How to Make a Hugo Spritz With Fresh Mint From the Garden

Learn how to make a Hugo Spritz with fresh mint from the garden. This light and refreshing summer cocktail is perfect for garden parties, outdoor dining, and warm evenings on the patio.

If you’re looking for an easy Hugo Spritz recipe, this refreshing cocktail comes together in just minutes with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and fresh mint. Light, bubbly, and not overly sweet, it’s the perfect summer drink for garden parties, outdoor entertaining, brunches, and relaxing evenings on the patio. Fresh mint from the garden adds incredible flavor and makes this classic Italian cocktail feel even more special.

One of my favorite things about growing herbs is being able to step outside and harvest fresh ingredients for meals and drinks. During the summer months, mint is one of the hardest-working plants in my container gardens, and a handful of freshly picked leaves is all it takes to elevate a simple cocktail into something special.

That’s exactly why I love making a Hugo Spritz.

This refreshing Italian cocktail combines crisp Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and fresh mint for a light, bubbly drink that’s perfect for warm-weather entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, gathering with friends on the patio, or simply unwinding after a day in the garden, a Hugo Spritz feels elegant without being complicated.

And if you’re thinking about growing mint for cocktails and summer recipes, do yourself a favor and plant it in a container. Mint is incredibly easy to grow, but it can quickly take over garden beds if given the chance. Growing it in pots keeps it contained while ensuring you’ll always have plenty on hand for refreshing drinks like this one.

If you’d like to grow your own culinary herbs, be sure to check out my herb gardening and container gardening guides, where I share my favorite herbs to grow and how to keep them thriving all season long.

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Why I Love This Hugo Spritz Recipe

One of the reasons I love this Hugo Spritz recipe so much is that it gives me another excuse to use fresh mint from my garden. Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow, and by midsummer I always seem to have more than I know what to do with. While I use it in teas, salads, and desserts, this cocktail is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it.

Fresh mint adds a bright, cooling flavor that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the elderflower liqueur and the crisp bubbles from the Prosecco. The result is a light and refreshing cocktail that feels perfect for warm summer evenings, garden parties, and relaxing on the patio after a day spent working in the garden.

I also love that it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated preparation, it’s the kind of drink you can pull together in minutes when friends stop by or you’re looking for something special to enjoy outdoors.

What Is a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo Spritz originated in northern Italy and has become one of Europe’s most popular summer cocktails. Similar to an Aperol Spritz but lighter and more floral, a Hugo Spritz combines Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, fresh mint, and lemon (or lime).

The result is a refreshing cocktail that’s crisp, slightly sweet, and perfect for sipping outdoors on a warm summer day.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Prosecco
• 2 ounces elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
• 1 ounce sparkling water or club soda
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 lemon slice or lemon wheel (You could also use limes instead!)
• Ice

How to Make a Hugo Spritz

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Fill a large wine glass with ice.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

Pour in the elderflower liqueur, followed by the Prosecco and sparkling water.

Step 3: Garnish

Lightly clap several fresh mint leaves between your hands to release their oils before adding them to the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Step 4: Serve

Stir gently and serve immediately.

Why Fresh Garden Mint Makes a Difference

While a Hugo Spritz only requires a few ingredients, fresh mint is what truly brings the cocktail to life.

The aromatic oils released from freshly harvested mint add brightness and fragrance that dried mint simply can’t replicate. During the summer, I often walk out to my container herb garden and snip a few stems just before serving drinks to guests.

It’s a small touch, but it makes the cocktail feel even more special.

Growing Mint for Cocktails and Summer Recipes

Mint is one of the easiest herbs you can grow, but it’s also one of the most aggressive. In my experience, mint should always be grown in containers unless you want it spreading throughout your garden beds.

A simple container placed near a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area makes harvesting easy whenever you need fresh mint for drinks, desserts, salads, or summer recipes.

If you’re new to growing herbs, mint is a great place to start because it’s productive, forgiving, and grows quickly throughout the season.

Perfect for Summer Entertaining

One of the reasons I love serving Hugo Spritz cocktails is that they’re simple to make but always feel a little special.

They’re perfect for:

• Garden parties
• Backyard BBQs
• Outdoor brunches
• Bridal showers
• Summer dinner parties
• Patio happy hours

Pair a Hugo Spritz with charcuterie boards, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, seafood dishes, and light summer appetizers for an easy seasonal menu.

For more outdoor entertaining inspiration, check out my Easy Backyard BBQ Recipes, Garden Party Menu, and Outdoor Table Setting Ideas.

Hugo Spritz Variations

One of the reasons this cocktail has become so popular is how easy it is to customize.

Extra Citrus Hugo Spritz

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a brighter citrus flavor.

Berry Hugo Spritz

Muddle a few fresh raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries in the glass before adding the remaining ingredients.

Garden Herb Hugo Spritz

While mint is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs from the garden. Try a small sprig of lemon balm or basil for a different twist.

Lower Alcohol Version

Use less elderflower liqueur and add additional sparkling water for a lighter cocktail.

Hugo Spritz FAQs

Can I make a Hugo Spritz ahead of time?
A Hugo Spritz is best made right before serving because the Prosecco and sparkling water lose their bubbles. You can prep the mint, lime, glasses, and ingredients ahead of time so the drinks are quick to assemble.

Can I grow mint for cocktails?
Yes, and it’s one of the easiest herbs to grow. I recommend growing mint in a container because it spreads aggressively and can quickly take over garden beds.

What can I use instead of mint?
Mint is traditional, but you can experiment with other fresh garden herbs like lemon balm or basil for a slightly different flavor.

Keeping Track of Favorite Garden-to-Glass Recipes

Over the years, I’ve found that some of my favorite recipes and drinks come from simple ingredients growing right outside my door. Whether it’s fresh herbs for cocktails, vegetables from the garden, or flowers for entertaining, I like keeping track of what works well throughout the season.

That’s one of the reasons I created my gardening journal and planner. It helps me record planting dates, harvests, favorite varieties, entertaining ideas, and seasonal recipes so I can build on what worked from year to year.

If you enjoy growing herbs, creating garden-inspired recipes, and entertaining outdoors, keeping good notes can make each season even more productive and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts About This Hugo Spritz Recipe

One of my favorite parts of gardening is finding practical ways to use what I’m growing, and fresh mint is a perfect example. Because mint grows so vigorously in containers, I always have plenty available throughout the summer for recipes, teas, and cocktails like this Hugo Spritz.

As someone who grows herbs every year and spends a lot of time entertaining outdoors, I’ve found that simple recipes are often the most memorable. This cocktail comes together quickly, uses just a handful of ingredients, and feels right at home at everything from casual patio dinners to larger garden parties.

If you’re interested in growing your own herbs, be sure to check out my herb gardening guides and container gardening tips for growing mint successfully. And if you’re planning a summer gathering, you’ll also find plenty of inspiration in my Garden Party Ideas, Garden-Inspired Backyard BBQ Ideas, Outdoor Table Setting Ideas, and Garden Party Menu posts.

Have you tried a Hugo Spritz? I’d love to hear how you use fresh herbs from your garden in drinks and recipes. Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo