How to make a Hugo Spritz at home

Hugo Spritz ingredients for one glass

Use cold ingredients so the ice melts slowly and the drink stays lively. A large wine glass gives the bubbles and mint enough room.

• 1½ ounces elderflower liqueur, such as St‑Germain
• 2 to 4 ounces chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
• 2 ounces chilled sparkling water or club soda
• 1 fresh mint sprig or 5 to 6 mint leaves
• 1 lime wedge or 2 thin lime wheels
• Plenty of ice

Step-by-step method

Fill the glass generously with ice. Pour in the sparkling wine and sparkling water, then add the elderflower liqueur. Stir once or twice—gently enough to preserve the bubbles.

Lightly clap the mint between your palms to release its aroma without shredding it. Add the mint and lime, then serve immediately.

• Fill a large wine glass with ice
• Add sparkling wine and soda water
• Pour in the elderflower liqueur
• Stir gently
• Garnish with mint and lime

How to adjust the drink

For a lighter spritz, add more soda water. For a stronger elderflower flavor, use the full 1½ ounces of liqueur. If you prefer a drier drink, choose brut Prosecco and start with 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur.

Elderflower syrup can replace the liqueur for a lower-alcohol variation, but syrup is often sweeter. Use less syrup at first and increase soda water to taste.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not vigorously muddle the mint; crushed leaves can make the drink bitter and leave small pieces floating throughout the glass. Avoid shaking the cocktail because sparkling wine and soda lose carbonation quickly.

Do not prepare it far in advance. Build the Hugo Spritz in the serving glass just before drinking so it stays cold and bubbly.

• Use cold bottles and plenty of fresh ice
• Stir instead of shaking
• Handle mint gently
• Taste before adding extra sweetness
• Serve immediately

Sources

Primary and official references used for this guide:

• St‑Germain — Official Hugo Spritz recipe