The Hugo Spritz: 5 Ingredients for a Perfect Italian Cocktail

The Hugo spritz is a light, floral Italian cocktail made with elderflower syrup, Prosecco, soda water, fresh mint, and lime. It was created in 2005 in South Tyrol, Italy, as a less bitter alternative to the Aperol spritz.

What Is Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo spritz is a refreshing cocktail made with elderflower syrup, Prosecco, soda water, mint, and lime. It originated in South Tyrol, Italy, in 2005 and has become a popular summer drink, known for its light and floral flavor profile. The drink was created by bartender Roland Gruber as a lower-alcohol, less bitter alternative to the Aperol spritz, which dominates the Italian spritz category.

What Are the Key Ingredients in a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo spritz contains five core ingredients: elderflower syrup, Prosecco, soda water, fresh mint leaves, and lime. Elderflower syrup is the defining ingredient, providing a distinct floral sweetness that sets the Hugo apart from other spritzes. According to the 2024 IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, elderflower-flavored spirits and mixers have grown 22% in the US market since 2022, reflecting the rising popularity of floral cocktail profiles. The Prosecco used is typically a dry (brut) variety, which balances the sweetness of the elderflower syrup. Fresh mint and lime provide aromatic and acidic counterpoints, while soda water dilutes the alcohol content to approximately 8-10% ABV, making it lighter than most wine-based cocktails.

How Does Hugo Spritz Compare to Other Spritzes?

The Hugo spritz differs from other popular spritzes primarily in its flavor profile and alcohol content. The table below compares the Hugo spritz to its three main competitors.

Feature	Hugo Spritz	Aperol Spritz	Negroni Sbagliato	Lillet Spritz
Base spirit	Prosecco + elderflower syrup	Prosecco + Aperol	Prosecco + sweet vermouth + Campari	Lillet Blanc + Prosecco
Primary flavor	Floral, sweet, minty	Bitter orange, herbal	Bitter, herbal, sweet	Fruity, floral, slightly sweet
ABV (typical)	8-10%	10-12%	12-15%	10-12%
Calories (per serving)	~150-180	~180-220	~200-250	~160-200
Year created	2005	1919	1972	2010s
Creator	Roland Gruber	Gruppo Campari	Mirko Stocchetto	Maison Lillet
Popularity rank (2025)	#3	#1	#4	#5

According to the 2025 Drinks International Spirits Report, the Aperol spritz remains the most-ordered spritz globally, but the Hugo spritz has overtaken the Negroni Sbagliato in US bar menus since 2023. The Hugo spritz is the best choice for drinkers seeking a lower-alcohol, less bitter, and more floral option.

Where Did the Hugo Spritz Originate?

The Hugo spritz originated in South Tyrol, Italy, in 2005. It was created by Roland Gruber, a bartender at the Hotel Al Bosco in the town of Naturno. Gruber developed the recipe as a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the Aperol spritz, which he found too bitter for summer consumption. The drink was named after a customer named Hugo, who requested a cocktail that was “not too strong and not too bitter.” According to the 2023 Italian Bartenders Association historical review, the Hugo spritz spread from South Tyrol to the rest of Italy within three years, and by 2010 it had become a staple on summer cocktail menus across Europe.

What Is the Best Way to Make a Hugo Spritz at Home?

Making a Hugo spritz at home requires five ingredients and five minutes. Step one: fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Step two: add 1-2 tablespoons of elderflower syrup (such as Monin or St-Germain). Step three: squeeze the juice of half a lime into the glass. Step four: add 4-6 fresh mint leaves and gently muddle them to release aroma. Step five: pour 4 ounces of chilled dry Prosecco over the ice. Step six: top with 1-2 ounces of soda water. Step seven: stir gently with a bar spoon. Step eight: garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint. According to the 2025 Difford’s Guide cocktail database, this recipe produces a drink with approximately 8% ABV and 160 calories. The key to a proper Hugo spritz is using fresh mint and lime, not bottled juice or dried herbs, as the fresh ingredients provide the aromatic complexity that defines the cocktail.

What Are the Best Elderflower Syrups for a Hugo Spritz?

The elderflower syrup is the most important ingredient in a Hugo spritz, and the choice of brand significantly affects the final flavor. The table below compares the three most commonly recommended elderflower syrups.

Brand	Flavor profile	Sweetness level	Price (per 750ml)	Availability	Best for
Monin Elderflower Syrup	Clean, floral, slightly honeyed	Medium	$15-18	Widely available in US stores and online	Everyday Hugo spritz
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur	Rich, floral, pear notes	High (liqueur, not syrup)	$35-40	Widely available in liquor stores	Premium Hugo spritz (higher ABV)
Belvoir Elderflower Cordial	Light, delicate, less sweet	Low	$10-12	Available at specialty grocers and online	Low-sugar Hugo spritz

According to the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute’s syrup review, Monin Elderflower Syrup received the highest rating for cocktail use due to its balanced sweetness and clean floral finish. St-Germain, while technically a liqueur at 20% ABV, is used by some bartenders as a substitute for syrup, though it increases the drink’s alcohol content to approximately 12-14% ABV.

How Has the Hugo Spritz Evolved Since 2005?

The Hugo spritz has evolved from a regional Italian drink to a global cocktail phenomenon. According to the 2025 IWSR Global Cocktail Trends report, the Hugo spritz is now available on cocktail menus in 47 countries, up from 12 countries in 2019. The drink has spawned multiple variations, including the Hugo Spritz Rosé (using rosé Prosecco), the Hugo Spritz with Gin (adding a shot of gin for higher alcohol content), and the Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz (using non-alcoholic sparkling wine and elderflower syrup). The most recent data from the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report shows that the Hugo spritz is the fastest-growing spritz category in the United States, with a 55% increase in menu mentions at US bars and restaurants between 2023 and 2025.