Hugo Spritz Recipe

Prepare glass and mint

Choose a large wine glass or stemmed glass. Add the fresh mint leaves to the glass. With a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press the mint 2–3 times against the glass to release the aromatic oils — avoid heavy muddling which will make the drink bitter.

Add lime

Cut the half lime into a couple of segments. Squeeze the juice from one segment into the glass for bright acidity, then drop that squeezed segment into the glass for extra aroma. Reserve an optional lime wheel or wedge for garnish.

Add elderflower liqueur (and optional syrup)

Pour 1 oz elderflower liqueur into the glass. If you prefer a sweeter spritz, add up to 1/4 tsp elderflower syrup and stir gently to combine with the muddled mint and lime.

Add ice

Fill the glass with ice cubes until nearly full. Using plenty of ice keeps the drink chilled and preserves bubbles.

Top with Prosecco and soda

Slowly pour 3 oz chilled Prosecco into the glass, followed by 1 oz chilled soda water. Pour gently over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass if you want to preserve effervescence.

Lightly stir and finish

Give the cocktail one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon to integrate the ingredients without losing effervescence. Taste and adjust: if it needs more brightness, squeeze a little more lime; if it needs sweetness, add another small drop of elderflower syrup.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.