Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe

This one started on a random evening when my brain wanted something fun, my body wanted to sit down, and my fridge offered… not much. I remembered having a Hugo Spritz once and thinking, wow, this tastes like summer figured its life out.

So I grabbed a wine glass, some mint that was honestly on its last good day, and decided to see if I could recreate that feeling without Googling too hard.

I slightly overthought the mint, almost forgot the soda, and still ended up with a drink that made the day feel quieter in a good way. That’s usually a win in my book.

Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)

• Impossible to Stress About: This drink refuses to be dramatic. Even when I mess it up, it’s still refreshing.
• Feels Like a Mini Vacation: One sip and suddenly my couch feels like an Italian balcony. Mentally, at least.
• Mint Makes It Feel Fancy: I don’t know why, but mint instantly upgrades things.
• Low Effort, High Reward: Five minutes of work for something that feels like I tried.
• Perfect After-Work Energy: Not heavy, not boring, just right.
• Guests Think I’m Organized: I am not. This drink just helps my reputation.
• Easy to Adjust Mid-Glass: Too sweet? Too bubbly? You can fix it while drinking. That’s my kind of recipe.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way

1. Don’t Mash the Mint: I crushed it once like I was mad at it. Bad move. Just gently squish it so it smells nice.
2. Let It Sit a Minute: Giving the mint, gin, and elderflower a minute together actually matters. I didn’t believe it either.
3. Ice Is Not Optional: Warm Hugo Spritz is just sadness in a glass.
4. Go Easy on the Gin: More does not always mean better. Learned this personally.
5. Stir Like You’re Being Polite: Aggressive stirring kills the bubbles. Be gentle.
6. Taste Before Topping Off: I’ve saved drinks by adjusting before adding prosecco.
7. Fresh Mint Wins: Limp mint works, but fresh mint makes it feel alive.

Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe

The Hugo Spritz is a light, refreshing cocktail made with elderflower cordial, prosecco, soda water, and fresh mint.

Bright, floral, and gently bubbly, it’s perfect for warm evenings, casual gatherings, or a simple pre-dinner drink that feels elegant without being complicated.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Calories: 171

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 20 ml gin
• Small handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 mint sprig for garnish
• 20 ml elderflower cordial
• Ice
• 25 ml soda water
• 120 ml prosecco
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

Method

 

1. Prepare the Mint: Gently scrunch the mint leaves in your hands to lightly bruise them, then place them in the bottom of a large wine glass.
2. Add the elderflower cordial and gin. Let the mixture sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the mint flavor to infuse.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour in the soda water followed by the prosecco.
5. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately.
   

Notes

This drink doesn’t need perfection. It just needs a glass, a little mint, and a willingness to try. If it’s slightly off the first time, that’s part of it.

Adjust, sip, smile, try again. That’s how most good things in the kitchen happen anyway.

Variations You Can Mess Around With

• No Gin Version: Skip the gin and keep it light. Still good, still fun.
• Extra Citrus Mood: Add a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling bold.
• Sweeter Side: A touch more elderflower when you want dessert vibes.
• Herbal Switch-Up: Basil instead of mint. Sounds odd. Works shockingly well.
• More Bubbles Please: Extra soda when you want it super refreshing.
• Less Sweet Version: Dial back the cordial and let the prosecco shine.
• Lazy Party Version: Pre-mix everything except ice and prosecco. I won’t tell.

How I Like to Serve This

1. After Work: Shoes off, glass in hand, standing in the kitchen.
2. Before Dinner: It wakes up the appetite without stealing the show.
3. Friends Are Over: I act like this was the plan all along.
4. Solo Evening: One drink, slow sips, no rush.
5. Warm Weather Days: Basically mandatory when it’s hot.
6. Snack Pairing: Chips, olives, or whatever’s closest.
7. Casual Celebrations: Because not every toast needs champagne.

Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts

• Best Made Fresh: This one doesn’t love being saved.
• No Fridge Storage: The bubbles won’t survive. Neither will the magic.
• Pre-Mix Trick: You can prep the mint, gin, and elderflower earlier.
• Ice Last Always: Melty ice ruins the balance fast.
• Next-Day Mint Smell: Not great. Make it fresh instead.
• Small Batches Win: One glass at a time keeps it perfect.

FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)

Can I make this without elderflower cordial?
You can, but it won’t be a Hugo Spritz anymore. Still drinkable though.

Is it supposed to smell super minty?
Yes. If it smells fresh, you’re doing it right.

What if I don’t have prosecco?
Any dry sparkling wine will work. Close enough counts here.

Can I make this stronger?
You can, but add slowly. This drink likes balance.

Do I have to use a wine glass?
No, but it feels nicer. That’s most of the reason.

Can I skip the soda water?
Yes. It’ll be richer, less light, still tasty.

Why does mine taste flat?
Probably stirred too hard or used warm ingredients. Been there.

Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes. Just add ice and prosecco right before serving.