Name: Cucumber Hugo Spritz
Prep time: 4 min
Total time: 4 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 oz elderflower liqueur; 0.5 oz lime juice; Prosecco to top; Cucumber slices for muddling and garnish; Mint sprig for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cocktail is incredibly simple to make yet delivers an elevated flavor experience. The elderflower liqueur offers a floral sweetness, balanced by the tartness of lime juice and the subtle coolness of muddled cucumber. Topped with bubbly prosecco, the Cucumber Hugo Spritz is ideal for those who enjoy vibrant, fizzy cocktails with a botanical flair. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch or relaxing on the patio, this drink is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Cucumber Hugo Spritz

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 oz elderflower liqueur
0.5 oz lime juice
Prosecco to top
Cucumber slices for muddling and garnish
Mint sprig for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle a few cucumber slices with the elderflower liqueur.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to combine and chill.
In a wine glass, layer a thin cucumber slice with fresh ice.
Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
Top with prosecco.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and an extra rolled cucumber slice for a beautiful finish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes

Variations

Cucumber-Free: Skip the cucumber for a more traditional Hugo Spritz.
Herbal Touch: Swap mint with basil for a fresh herbal twist.
Citrus Boost: Add a splash of grapefruit juice for extra tartness.
Frozen Hugo Spritz: Blend with crushed ice for a frozen version.
Berry Addition: Muddle fresh berries with cucumber for added sweetness and color.

Storage/Reheating

This cocktail is best made fresh and enjoyed immediately. If you need to prepare components in advance, you can muddle the cucumber with elderflower liqueur and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Do not add prosecco until just before serving to preserve the fizz. This drink does not require or tolerate reheating.

FAQs

1. What is a Hugo Spritz?

A Hugo Spritz is a light and refreshing cocktail originally from Northern Italy, typically made with elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, soda water, and mint.

2. Can I use sparkling water instead of prosecco?

Yes, but the cocktail will lose some of its richness and depth. Prosecco adds a sweet and dry complexity that sparkling water cannot replicate.

3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Absolutely. Replace the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or soda water.

4. What kind of cucumber works best?

English or seedless cucumbers are ideal due to their mild flavor and minimal seeds.

5. Can I batch this for a party?

Yes. Multiply the ingredients and mix everything except the prosecco ahead of time. Add prosecco to each glass just before serving.

6. How do I make the cucumber garnish?

Use a vegetable peeler to slice long, thin ribbons and roll them up. They make a beautiful and elegant garnish.

7. Can I use lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is preferred for a brighter, more natural flavor, but lime cordial can work in a pinch.

8. Is this drink sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness from the elderflower liqueur, tempered by lime juice and cucumber’s freshness.

9. What kind of prosecco should I use?

Choose a dry (Brut) prosecco to keep the drink light and not overly sweet.

Conclusion

The Cucumber Hugo Spritz is a chic, refreshing cocktail that’s as beautiful to serve as it is to sip. With a short prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for entertaining or treating yourself to a sophisticated drink. The perfect marriage of floral, citrus, and herbal notes makes this cocktail a summer favorite worth repeating.