Hugo Spritz Mocktail: The Elegant Elderflower Drink That Tastes Like Sunshine In a Glass

If the concept of ‘sunny days’ had an official cocktail, it would probably be the Hugo Spritz.

Light, floral, and bubbly, this European-inspired drink has swiftly become the ideal alternative to heavier cocktails, and the non-alcoholic version is every bit as sophisticated. Made with elderflower, sparkling wine, mint, and citrus, the Hugo Spritz mocktail tastes like a garden party in a glass.

It’s crisp. It’s refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that makes even a random Tuesday afternoon feel impossibly chic.

And thanks to the plethora of great alcohol-free sparkling wine options, it’s never been easier to make a zero-proof Hugo Spritz that still feels elevated and celebratory.

What Is a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo Spritz originated in Northern Italy as a lighter, more floral alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. Instead of bitter orange flavors, the Hugo uses elderflower, mint, prosecco, and soda water to create a cocktail that’s bright, herbal, and delicately sweet.

This non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz keeps all the refreshing elegance of the original while swapping in alcohol-free sparkling wine for a mocktail that feels just as festive.

The result is sparkling, citrusy, minty, and wildly drinkable.

Why You’ll Love The Hugo Spritz Mocktail

This non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz is crisp, floral, refreshing, and almost absurdly easy to make. Elderflower gives it a soft botanical sweetness, while mint and lemon keep everything fresh and vibrant. It’s the kind of mocktail that feels fancy without trying too hard, and it’s perfect for brunches, bridal showers, spring dinners, or simply romanticizing your own life for an hour.

Ingredients You'll Need

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

How To Make A Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz

  1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the elderflower cordial and club soda.
  3. Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
  4. Gently stir to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a generous bouquet of fresh mint.
  6. Sip slowly while pretending you’re at a European café somewhere impossibly charming.

Tips for Making the Best Hugo Spritz

Use Plenty of Fresh Mint

Don’t be shy here. Fresh mint is part of what gives the Hugo Spritz its signature aroma and garden-fresh flavor.

Chill Your Sparkling Wine

Cold bubbly makes all the difference. Keep your non-alcoholic sparkling wine well chilled before serving.

Choose a Dry NA Sparkling Wine

A drier sparkling wine, like Lyre’s Classico, helps balance the sweetness of the elderflower cordial and keeps the drink tasting crisp and elegant.

Serve in a Large Wine Glass

Part of the Hugo Spritz experience is the presentation. A large glass gives the mint and citrus room to shine and makes the whole drink feel extra polished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Hugo Spritz sweet?

It’s lightly sweet, but much more delicate and refreshing than sugary cocktails. The elderflower adds floral sweetness while soda and sparkling wine keep it balanced.

What is elderflower cordial?

Elderflower cordial is a floral syrup made from elderflowers, commonly used in European cocktails and sparkling drinks. It has a light botanical flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus and herbs.

When should I make a Hugo Spritz?

Basically, if the sun is out and there’s even one flower nearby, the Hugo Spritz fits the mood. It’s a great drink for spring brunches, garden parties, afternoon happy hours, and both baby and bridal showers.

Hugo Spritz Mocktail

Hugo Spritz (NA Version)

Made with elderflower, sparkling wine, mint, and citrus, the Hugo Spritz mocktail tastes like a garden party in a glass.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz non-alcoholic elderflower cordial
  • 1 oz club soda
  • non-alcoholic sparkling wine, to top
  • ice
  • lemon wheel or fresh mint, to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  • Pour in the elderflower cordial and club soda.
  • Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
  • Gently stir to combine.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel and a generous bouquet of fresh mint.

Notes

  • A drier sparkling wine, like Lyre’s Classico, helps balance the sweetness of the elderflower cordial and keeps the drink tasting crisp and elegant.
  • Part of the Hugo Spritz experience is the presentation. A large glass gives the mint and citrus room to shine and makes the whole drink feel extra polished.