Aperol spritz has been one of my summer cocktails of choice. When my niece made this Hugo Spritz for me, it quickly earned a permanent spot in my drink rotation. Each sip brings bright floral notes from the St Germain balanced with crisp Prosecco and fresh mint. While an Aperol spritz offers bold, bitter notes, the Hugo Spritz brings a lighter, more delicate profile perfect for brunch parties or summer evenings on the patio. I love pairing it with light appetizers like charcuterie skewers. Mix up a batch next time you’re craving something bubbly and bright. Your guests will thank you.
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For more cocktails featuring St-Germain, try my St. Germain margarita, which comes in two versions -the classic and one made with Aperol for added complexity and my Elderflower French 75.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
You can create this elegant cocktail at home with just a few quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- St Germain: This elderflower liqueur adds delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness to the cocktail. While there are other elderflower liqueurs available, St Germain is the gold standard and worth seeking out for this drink.
- Prosecco: A dry Prosecco works best here since the St. Germain adds sweetness. Look for “brut” or “extra-dry” on the label. While you could substitute another sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne, Prosecco’s light, crisp profile makes it ideal for this cocktail.
- Club Soda: Adding club soda creates an extra layer of effervescence without added sweetness. You can substitute seltzer water, but avoid tonic water, as it would completely change the drink’s flavor profile.
- Fresh Mint: Both muddled and used as a garnish, mint is a key component of this cocktail. Look for bright green leaves without any brown spots.
- Lime: A hint of lime creates a bright citrus note that balances the floral elements. While some versions skip the citrus entirely, it adds a wonderful dimension to the drink. You can substitute lemon for lime.
How to Make a Hugo Spritz (St Germain Spritz)
Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.
Pro-tip: Chill your Prosecco and club soda thoroughly before mixing – warm sparkling wine loses its bubbles more quickly and won’t give you that crisp, effervescent finish.
1. Build Your Base: In two wine glasses, divide the mint leaves (3-4 per glass), and add one lime wedge to each glass. Very gently muddle the mint and lime – just enough to release the oils and juice, but not so much that you shred the mint leaves.
2. Add The Spirits: Fill each glass with ice, then pour ½ ounce of St. Germain into each glass. Starting with the elderflower liqueur helps it incorporate evenly throughout the drink.
3. Add The Bubbles: Slowly add 4 ounces of chilled Prosecco to each glass, pouring at an angle to preserve the bubbles, then top each glass with 1 ounce of club soda.
4. Garnish: Give each drink a very gentle stir to combine. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and lime wedge. Serve immediately while the drinks are well-chilled and at their bubbliest.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Start with well-chilled ingredients. Room temperature Prosecco and club soda will lose their bubbles quickly and produce a flat cocktail.
- Handle the mint gently. When muddling mint, press just enough to release the oils. Over-muddling will make the mint bitter and leave bits of leaves in your drink.
- Pick the right glass. A large wine glass works best for this cocktail, allowing space for ice and garnish while concentrating the mint’s aroma.
- Pour with care. Adding Prosecco at an angle helps preserve the bubbles. A straight-down pour will cause the drink to foam up and lose carbonation.
- Use quality Prosecco. Since it’s the main ingredient, choose a dry Prosecco you’d enjoy drinking on its own. Look for “brut” on the label rather than “extra dry,” which is actually sweeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Try
Looking for more refreshing cocktail recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Aperol Spritz – The classic Italian cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda. It’s a perfect option when you want something with bold, bittersweet notes.
- Frozen Aperol Spritz – A frosty spin on the traditional spritz that’s perfect for hot summer days. This slushy version brings all the familiar flavors in a cooling form.
- Strawberry Basil Mojito – Fresh muddled strawberries and aromatic basil give this twist on a classic mojito a bright, garden-fresh taste. Another great option for herb lovers.
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Hugo Spritz (St Germain Spritz)
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Equipment
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 2 lime wedges, plus extra for garnish
- Ice
- 1 ounce St Germain
- 8 ounces Prosecco, chilled
- 2 ounces club soda or seltzer, chilled
Instructions
- In two wine glasses, divide the mint leaves (3-4 per glass). Add one lime wedge to each glass.
- Very gently muddle the mint and lime – just enough to release the oils and juice, but not so much that you shred the mint leaves.
- Fill each glass with ice.
- Pour ½ ounce of St Germain into each glass.
- Slowly add 4 ounces of chilled Prosecco to each glass (pour at an angle to preserve bubbles).
- Top each glass with 1 ounce of club soda.
- Give each drink a very gentle stir to combine.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and lime wedge.
