This elderflower hugo spritz combines elderflower liqueur, chilled prosecco, fresh mint, and lime over ice into a floral sparkling drink that takes only about five minutes to build.
Clapping the mint leaves before dropping them in releases their oils, and a splash of sparkling water at the end keeps the spritz light and crisp. It tastes like a summer evening in a glass.
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Why This Elderflower Hugo Spritz Recipe Works
The pairing of floral elderflower and dry sparkling wine is naturally balanced, so the drink tastes lightly sweet without needing any extra syrup or sugar.
Fresh mint and lime keep the flavor cool and bright, which makes the spritz taste refreshing on a warm afternoon rather than heavy.
Building the drink directly in the glass means there is no shaker to wash, and you can make several rounds in just a few minutes.
Ingredients for Elderflower Hugo Spritz
- For the spritz: one and one half ounces elderflower liqueur, three ounces dry prosecco, and two ounces sparkling water.
- For building: one half cup fresh mint leaves, three thin lime slices, and one cup ice cubes in a large wine glass.
Elderflower liqueur: The liqueur brings delicate floral sweetness, and elderflower syrup works in a pinch for an alcohol free version.
Prosecco: A dry bottle keeps the drink from tasting too sweet, and a sparkling wine from another region also works.
Sparkling water: A splash lightens the drink and lengthens it, so every sip stays crisp and the alcohol tastes gentler.
Fresh mint: Mint gives the spritz its signature cool aroma, so clap the leaves in your palm before adding them.
Lime slices: Thin lime wheels add a gentle tang and look pretty against the green mint, but lemon slices also work.
How to Make Elderflower Hugo Spritz
1. Fill the glass. Add a generous scoop of ice cubes to a large wine glass so the drink stays cold from the first sip.
2. Add the mint. Clap a handful of mint leaves between your palms, then tuck them into the ice to release their fragrance.
3. Pour the liqueur. Measure one and one half ounces of elderflower liqueur and pour it slowly over the ice and mint.
4. Add the lime. Slide the thin lime slices down the side of the glass so they sit between the ice cubes.
5. Top with bubbles. Fill the glass about halfway with chilled prosecco and finish with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Stir and serve. Stir once, very gently, so the bubbles stay lively, then serve immediately with a straw or a sprig of mint.
How to Serve Elderflower Hugo Spritz
Serve the spritz with cucumber tomato feta salad, alongside Greek lemon orzo salad, with warm cheesy garlic bread, or offer fresh peach lemonade to guests who skip alcohol.
How to Store and Reheat Elderflower Hugo Spritz
This drink is built to be served immediately because the bubbles fade within minutes. Keep leftover prosecco in the refrigerator with a sparkling wine stopper for up to one day, and store the liqueur tightly capped in a cool cabinet. Do not make the spritz ahead or store a mixed glass.
Tips and Variations for Elderflower Hugo Spritz
Drink responsibly. The spritz contains alcohol, so serve it only to adults of legal age and offer water between glasses.
Flag the allergens. Prosecco and liqueur may contain sulfites, so check the labels and tell guests the drink contains alcohol.
Wash the mint. Rinse the mint under cool running water and pat it dry before using it in the glass.
Choose dry prosecco. Look for brut on the label, since a sweeter bottle can make the spritz taste syrupy.
Make it alcohol free. Use elderflower syrup and a non alcoholic sparkling wine in the same amounts for a spritz without alcohol.
Use big ice. Large cubes melt more slowly and keep the drink from tasting watered down.
Chill everything. Refrigerate the prosecco and sparkling water ahead so the drink stays cold and bubbly.
Check trusted guidance. Read the FDA safe food handling guidance for washing fresh herbs and produce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elderflower Hugo Spritz
What is an elderflower hugo spritz?
It is an Italian style aperitif made with elderflower, prosecco, mint, and lime, served over ice in a wine glass.
Can I make an elderflower hugo spritz without prosecco?
Yes. Any dry sparkling wine works, and chilled sparkling water with extra elderflower syrup makes an alcohol free version.
How sweet is an elderflower hugo spritz?
It is lightly sweet and floral, and brut prosecco plus a squeeze of lime keeps the sweetness in check.
What glass should I use?
A large wine glass works well because it leaves room for ice, mint, and bubbles without crowding.
Can I make a pitcher?
Yes. Combine the liqueur, mint, and lime in a pitcher, then add chilled prosecco and sparkling water only when guests arrive.
Elderflower Hugo Spritz
Equipment
- Large wine glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur plus 1/2 oz more
- 3 oz dry prosecco chilled
- 2 oz sparkling water chilled
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves loosely packed, clapped before adding
- 3 thin lime slices
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
Cooking
- Ice. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Mint. Clap the mint between your palms and add it to the glass.
- Pour. Add the elderflower liqueur and lime slices.
- Top. Fill halfway with prosecco, then add the sparkling water.
- Stir. Stir once gently and serve at once.
