There’s nothing quite like the first sip of a perfectly chilled Hugo Spritz on a hot summer afternoon. I remember my first taste like it was yesterday – a tiny bar in the Italian countryside where the bartender winked as he handed me this gorgeous, bubbly drink topped with fresh mint. One sip and I was hooked! The blend of floral syrup, crisp prosecco, and that refreshing splash of soda water felt like summer in a glass.
Now I make Hugo Spritzes for every backyard gathering – they’re so simple yet sophisticated, and everyone always asks for the recipe. The magic lies in balancing just three main ingredients (plus plenty of ice and a gorgeous garnish). After working as a bartender for years and testing countless variations, I can confidently say this recipe delivers the perfect Hugo Spritz every single time.
What makes my heart sing about this cocktail? It’s light, refreshing, and low in calories – no sugary mixers here! But don’t let its simplicity fool you. When made right with quality ingredients, a Hugo Spritz becomes something truly special that’ll transport you straight to a sunny Italian piazza.
Why You’ll Love This Hugo Spritz Recipe
Once you try this Hugo Spritz recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to summer cocktail. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Effortless elegance: You’re literally 3 ingredients and 2 minutes away from a bar-quality cocktail that looks like you spent hours perfecting (I won’t tell your secrets).
- Cooling refreshment: That first sip of icy Hugo Spritz after mowing the lawn? Pure magic. The mint and citrus wake up your taste buds while the bubbles dance on your tongue.
- Party perfection: This recipe scales beautifully – I regularly make pitchers for barbecues. Just set out the syrup, chilled prosecco, and garnishes for a DIY cocktail station.
- Sweetness control: Unlike many cocktails drowning in sugar, you can easily adjust the Hugo Spritz syrup to your preference (I like mine just barely sweet).
- Day-to-night drink: Equally perfect for poolside lounging or dressed up with edible flowers for dinner parties.
Trust me, once you’ve had a properly made Hugo Spritz, those pre-mixed spritzers from the store just won’t compare!
Hugo Spritz Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun of making this cocktail! Here’s everything you’ll need for one perfect Hugo Spritz:
- 2 oz Hugo Spritz syrup (chilled is best)
- 3 oz prosecco (keep that bottle icy cold!)
- 1 oz soda water (I prefer the tiny bubbles of San Pellegrino)
- Ice cubes (big ones melt slower and won’t water down your drink)
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves for garnish (smack them between your palms first to release the oils!)
- 2 thin lime or lemon slices (or one of each if you’re feeling fancy)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you can’t find exact ingredients – part of the Hugo Spritz’s charm is how adaptable it is! Here are my favorite swaps:
For the syrup, you’ve got options. Can’t find Hugo Spritz syrup? Mix 1.5 oz elderflower cordial with 0.5 oz simple syrup – it’s not identical but still delicious. Some brands make ready-to-use Hugo Spritz mixes (I like the one from Luxardo), but homemade always tastes fresher.
Prosecco substitutions are easy too. Any dry sparkling wine works – I’ve used cava in a pinch. Just avoid anything too sweet (looking at you, Asti Spumante). For a non-alcoholic version, replace both prosecco and soda water with chilled sparkling grape juice.
Garnishes are where you can really play! Swap mint for basil if you want an herbal twist. No citrus? Try cucumber slices instead for that cool, spa-like vibe. And if you’re feeling extra, edible flowers make any Hugo Spritz Instagram-worthy.
One last pro tip: always use the best quality ingredients you can find. This simple cocktail really shows off each component, so splurge on that nice prosecco – you’ll taste the difference!
How to Make a Hugo Spritz
Making a Hugo Spritz is practically foolproof – that’s why I love teaching friends this recipe! Just follow these simple steps for cocktail perfection:
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
First things first – grab your favorite stemless wine glass or large tumbler. I prefer clear glass so you can admire those beautiful bubbles! Fill it nearly to the top with large ice cubes (about 5-6 big ones). This keeps your Hugo Spritz cold without watering it down too quickly. Pro tip: For an extra chill, pop the empty glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before assembling.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Now the magic happens! Pour your chilled Hugo Spritz syrup over the ice – I like to let it cascade down one side for a pretty layered effect. Immediately follow with the prosecco, pouring slowly down the opposite side of the glass. This gentle pouring helps preserve those precious bubbles. Give it one very gentle stir with a long bar spoon – just enough to combine but not so much that you lose carbonation.
Step 3: Finish & Garnish
The final flourish! Top your Hugo Spritz with soda water (about an ounce) for that refreshing fizz. Now for the fun part – garnish! Press mint leaves between your palms to release their aroma before placing them artfully on top. Add citrus slices perched on the rim or floating in the drink. I always give one last ultra-light stir to distribute the garnishes without bruising the mint. Voilà – your Instagram-worthy Hugo Spritz is ready to enjoy!
See? Even cocktail newbies can master this in minutes. The keys are chilling everything beforehand, being gentle with the bubbles, and not skimping on those gorgeous garnishes that make it feel truly special. Now take that first sip and tell me it doesn’t transport you straight to the Italian Riviera!
