About This Recipe
A refreshing Italian cocktail with elderflower, prosecco, and mint. Includes a non-alcoholic mocktail version.
Ingredients
- ½ to 1 oz elderflower syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 oz non-alcoholic gin or aperitif (optional)
- 4 oz non-alcoholic prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 oz club soda
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon and lime slices for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
- ½ to 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St. Germain)
- 4 oz prosecco
- 2 oz club soda
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon and lime slices for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Kitchen Tools
Instructions
Chef's Tips
Chill Everything: For the best experience, chill your glass, prosecco, and club soda before making the drink. This keeps it colder and fizzier for longer.
Gentle Mint Handling: Smacking the mint is key. Avoid muddling it aggressively, as this can release bitter flavors.
Quality Ingredients: Use a dry (brut) prosecco and a high-quality elderflower liqueur or syrup for the best flavor balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Muddling Mint: This is the most common error. It makes the drink bitter. Always smack, don’t crush.
Using Warm Ingredients: If your prosecco and glass aren’t chilled, the ice will melt too quickly, diluting the drink.
Stirring Too Vigorously: A gentle stir is enough to combine. Stirring too much will cause the drink to lose its carbonation quickly.
Variations
Berry Hugo Spritz: Add a few crushed raspberries or blackberries to the glass before adding the ice for a fruity twist.
Cucumber Hugo Spritz: Include a few thin ribbons of cucumber for an extra refreshing and elegant flavor.
Herbal Hugo Spritz: Experiment with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme alongside the mint for a savory note.
Storage & Freezing
Hugo Spritzes are best enjoyed immediately after preparation. The carbonated elements will go flat if stored. You can pre-mix the non-carbonated ingredients (elderflower, optional spirit) and keep them refrigerated in a pitcher for up to a day. Add the prosecco, soda, and ice just before serving.
Conclusion
The Hugo Spritz is an effortlessly elegant and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. Its simple combination of floral, herbal, and bubbly flavors is universally appealing. By mastering the technique of gently handling the mint and using chilled ingredients, you can create a professional-quality Hugo Spritz at home, whether you choose the classic cocktail or the delightful mocktail version. Enjoy this taste of Italian aperitivo culture!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Hugo Spritz is floral and herbal, based on elderflower liqueur and mint. An Aperol Spritz is bittersweet and citrusy, based on Aperol and orange. They are both Italian spritz cocktails but have distinct flavor profiles.
Absolutely! Our Hugo Spritz mocktail version uses elderflower syrup and non-alcoholic prosecco to create a delicious and sophisticated alcohol-free alternative.
A large wine glass or a balloon glass is ideal. The wide bowl allows the aromas from the mint and elderflower to concentrate, enhancing the drinking experience.
Start with ½ oz of elderflower syrup or liqueur and taste before adding the full ounce. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. Using a drier (brut) prosecco also helps balance sweetness.