Hugo Recipe – Refreshing Cocktail in 5 Minutes

Name: Hugo Recipe – Refreshing Cocktail in 5 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 750 ml Prosecco (chilled); 200 ml Elderflower syrup; 400 ml Sparkling water (chilled); 8 Fresh mint sprigs; 2 Limes; 24 Ice cubes; 4 Stemmed wine glasses or large balloon glasses; 4 Lime slices (for garnish)

The Hugo is the perfect aperitif for warm days! With Prosecco, elderflower syrup, fresh mint, and a splash of soda water, this refreshing cocktail from South Tyrol comes together in just minutes.

Recipe.food AI-generated recipe

Updated 21. June 2026

5 min Total

5 min Prep

4 servings

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the glasses: Place 4–6 ice cubes into each large wine glass or balloon glass to chill it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

Step 2 – Add elderflower syrup: Pour 50 ml of elderflower syrup into each glass over the ice, distributing it evenly.

Step 3 – Squeeze lime: Cut the limes in half and squeeze a small splash of fresh lime juice (about half a quarter lime) into each glass for a subtle citrus note.

Step 4 – Pour Prosecco: Slowly pour approximately 180 ml of chilled Prosecco into each glass, pouring it gently along the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.

Step 5 – Top with sparkling water: Add about 100 ml of chilled sparkling water to each glass to lighten the drink and balance the sweetness of the elderflower syrup.

Step 6 – Add mint: Place 2 fresh mint sprigs into each glass and press them gently against the ice with a bar spoon or straw to release their aromatic oils without bruising them.

Step 7 – Garnish and serve: Garnish each Hugo with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass and serve immediately while perfectly chilled and bubbly.

History & Origin

The Hugo traces its roots to South Tyrol, where bartender Roland Gruber is said to have created it in the early 2000s near the town of Naturns — as a lighter, more floral alternative to the Aperol Spritz. By swapping bitter liqueur for elderflower syrup, he struck a chord with the times, and the drink spread rapidly from the Alpine region throughout the entire German-speaking world and beyond. Today it ranks among the most popular summer aperitifs in Central Europe.

Variations

Non-alcoholic: Replace the Prosecco with elderflower lemonade or non-alcoholic sparkling wine — reduce the syrup slightly since the lemonade is already sweet.

Hugo Rosé: Use rosé Prosecco or rosé sparkling wine for a soft pink color and a touch more fruit depth.

Hugo with Grapefruit: Swap the lime for a slice of fresh grapefruit — slightly more bitter and incredibly refreshing in the peak of summer.

Hugo Royal: Use a splash of Champagne instead of Prosecco and replace the mint with fresh thyme — more elegant and aromatically complex.

Common Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them

Too much syrup: 30ml per glass is the upper limit — going over drowns out the delicate elderflower flavor and the Hugo ends up cloyingly sweet.

Warm Prosecco: Insufficiently chilled sparkling wine will foam over when poured and quickly water down the drink as the ice melts faster.

Crushing the mint instead of clapping it: Squeezing too hard releases bitter compounds — just gently rub the leaves between your palms to release the essential oils.

Stirring too aggressively: Vigorous stirring drives out the carbonation — one brief, gentle stir is all it takes; the rest blends itself.

Using the wrong glass: A glass that’s too small leaves no room for ice and garnish — a large wine glass or balloon glass with a capacity of at least 14 oz is ideal.

Storage & Shelf Life

A Hugo should be enjoyed right after mixing — thanks to the carbonation and ice, it loses its fizziness noticeably within 15–20 minutes. Individual components can be prepped ahead: opened elderflower syrup keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks. Pre-mixed Hugo bases without the sparkling wine and ice are not recommended, as the mint and lime quickly lose their freshness. Freezing is not suitable for this cocktail.

What to Serve With It

The Hugo pairs beautifully with light appetizers and finger foods like bruschetta, goat cheese crostini, or prosciutto with melon — it’s a classic aperitif that whets the appetite without filling you up. It’s less suited as a pairing with a main course, since the sweetness of the syrup can clash with savory dishes. It’s perfect at summer garden parties, on terraces, or as a welcome drink at celebrations — in short, anywhere you want the evening to kick off in a relaxed and cheerful mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sparkling wine other than Prosecco?

Yes, a Hugo can generally be made with other sparkling wines or even Champagne. However, Prosecco has the ideal sweetness and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with elderflower syrup. A very dry Champagne can throw off the balance.

How much elderflower syrup goes in a Hugo?

About 30ml of elderflower syrup per glass (8 oz) — that’s 2 tablespoons. You can adjust slightly to your taste, but more than 40ml tends to make it too sweet.

What are some alternatives to fresh mint?

Fresh mint is essential for an authentic Hugo flavor. In a pinch, you can use lemon balm, but dried mint or mint syrup are not adequate substitutes. Without fresh mint, you’re looking at more of an elderflower spritz than a true Hugo.