Hugo Spritz Cocktail (and Mocktail)
The Hugo Spritz is the perfect “farewell” to summer… when the temperatures are still warm enough for a light, refreshing beverage. This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, and so easy to throw together. It’s a sparkling, aromatic mix of elderflower, lime, and mint - what’s not to love! No wonder it’s been dubbed the “drink of the summer.”
Last year, I was helping my sister-in-law plan her springtime baby shower, and when mama-to-be requested a fun, lightweight cocktail for the party, I knew just the drink for the job! We put together a little station for the “Hugo Spritz Bar", and it worked so well for the outdoor garden party. The spritz cocktail is low in alcohol, so it’s great to serve to a crowd. The sparkling bubbles were also refreshing on the warmer day, and the floral elderflower notes were the subtle feminine touch fit for the occasion.
Hugo Spritz Bar
I just can’t get enough of the aromatic scent of the St. Germain elderflower liquor! Not only is it intoxicating, but even the bottle itself is so beautiful and dainty.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Now, on to the recipe! If you look up Hugo Spritz cocktail recipes, you’ll find that there are so many different variations and ratios. So, really, that just means that you can’t really go wrong. It’s also tricky to measure prosecco with all the bubbles and fizz, so you can just eyeball it! No need for precision here. I prefer a more subtle floral flavor, so I do a bit less of the elderflower. Feel free to change it up for yourself!
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. St. Germain (you can do 1 oz. for a sweeter and more floral flavor)
approx. 4 oz. prosecco
approx. 1 oz. club soda
4-6 mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish
2-3 lime wheels or wedges
ice (yes. a spritz is supposed to be refreshing, so add lots of ice!)
Steps:
Start by “clapping” the 4-6 mint leaves between your hands. People often make the mistake of muddling mint leaves too much, resulting in a bitter, minty flavor that is NOT pleasant. We just want to “awaken” the mint by giving it a clap or two, or a gentle muddle with a muddler.
Drop the mint leaves in your glass, and add the St. Germain over it. You want the two flavors of mint and elderflower to mesh and blend together while you work on the next steps.
Add a generous amount of ice.
Next, pour your prosecco. You can do 3-4 ounces, depending on how much wine you want.
Top it off with one ounce of club soda (or more!) You can use any brand here, but I typically use Topo Chico or Fever Tree.
Give it a quick stir, throw in your lime wheels, and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. Not only is fresh sprig pretty, but it adds a fresh, minty scent each time you take a sip! Sometimes, I also add a quick squeeze of lime to the drink too.
Sip and enjoy!
HUGO SPRITZ MOCKTAIL (nonalcoholic version)
This is definitely not an exact dupe to the Hugo Spritz, since it has a stronger lime flavor, but I have been enjoying this variation so much! I almost enjoy it more than the original! Not only is this mocktail delicious, but it’s made with kombucha so you get the extra benefits of probiotics. It’s a win-win!
This drink is made possible by Health-Ade’s Mint Limeade kombucha. This post is not sponsored by Health-Ade - I’m just a huge fan! This kombucha is already so delicious on its own, so it really shines in this fun drink.
Hugo Spritz Mocktail
Health-Ade Mint Limeade Kombucha
Ingredients: (again, feel free to make adjustments)
1/2 oz. elderflower syrup. I bought whichever one the grocery store had on hand, for the sake of this post. I ran out, but I usually use Ikea’s elderflower syrup.
3-4 oz. Health-Ade Mint Limeade kombucha
1 oz. club soda
4-6 mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish
2-3 lime wheels or wedges
ice
Steps:
Clap the mint leaves to “awaken” the aroma, and drop into glass. Pour elderflower syrup on top.
Add ice
Pour the kombucha and club soda.
Garnish with lime wheels and fresh spring of mint.
Enjoy!
Hope your give either (or both) of these fun drinks a whirl! They’re a refreshing poolside accompaniment, and a blissful way to unwind on a warm evening.
I like to mix up a “specialty” drink when hosting family and friends. A simple meal could feel a little more dressed up with a fun drink, so why not romanticize the details a bit to make the occasion just a little more special! The Hugo Spritz is that balanced blend of simple sophistication fit for any occasion, and it’s worth giving it a try. Cheers!