Expert Tips for the Best Hugo Spritz
After making hundreds of Hugo Spritzes (for research purposes, obviously), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks that take this cocktail from good to extraordinary. Here are my bartender secrets:
Temperature is everything. I can’t stress this enough – every single ingredient should be ice-cold before mixing. Keep your syrup and prosecco in the fridge overnight, and even chill your soda water if possible. Warm ingredients make for a flat, sad Hugo Spritz.
Balance that sweetness. Start with less syrup than you think you need – you can always add more. I like to use just 1.5 oz for a drier, more sophisticated drink. Stir in an extra 1/4 oz at a time if needed, tasting as you go.
Presentation matters. Use the biggest, clearest ice cubes you can find – they melt slower and look stunning. Always garnish just before serving so the mint stays perky. And don’t forget to wipe the glass rim for that perfect first impression!
One last pro move: for outdoor parties, freeze edible flowers or citrus slices into your ice cubes. They’ll slowly reveal themselves as the Hugo Spritz chills – pure cocktail magic!
Hugo Spritz Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic Hugo Spritz, the fun really begins! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling creative:
Berry Bliss: Muddle a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries at the bottom of your glass before adding ice. The fruit’s natural sweetness means you can cut back on syrup – I use just 1 oz. The pink hue makes it perfect for brunch!
Herbal Twist: Swap mint for fresh basil or thyme for a savory edge. For extra herbal flavor, lightly rub the leaves around the glass rim before dropping them in. This version pairs amazingly with cheese plates.
Tropical Escape: Use passionfruit syrup instead of Hugo syrup, garnish with a pineapple wedge, and suddenly you’re on a beach in Bora Bora. A splash of coconut water in place of soda adds island vibes.
The beauty of the Hugo Spritz is how forgiving it is – don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors you love. Just remember my golden rule: keep it chilled, keep it bubbly, and keep that garnish pretty!
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
The Hugo Spritz shines brightest when served alongside light, fresh bites that complement its bright flavors. Picture this: a lazy Sunday brunch spread with smoked salmon crostini and a pitcher of Hugo Spritzes chilling in an ice bucket – pure bliss! For evening gatherings, I love pairing it with lemon-herb marinated olives and prosciutto-wrapped melon. The salty-sweet combo is magic.
This cocktail also plays nicely with Mediterranean-inspired mezze platters – think hummus, cucumber slices, and warm pita. Just avoid anything too heavy or spicy that might overpower the drink’s delicate balance. And whatever you serve, keep those Hugo Spritzes coming – they disappear fast once guests get a taste!
Hugo Spritz FAQ
I get asked these Hugo Spritz questions all the time – here are the answers straight from my cocktail-mixing experience:
Can I make a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz?
Absolutely! My favorite mocktail version swaps the prosecco for chilled ginger beer or sparkling grape juice. Use the same amount of Hugo syrup and top with soda water – it’s just as refreshing without the buzz. Bonus: kids love this “fancy drink” at parties too!
What if I don’t have Hugo Spritz syrup?
No worries – I’ve made delicious versions with elderflower liqueur (cut with a little simple syrup) or even a homemade syrup of mint, lime zest and sugar. The flavor won’t be identical but still makes a lovely spritz. Start with 1.5 oz and adjust to taste.
How long does a Hugo Spritz stay fizzy?
Honestly? You’ll want to drink it within 20 minutes for peak bubbliness. If you must store leftovers (though I’ve never had any!), cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. The bubbles will fade, but a quick stir with fresh soda water revives it somewhat.
Can I batch make Hugo Spritzes for a party?
Yes! Mix syrup and prosecco in a pitcher (1:1.5 ratio) and chill. Don’t add soda water until serving – pour the mix over ice in glasses, then top each with soda. Garnish individually for that fresh look. One batch serves about 6-8 depending on glass size.
Why does my mint garnish sink?
Ah, the eternal struggle! Try this bartender trick: lightly slap the mint between your palms first (releases oils and makes leaves buoyant), then perch them on an ice cube or citrus slice. Or be like me – embrace the casual look of mint leaves floating freely!
Nutrition Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition – but remember, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients! My Hugo Spritz recipe typically comes in around 120 calories per serving (that’s for the full 6 oz drink). Most of that comes from the natural sugars in the syrup and prosecco, with virtually no fat. But here’s the thing – different syrup brands and prosecco sweetness levels can swing those numbers. My advice? If you’re counting closely, check your labels and adjust the syrup amount to suit your needs. Either way, it’s still way lighter than most creamy cocktails!
Rate This Recipe
Did this Hugo Spritz recipe become your new summer obsession like it did mine? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your favorite twist or share a photo of your gorgeous creation. Your feedback makes my day and helps other readers too!
Print
“3-Ingredient Hugo Spritz Recipe You Can’t Resist!”
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Hugo Spritz syrup
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lime or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add Hugo Spritz syrup.
- Pour in prosecco.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with mint leaves and lime or lemon slices.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients for best results.
- Adjust syrup quantity based on sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hugo spritz, cocktail recipe, summer drink, refreshing cocktail
