Blissful Hugo Spritz in 5 Minutes – Summer’s Perfect Sip

Nothing beats lounging outside on a hot summer day with a chilled cocktail in hand – and my absolute favorite for these moments is the Hugo Spritz! Picture this: crisp prosecco bubbles mingling with sweet elderflower liqueur, a splash of soda for that perfect fizzy bite, all balanced by a bright citrus garnish. It tastes like sunshine in a glass. I fell in love with this drink during a trip to Italy years ago, where they served it with little bowls of olives and lazy afternoon conversations. Now it’s my go-to whenever I want something light, floral, and ridiculously easy to make (seriously, we’re talking 5 minutes tops).

Why You’ll Love This Hugo Spritz

Oh, where do I even start? This isn’t just another cocktail – it’s your new summer best friend. Here’s why:

• Effortless elegance: It looks fancy but takes less time to make than buttering toast (and tastes infinitely better)
• Balanced bliss: The elderflower’s floral sweetness dances perfectly with prosecco’s crisp acidity
• Crowd-pleaser magic: I’ve never served this at a gathering without someone begging for the recipe
• Weatherproof: Equally delicious at a fancy brunch or lounging in your backyard at sunset
• Forgiving: Mess up the ratios? No problem – it still tastes amazing (though good luck stopping at one!)

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why I always keep elderflower liqueur stocked during summer months!

Hugo Spritz Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients – and here’s my golden rule for this cocktail: everything must be ice-cold! There’s nothing worse than warm prosecco ruining your perfect summer sip. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is my go-to, but any quality brand works)
• 4 oz prosecco (Choose dry prosecco – the bubbles make all the difference!)
• 1 oz soda water (Just a splash really lifts the flavors)
• Handful of ice cubes (Big cubes melt slower and keep your drink colder longer)
• Lime or lemon slice (I prefer lime for that extra zing, but lemon works beautifully too)

Pro tip from my many Hugo Spritz experiments: stick your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling. That first frosty sip? Absolute perfection. And don’t skip the fresh citrus – those oils from the peel add magic to every sip!

How to Make a Hugo Spritz

Okay, let’s make some magic happen! I promise this is so simple you could do it half-asleep (though I don’t recommend making cocktails while sleepy – trust me on that). Here’s how we build this beauty step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Grab your favorite wine glass or spritz glass – something tall and elegant. Now fill it to the brim with those beautiful ice cubes! I like using two big cubes rather than small ones so they melt slower and don’t dilute our drink too fast.

Step 2: Add Elderflower Liqueur

Time for the star ingredient! Measure out 2 oz of that heavenly elderflower liqueur and pour it right over the ice. Watch how those golden droplets swirl through the cubes – already looks fancy, doesn’t it?

Step 3: Top with Prosecco

Now the fun part – gently pour in 4 oz of chilled prosecco. I tilt the glass slightly and let it glide down the side to keep those precious bubbles intact. Listen to that happy fizzing sound – that’s the sound of summer!

Step 4: Finish with Soda Water

Just a splash (about 1 oz) of soda water goes in next. This lifts all the flavors and adds that perfect refreshing finish. Careful not to overdo it though – we’re making a cocktail, not a soda fountain!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

The finishing touch! Take a fresh lime or lemon slice (I gently squeeze mine to release the oils first) and perch it on the rim. That citrusy aroma hitting your nose? That’s the signal your Hugo Spritz is ready to dazzle your taste buds!

Hugo Spritz Variations

Want to mix things up? Try swapping the prosecco for vodka (just 1 oz with extra soda water) when you’re craving something stronger. For garden-party vibes, muddle a few mint leaves before adding ice – the herbal notes play beautifully with the elderflower. Feeling fancy? A splash of raspberry liqueur turns it into a blush-hued stunner!

Expert Tips for the Best Hugo Spritz

After making countless Hugo Spritzes (for research purposes, obviously), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

• Chill everything! Glassware in the freezer, prosecco in the fridge – even your soda water benefits from being cold
• Adjust sweetness by pouring the elderflower liqueur last so you can taste-test as you go
• Splurge on decent prosecco – the bubbles make all the difference (I always keep a bottle of La Marca handy for cocktails)
• Twist your citrus garnish over the drink before dropping it in to release those fragrant oils

Follow these and your Hugo Spritz will outperform any fancy cocktail bar version!

Serving Suggestions for Hugo Spritz

This beauty deserves the perfect food pairings! I love serving Hugo Spritz with light bites that don’t overpower its delicate floral notes. Try it with:

• Bruschetta piled high with ripe tomatoes and basil
• Chilled shrimp cocktail for that perfect surf-and-sip combo
• Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with honey drizzle
• Fresh fruit platters – especially juicy melon and berries

It’s also my secret weapon for Sunday brunches – just add sunshine and good company!

Hugo Spritz FAQs

Got questions about this heavenly drink? I’ve answered all the ones my friends keep asking me!

Can I use sparkling wine instead of prosecco?
Absolutely! Any dry sparkling wine works beautifully. Just avoid anything too sweet – you want those crisp bubbles to balance the elderflower’s natural sweetness.

How can I make it sweeter?
Easy! Add an extra half ounce of elderflower liqueur, or stir in a teaspoon of simple syrup. Taste as you go – remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out!

Is Hugo Spritz gluten-free?
Most elderflower liqueurs (including St-Germain) are gluten-free, as is prosecco. But always check labels if you’re sensitive – some sparkling wines may use wheat-based fining agents.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Definitely! Swap the liqueur for elderflower cordial and use alcohol-free sparkling wine. Still refreshing and floral – perfect for mocktail lovers!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers real quick – but remember, we’re here for the taste, not the math! One glorious Hugo Spritz clocks in around 180 calories, with most of that coming from the elderflower liqueur’s natural sugars (about 12g per serving). Here’s the breakdown per glass:

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Carbs: 15g
• Sodium: Just 5mg
• Fat: 0g (Hooray for guilt-free sipping!)

A quick heads up – these numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your actual counts might vary slightly depending on the specific brands you use or if you tweak the ratios (no judgment if you pour that elderflower a little heavy – I’ve been there!). The prosecco and soda water contribute minimal calories, making this a lighter choice compared to creamy cocktails. So go ahead, enjoy that second glass – I won’t tell!

Share Your Hugo Spritz Experience

Did you whip up this sunshine-filled cocktail? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating below or tag me in your photos – nothing makes me happier than seeing your happy hour creations. Cheers!

You can also find more inspiration on our Pinterest page.

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