All summer long, I've been dreaming of drinking something fizzy on a chic Italian rooftop – but my budget had other ideas. Instead, I’m bringing Euro summer to my apartment, one spritz at a time. Starting with the Hugo Spritz – a mix of elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, soda, lime, and mint. Who needs Lake Como when you’ve got fresh fruit and a bottle of bubbles?
And with World Spritz Day landing on August 1st, there’s no better time to get involved – but this summer cocktail recipe isn’t just a seasonal crush. Spritzes are now the most ordered cocktail globally, topping menus from Milan to Melbourne, LA to London.
According to Drinks International’s Annual Brand Report, spritzes have seen a 43% rise on top bar menus this past year alone. And it’s no mystery why – they’re chic, light, and make any summer gatherings menu feel sweet and celebratory. Here’s how I make mine.
Meet the Hugo Spritz: summer’s coolest sip
I've been spotting the Hugo Spritz all over the most chic Insta grids since the start of summer. This low-ABV cocktail has quietly edged out its flashier cousin, the Aperol Spritz, becoming the official 'It' drink of 2025.
Pale and refreshing, the Hugo was born in a breezy Alpine town along the Italian-Austrian border, it was originally known as 'The Otto' – and is the perfect pour for World Spritz Day.
Ingredients
- A handful of ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (around 8-10)
- 30ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the classic choice)
- 90ml chilled Prosecco
- 60ml sparkling water
- One lime
- A mint sprig for garnish
My Hugo Spritz method
- First, carbonate some fresh soda water (I use my Smeg Soda Maker, adjusting to my preferred level of effervescence).
- To a large wine glass, add a generous handful of ice and a handful of fresh mint leaves.
- Pour in 30ml elderflower liqueur, then gently stir for aorund 30 seconds to release its aroma. Be careful not to bruise or tear the mint leaves too much.
- Add 90ml chilled Prosecco, then top with 30–60ml soda water (to your taste).
- Squeeze in a wedge of lime, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a sprig of mint and another lime wedge.
How I built my spritz kit
This is everything I use to recreate that Euro summer atmosphere at home – no packing required. I do recommend investing in a soda maker (I like my Smeg, but if I've also suggested which SodaStream you should buy). It means you can make a Spritz whenever you feel like it (not just for World Spritz Day) without dashing to the store for a plastic bottle of soda water. It really is a summer cocktail essential. Just make sure you have your liquor handy on a bar cart for when the mood strikes; or, experiment with fresh fruit and sparkling water for a no-or-low-alcohol spritz at any time of day.
The Smeg Soda Maker is a genuinely beautiful, intuitive and sustainable way to enjoy soda at home. It is lightweight and cordless, so you can take it outside to fizz drinks at cocktail hour, which is a really handy. Read my full review here.
For homemade spritzes, a long bar spoon is essential for thoroughly mixing your spirits, ice, and fresh herbs. I love this one from Williams Sonoma – it's made of durable, professional-grade stainless steel.
A perfect spritz glass needs plenty of space for your ice cubes, garnishes and bubbles – as well as comfortable stems, so you don't warm up the drink with your hands. A large red wine glass, like this option from Amazon, is the perfect match.
Ice cubes are must-have for a great homemade spritz. I have this BPA-free tray from Amazon and it has never failed me. The cubes are easy to remove from the silicone mold and I like the protective cover, which prevents that freezer taste you can sometimes get.
For measuring liquor accurately, a bartender's set, complete with a jigger and shaker is always a good idea. It will see you far beyond summer spritzes, and into fall espresso martinis and winter warmer cocktails, too.
I think straws are perfect for spritzes because they help preserve the bubbles, keep your drink colder by minimizing contact with ice, and make sipping more comfortable.
Even without a boarding pass, you can channel all the best bits of a European summer – breezy drinks, long lunches, and effortless al-fresco feasts – right from your own kitchen.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back pool party, setting the table for friends, or just making a solo drink to relax with after work (World Spritz Day is a very good excuse), I think this DIY sparkler is the perfect sip – and one of my favorite summer food and drink trends.
