My bank account said no to Euro Summer – but yes to this DIY spritz inspired by the Italian alps
The Hugo Spritz is the sip of the summer and I'll be making it for World Spritz Day and beyond


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.
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Lydia is the Kitchen Appliances Editor for Homes & Gardens, testing everything from air fryers and mixers to juicers and coffee machines. She trained in Culinary Arts at Leiths School of Food & Wine and previously served as the Recipe Editor for Mindful Chef.
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