Hugo Spritz Mocktail

• elderflower syrup
  45 ml (1.5 oz)

  Use a high-quality syrup for the best floral flavor
• fresh lime juice
  15 ml (0.5 oz)

  Freshly squeezed preferred
• sparkling water
  90 ml (3 oz)

  Well chilled
• non-alcoholic sparkling wine or alcohol-free prosecco alternative
  90 ml (3 oz)

  Optional, but adds body and a more classic spritz feel
• fresh mint leaves
  240 ml (8 oz)

  Lightly bruised; quantity is roughly 8 to 10 leaves
• lime wheel
  30 ml (1 oz)

  For building and aroma
• ice
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Enough to fill the glass generously

• Wine glass or large stemmed spritz glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Muddler or the back of a spoon
• Ice scoop or tongs
• Citrus knife and cutting board

1. 1

   Fill a large wine glass or spritz glass about three-quarters full with ice. A Hugo drinks best very cold, so don’t be shy here.

2. 2

   Add the elderflower syrup and fresh lime juice directly into the glass.

3. 3

   Gently clap the mint leaves between your hands or lightly bruise them with a muddler to release their aroma, then add them to the glass. Avoid crushing them too hard, or the drink can turn bitter.

4. 4

   Add the lime wheel into the glass for extra citrus aroma and that signature spritz look.

5. 5

   Pour in the non-alcoholic sparkling wine if using, then top with sparkling water.

6. 6

   Give the drink one gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the bubbles.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust if needed: add a splash more sparkling water for a lighter drink or a touch more elderflower syrup for a softer, sweeter profile.

8. 8

   Finish with garnish and serve immediately while the bubbles are lively and the mint is fragrant.

• It’s incredibly refreshing, with crisp bubbles, cool mint, and zesty lime in every sip.
• The floral elderflower flavor makes it feel elegant and a little special without being fussy.
• It’s alcohol-free but still looks and drinks like a proper aperitivo-hour cocktail.
• It comes together in just a few minutes, making it ideal for parties, brunch, or solo sipping.
• It’s easy to customize with extra citrus, sweeter soda, or even non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

The Hugo Spritz traces its roots to Northern Italy, particularly the Alpine region of South Tyrol, where it emerged in the 2000s as a lighter alternative to the more bitter Aperol Spritz. Traditionally made with prosecco, elderflower, soda water, mint, and lime, it quickly gained popularity for its fragrant, floral personality and easy-drinking style. The mocktail version keeps the soul of the drink intact by focusing on its most beloved elements: elderflower, bubbles, herbs, and citrus. As non-alcoholic aperitifs have become more popular, the Hugo Spritz Mocktail has found a natural place on modern menus as a stylish zero-proof option that still feels celebratory.