Hugo Spritz

Hugo Spritz, sometimes called an Alpine Spritz, is a refreshing cocktail made with Prosecco, Saint Germain liquor, Perrier and fresh mint. It is bubbly, bright and delicious and one of our absolute favorite cocktails to make at home (and not just because of the name). If you want to try a French cocktail, make our French Kir Breton next!

What is a Hugo Spritz?

This Italian cocktail is a simple, floral, delicious cocktail made with Prosecco, Saint Germain liquor, Perrier and fresh mint.

A spritz is a cocktail made with a base of Italian Prosecco. It is typically served in a large wine glass over ice. The Hugo Spritz originated in the northern Italian region Alto-Adige, an area in the mountains where the elderberry plant thrives in summer. The recipe initially called for lemon syrup, which was later changed to elderflower syrup and then to elderflower liquor.

Fun fact : in Italy, they say “Ugo” (without pronouncing the “H”), so this is actually an “Ugo Spritz“!)

How we discovered it

Although this is an Italian cocktail, we first heard about it when we went wine tasting in Athens. When we went around the table and introduced ourselves and Hugo said his name is Hugo, our teacher boldly exclaimed that the Hugo Spritz was her favorite drink! We had never heard of it and so she told us all about this elderflower, Prosecco and mint drink. We thought it sounded divine and couldn’t wait to give it a try once we got back home (we didn’t find it available in any of the cafes in Greece).

What’s in a Hugo Spritz? The ingredients you need!

• Prosecco
• Saint Germain liquor (an elderflower liquor)
• Perrier
• Fresh mint

How to make a Hugo Spritz

Making this cocktail couldn’t be simpler! 5 easy steps and you’re all done!

Step 1 – Just fill a large wine glass with ice.
Step 2 – Pour in the St Germain and Prosecco.
Step 3 – Mix with a spoon or cocktail stirrer.
Step 4 – Pour in the Perrier.
Step 5 – Add the lemon and fresh mint.

How to serve it

A Hugo Spritz Is typically served in large wine glasses over ice with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

When to serve it

This is typically a Summer cocktail, comparable to an Aperol Spritz. Since elderflower grows in Northern Italy in the Summer, it made sense to prepare this cocktail during the Summer months in Italy. You would typically find people enjoying a Hugo Spritz on the beach in Italy or in a terrazza on a warm Summer evening.

However, I believe that this drink is a drink that can be enjoyed all year. It is light and festive whether you are having it in your garden on a warm day or serving it as a special, floral cocktail when you have guests over for a New Year’s Eve party. We’re planning to add having this cocktail to our own French new year celebrations.

What to serve with a Hugo Spritz

This drink is light, fresh, bubbly and floral, so I would serve it with mild cheese like a goat cheese or simple comté, crackers, dried fruits and cashews or a simple salmon appetizer like our salmon mousse.

Avoid serving it with anything that has a flavor profile that would overpower it, such as red meat, foie gras or strong cheeses.

More Nibbles to Serve with a Hugo Spritz

• Oysters
• French Shrimp
• Italian Dunkers
• Sardine Rillettes
• Greek Eggplant Dip
• Halloumi Fries
• Nicaraguan Guacamole

More Drinks on AHK

• Kir Breton
• Lemon Ginger Apple Cider Cocktail
• Frozen Apple Cider
• Mini Pina Coladas
• Romantic Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Hugo Spritz

The perfect floral and fruity cocktail filled with Saint Germain liquor, Prosecco, fresh lemon and fresh mint.

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