Hugo Spritz with Soda water, St Germain and prosecco and garnish with Lemon wedge & Mint sprig

Ingredients

• 120 mlProsecco
• 60 mlsoda water
• 40 mlSt-Germain elderflower liqueur
• to tasteice cubes
• to garnishlemon wedge
• to garnishfresh mint sprig

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill the glass

   Choose a large wine glass or cocktail glass and fill it generously with ice.

2. 2

   Add the liqueur

   Pour 40 ml of St-Germain elderflower liqueur over the ice.

3. 3

   Pour the Prosecco

   Gently add 120 ml of Prosecco.

4. 4

   Top with soda

   Pour in 60 ml of soda water.

5. 5

   Add the garnish

   Place a lemon wedge and a fresh mint sprig in the glass.

6. 6

   Stir and serve

   Stir gently to combine, then serve immediately.

What is a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo Spritz is a sparkling aperitif associated with South Tyrol in northern Italy. Elderflower liqueur gives it a floral sweetness, while Prosecco and soda water keep the drink light and bubbly.

This version is built directly in the glass, so there is no shaker or separate syrup to prepare. Lemon and mint add a fresh aromatic finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 180 calories, 0g protein, 15g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates and calories come from the Prosecco and elderflower liqueur; the soda water, ice and garnish contribute little. There is very little protein or fat, so pair the drink with a savoury snack such as olives or a small portion of cheese if you want something more substantial.

Choosing the ingredients

Elderflower liqueur: St-Germain supplies both the floral flavour and much of the drink’s sweetness. Measure it carefully so it complements, rather than overwhelms, the wine.

Prosecco: Use a well-chilled bottle for lively bubbles and a crisp base. A dry style helps balance the liqueur.

Build it gently

Order matters: Pour the liqueur over the ice first, then add the Prosecco and soda water. This simple sequence makes it easy to combine the ingredients in the serving glass.

Gentle stirring: Mix just enough to bring the drink together. Stirring vigorously can make it lose its fizz more quickly.

Keep the fizz

Cold ingredients: Chilled Prosecco and soda water help keep the cocktail refreshing without relying on the ice to cool it down too quickly.

Fresh pour: Add the soda water near the end and serve promptly. The bubbles are at their best straight after mixing.

Garnish for aroma

Mint: Add a fresh sprig just before serving so its aroma is noticeable as you drink. For a stronger mint note, the recipe suggests gently muddling a few leaves in the glass before adding the ice.

Lemon: A wedge adds colour and a hint of citrus zest. Set it into the glass rather than squeezing it heavily if you want the elderflower to remain prominent.

When to serve it

Serve the Hugo Spritz as an aperitif or alongside light snacks such as olives, crisp vegetables or simple savoury nibbles. Its floral, sparkling profile also suits a relaxed afternoon gathering.

The drink is made for immediate serving rather than preparing ahead, since the Prosecco and soda water will gradually lose their sparkle.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the Prosecco and soda water before making the drink.
• Use a generous amount of ice to keep the cocktail cold.
• Pour the Prosecco gently to preserve its bubbles.
• Stir only briefly once all the ingredients are in the glass.
• Add the mint just before serving for a fresh aroma.

Variations

• More mint: Gently muddle a few mint leaves in the glass before adding the ice for a stronger herbal aroma.
• Less sweet: Reduce the St-Germain slightly to taste while keeping the other ingredients the same.
• Extra citrus: Add a little more lemon garnish for a brighter citrus note.
• Alcohol-free style: Replace the Prosecco and liqueur with non-alcoholic sparkling wine and elderflower cordial, adjusting the cordial to taste.
• Drier finish: Choose a dry Prosecco to temper the liqueur’s sweetness.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Warm ingredients: The drink can become diluted quickly; chill the Prosecco and soda water first.
• Too much stirring: Vigorous mixing drives off bubbles; stir gently and briefly.
• Adding mint too early: It can lose its fresh aroma; garnish just before serving.
• Overpouring the liqueur: The floral sweetness can dominate; measure 40 ml.
• Making it ahead: The fizz fades over time; build each drink just before serving.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately; it does not keep well once mixed because the bubbles fade. Keep unopened ingredients chilled as directed on their packaging.

Frequently asked questions