A chilled Hugo Cocktail always makes warm evenings feel even better. Floral elderflower, sparkling Prosecco, and fresh mint create the perfect refreshing sip.
Everyone knows the Aperol Spritz, but Hugo has a completely different flavour. Made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, fresh mint, and ice, Hugo is lighter, softer, and more floral than the classic Italian spritz.
Originally created in Alto Adige near the Austrian border, Hugo was invented by Roland Gruber in 2005 as an alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
It quickly became popular across Italy and neighbouring countries, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Croatia.
The original recipe used homemade lemon balm syrup, although elderflower syrup is now far more common and easier to find in shops. Make sure you buy elderflower syrup rather than cordial, otherwise the floral flavour will be too mild.
This Hugo recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and is perfect for aperitivo hour. We ordered it many times during our stay in Northern Italy and quickly understood why it became so popular.
Why We Love This Hugo Spritz Cocktail
- Hugo suits casual drinks with friends as well as birthdays, celebrations, and dinner parties.
- Feels lighter than many classic cocktails and works well before dinner or alongside aperitivo snacks.
- Pairs especially well with salty snacks like olives, focaccia, crisps, and cured meats.
Key Ingredients for Hugo
Prosecco
Prosecco gives Hugo its light bubbles and delicate fruit flavour. Dry or extra dry Prosecco works best because it keeps the cocktail fresh while still adding a gentle sweetness.
Elderflower Syrup
Elderflower syrup gives Hugo its floral flavour and subtle sweetness. Choose a good-quality syrup with a distinct elderflower taste rather than a cordial, which is usually lighter and less concentrated.
Soda Water
Keeps the cocktail light and refreshing. Chilled soda water also helps the bubbles last longer after mixing.
Fresh Mint
Fresh mint adds fragrance and freshness to the drink. Spearmint works particularly well because its flavour is softer and slightly sweeter than peppermint.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Hugo Cocktail
Step 1: Mix together the Prosecco and elderflower syrup.
Step 2: Put the ice cubes into a wine glass and pour over the Prosecco and elderflower syrup mixture.
Step 3: Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with fresh mint.
Step 4: Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Replace the Prosecco with alcohol-free sparkling wine or sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version with the same floral flavour profile.
Large wine glasses work best because they leave enough room for ice, mint, and bubbles while keeping the cocktail easy to stir and serve.
You can, but the flavour will be milder because cordial is usually less concentrated than syrup. You may need to adjust the quantity slightly after tasting.
Mint is the classic garnish, although lime slices, lemon wheels, or thin cucumber ribbons also pair very well with the elderflower flavour.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Use Freshly Opened Prosecco – Open the bottle immediately before preparing the cocktail to keep the bubbles lively after mixing.
Rub the Mint Gently Before Adding It – Lightly rub the mint leaves between your fingers to release more fragrance before placing them in the glass.
Fill the Glass With Large Ice Cubes – Choose large ice cubes to keep the cocktail cold longer and reduce dilution as the ice melts.
Measure the Elderflower Syrup Carefully – Start with the smaller amount first, then add more if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
Chill the Wine Glasses Before Serving – Place the glasses in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before preparing the cocktail to help keep the drink colder for longer.
Variations and Twists
Use Lime Instead of Lemon – Place a lime slice in the glass with the mint before pouring the liquids, then press gently with a spoon to release more flavour into the cocktail.
Replace Elderflower Syrup with St-Germain – Swap the syrup for St-Germain elderflower liqueur for a drier floral flavour with slightly higher alcohol content. Reduce the soda water slightly to keep the drink from tasting diluted.
Hugo Kir Cocktail – Pour a small splash of crème de cassis into the glass with the elderflower syrup for a deeper berry flavour and darker colour.
Garnish with Lemon for a Softer Citrus Note – Finish the cocktail with a lemon wheel for a gentler citrus flavour that pairs well with the elderflower and mint.
Frozen Hugo Cocktail – Blend the elderflower syrup, mint, and ice first until slushy, then stir in the Prosecco and soda water afterwards to preserve more carbonation.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store elderflower syrup in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator after opening and follow the storage instructions on the label. Hugo is best prepared immediately before serving because sparkling cocktails lose carbonation quite quickly once mixed.
If you have leftover Prosecco, keep it in the fridge with a sparkling wine stopper and use it within 1 to 2 days for the best flavour and bubbles.
Freezing isn’t recommended because the carbonation and texture will change once thawed. Keep all the ingredients chilled before preparing the cocktail for the freshest result.
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Hugo Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 60 ml – 2 oz Prosecco
- 20 – 25 ml – ⅔–1 oz elderflower syrup
- 60 ml – 2 oz soda water or enough to top the wine glass
- 3 – 4 ice cubes
- fresh mint
Instructions
- Mix together the Prosecco and elderflower syrup.
- Put the ice cubes into a wine glass and pour over the Prosecco and elderflower syrup mixture.
- Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with fresh mint.
- Serve immediately.
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