What You Need to Know About Sparkling Elderflower Spritz
The Sparkling Elderflower Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail that combines floral notes with crisp bubbles.
This delightful drink is perfect for summer gatherings and happy hour celebrations.
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
• 4 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime slices
• Ice cubes
To make this cocktail, fill a large wine glass with ice.
Add elderflower liqueur, then slowly pour in the Prosecco.
Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime slices.
Origins and Cultural Significance
The Sparkling Elderflower Spritz, also known as Hugo Spritz, originated in Northern Italy.
A bartender named Roland Gruber created it in 2005 in the South Tyrol region.
This light and refreshing cocktail quickly gained popularity as an alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz.
The Hugo Spritz became a staple of Italian aperitivo culture, perfect for pre-dinner drinks and social gatherings.
Its crisp, floral flavors embody the essence of summer in the Alps.
The cocktail’s rise to fame coincided with a growing interest in elderflower-based drinks across Europe and beyond.
Today, you’ll find the Sparkling Elderflower Spritz on menus worldwide, especially during warm summer months.
It’s a favorite for those seeking a lighter, less bitter alternative to traditional Italian spritzes.
Essential Ingredients
To create the perfect Sparkling Elderflower Spritz, you’ll need these key components:
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Elderflower Liqueur: St-Germain is the most popular brand, but elderflower syrup or cordial can also work.
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Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine adds effervescence and a touch of sweetness.
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Sparkling Water: Club soda or seltzer helps balance the sweetness and adds extra bubbles.
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Fresh Mint: Provides a cooling aroma and complements the floral notes.
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Citrus: Lime or lemon slices add a zesty touch and visual appeal.
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Ice: Keeps the drink refreshingly cold.
Quality ingredients make a difference.
Opt for a good Prosecco and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
The elderflower liqueur is the star, so choose a reputable brand for optimal taste.
The Perfect Pour
Creating the ideal Sparkling Elderflower Spritz is an art.
Here’s how to nail it every time:
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Chill your glass: Start with a large, chilled wine glass.
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Add ice: Fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes.
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Pour the liqueur: Add 1 oz of elderflower liqueur over the ice.
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Add Prosecco: Slowly pour in 4 oz of chilled Prosecco to maintain its bubbles.
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Top with soda: Add 2 oz of sparkling water or club soda.
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Garnish: Gently muddle a few mint leaves and add them to the glass. Slide in a lime wheel or two.
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Stir gently: Use a bar spoon to mix the ingredients without losing carbonation.
The key is to pour slowly and avoid overmixing.
This preserves the drink’s effervescence and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations and Related Cocktails
The Sparkling Elderflower Spritz has inspired several variations and similar cocktails:
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Elderflower Gin Fizz: Add gin for an extra botanical kick.
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Elderflower Mojito: Combine rum, elderflower liqueur, and mint for a twist on the classic mojito.
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St-Germain Spritz: A simpler version using just St-Germain and Prosecco.
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Limoncello Spritz: Swap elderflower liqueur for limoncello for a citrusy alternative.
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Aperol Spritz: The classic Italian aperitivo that inspired the Hugo Spritz.
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Campari Spritz: A more bitter version using Campari instead of elderflower liqueur.
Experiment with different sparkling wines or add a splash of white wine to create your own unique spritz variations.
Food Pairings
The Sparkling Elderflower Spritz pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods:
• Light appetizers: Bruschetta, caprese skewers, or mixed olives
• Seafood: Grilled shrimp, smoked salmon, or oysters
• Salads: Arugula with parmesan, citrus salad, or mixed greens
• Cheese: Soft cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella
• Fruit: Melon, berries, or citrus fruits
The cocktail’s light, floral notes complement dishes without overpowering them.
It’s especially good with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and summer fare.
For a perfect aperitivo spread, serve your Sparkling Elderflower Spritz with a selection of Italian cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables.
Nutritional Information
While the Sparkling Elderflower Spritz is a refreshing treat, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content:
• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving
• Alcohol content: Around 8-10% ABV
• Sugar: Varies, but typically 10-15 grams per serving
The drink is relatively low in calories compared to many cocktails, but the sugar content can add up.
The elderflower liqueur and Prosecco contribute most of the sugar and calories.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the elderflower liqueur and increase the sparkling water.
Remember to drink responsibly and stay hydrated, especially when enjoying this cocktail in warm weather.