle tearing is all you need. Chill your glasses well, because lukewarm fizz tastes flat. If you prefer a sweeter sip, add an extra half ounce of syrup; for dryer notes, pick a brut prosecco or trim back the soda water. Lastly, always pour prosecco slowly to preserve bubbles—trust me, nobody likes a flat spritz.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is a Hugo Spritz?
A: An Italian aperitif combining elderflower syrup, prosecco, mint, lime, and sparkling water for a light, floral cocktail.
Q: Can I use champagne instead of prosecco?
A: Absolutely—champagne adds luxury and finer bubbles, though the flavor profile shifts slightly toward yeasty notes.
Q: How many calories are in one Hugo Spritz?
A: Roughly 140–160 calories per serving, depending on syrup and prosecco choices.
Q: What’s the best glassware?
A: Any large wine glass or balloon glass will showcase the bubbles and fit plenty of ice and garnishes.
Q: Can I make a batch for a party?
A: Yes—pre-mix elderflower syrup with soda water and mint (no lime), refrigerate, then add prosecco and lime wedges just before serving.
Q: How do I keep the fizz longer?
A: Serve over clear, fresh ice and keep glassware cold. Fill glasses only ¾ full to preserve bubbles.
Q: Is there a non-alcoholic option?
A: Use elderflower-flavored sparkling water plus a splash of lime juice and mint leaves—delightful!
Q: Can I swap mint for another herb?
A: Basil or lemon verbena work nicely; just tear leaves gently to unlock their aroma.
Conclusion
There you have it: my easy Hugo Spritz Recipe brings a true Italian aperitif vibe to any summer gathering. It’s crisp, floral, and endlessly customizable—what’s not to love? Give it a whirl, drop a comment below with your twist, and don’t forget to explore more refreshing cocktail recipes right here on the blog. Cheers!
Hugo Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz elderflower syrup
- 4 oz Prosecco (dry or brut)
- 2 oz chilled sparkling water
- 5 leaves fresh mint
- 1 slice lime
- Plenty of ice cubes
Instructions
- Pop it in the freezer or fill with ice while you gather ingredients.
- Pour elderflower syrup over ice in the glass and gently slap mint leaves to release oils.
- Tilt the glass and stream in Prosecco at a 45° angle for lively bubbles.
- Add chilled sparkling water and stir gently.
- Add lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish.
- Enjoy the effervescence and floral sweetness of the Hugo Spritz.
