The refreshing Elderflower Spritz first appeared in 2005 in South Tyrol, Italy as an alternative to the classic Spritz Veneziano. This cocktail features a unique floral twist from the addition of elderflower liqueur or syrup. It's gained popularity across Germany, Austria, and Slovenia for its lighter alcohol content, making it perfect for summer sipping. To make an Elderflower Spritz, you'll need high-quality ingredients like elderflower syrup and dry Prosecco. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with fresh berries or herbs to create your own signature twist on this versatile cocktail. Let's dive into the details on how to mix up an Elderflower Spritz worth savoring.
History

Although the Elderflower Spritz is often associated with the Hugo cocktail, it was actually invented in 2005 in South Tyrol, Italy, as a refreshing alternative to the traditional Spritz Veneziano.
The drink incorporates elderflower liqueur or syrup, which adds a unique floral flavor profile that distinguishes it from other cocktails. It became particularly popular in Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, where spritzers made with elderflower and sparkling wine are commonly enjoyed.
The Hugo spritz is characterized by a lighter alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to many other cocktails, making it suitable for summer sipping.
As the drink gained popularity, it evolved into various versions and adaptations, maintaining its status as a favored choice for summer gatherings and casual occasions.
Recipe

The Elderflower Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the effervescence of prosecco and soda water. This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a light and bubbly option that complements light appetizers and socializing.
To prepare the Elderflower Spritz, you'll need a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. The combination of flavors creates a well-balanced and visually appealing drink that's sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 4 oz dry prosecco
- Soda water
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a tumbler or wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in the elderflower liqueur, followed by the prosecco. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine. Garnish the drink with a lime slice to add a touch of zesty flavor and visual appeal.
For the best experience, use a high-quality elderflower liqueur and a dry, crisp prosecco. The soda water helps to balance the sweetness and create a refreshing, fizzy texture.
When garnishing, consider using a thin lime slice or wedge to enhance the citrus notes. Serve the Elderflower Spritz immediately for maximum effervescence.
Cooking Steps

First, fill a glass with ice to ensure your Elderflower Spritz is chilled and refreshing.
Next, pour in the elderflower syrup and sparkling wine, then garnish with a lemon twist.
Finally, give the drink a gentle stir before serving.
Step 1. Fill a Glass With Ice

To begin the Elderflower Spritz, start by selecting a suitable glass that will enhance the presentation of the cocktail. Opt for an old-fashioned, cocktail, or wine glass to create the perfect atmosphere.
Fill the glass generously with ice cubes, ensuring it's well-chilled to maintain the ideal temperature. Use clear ice cubes if possible, as they're visually appealing and melt slower, keeping the drink less diluted.
Aim to fill the glass about three-quarters full with ice, allowing enough space for the liquid ingredients and maintaining the drink's balance. Ensure the ice is fresh and free from odors, as old or flavored ice can negatively affect the taste.
Step 2. Add Elderflower Syrup

Pour 1 oz of elderflower syrup into the ice-filled glass. This sweet, floral syrup will provide a delightful flavor to your Elderflower Spritz cocktail.
For a balanced taste, mix the syrup with 4 parts Prosecco. This ratio ensures the elderflower notes shine without overpowering the drink.
If you'd prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply dilute the elderflower syrup with sparkling water instead.
You can easily make your own elderflower syrup at home by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh elderflowers until the sugar dissolves.
Get creative and enjoy this refreshing, versatile cocktail or mocktail.
Step 3. Add Sparkling Wine

After pouring the elderflower syrup, it's time to add the sparkling wine.
Choose a quality dry sparkler like bubbly Prosecco to create the base for your Elderflower Spritz. Chill the wine before adding it to the glass – this will ensure a refreshing, crisp finish.
Pour about 4 ounces of the chilled sparkling wine over the ice-filled glass, then gently stir to preserve the carbonation. The elderflower liqueur and gin you added earlier will mingle nicely with the bubbly Prosecco.
Top it off with a splash of soda water to enhance the fizzy texture of this Hugo spritz cocktail. The combination of fresh herbs in the drink will elevate the overall experience, making it a perfect match for herb-infused cocktails.
Step 4. Garnish With Lemon Twist

With the bubbly Prosecco now in place, it's time to add the perfect finishing touch – a zesty lemon twist.
Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, carefully slice a thin strip of lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
Twist the lemon peel over the elderflower cocktail to release its fragrant essential oils, enhancing the drink's floral notes.
For an elegant presentation, curl the lemon twist around the rim of the glass or drop it directly into the drink.
Prepare the lemon twist just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and aroma, ensuring the best experience when enjoying this easy-to-make Elderflower Spritz.
Step 5. Stir Gently Before Serving

Once you've added the bubbly Prosecco and the zesty lemon twist, it's time to stir the Elderflower Spritz gently before serving.
Stirring the drink slowly helps mix the ingredients evenly without losing the sparkling effervescence. A gentle stir ensures the elderflower liqueur and gin blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall flavor.
Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as that can cause the bubbles to dissipate quickly, leaving you with a flat drink. Use a bar spoon or long straw to stir and maintain a clean presentation.
For maximum freshness and floral notes, serve the cocktail immediately after stirring, so you can enjoy the effervescence and fresh mint leaves at their best.
Final Thoughts

The Elderflower Spritz is a delightful and versatile cocktail that you can easily customize to your taste.
This refreshing drink combines the fruity and floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the crisp effervescence of Prosecco and soda water. The addition of gin provides a subtle botanical flair, while a garnish of lime slices enhances the overall presentation.
With a preparation time of just 8 minutes, this cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing solo sip.
Feel free to experiment with fresh berries or herbs to create your own unique spin on this crowd-pleasing libation.
The Elderflower Spritz is a true delight for the senses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is in an Elderflower Spritz?
An Elderflower Spritz is a refreshing cocktail made with a few key ingredients.
You'll need some Prosecco, which is an Italian sparkling wine, along with a touch of elderflower liqueur for its floral notes.
Gin adds a botanical flavor, and soda water gives it a bubbly finish.
Don't forget to garnish it with a slice of lime to balance out the drink's sweetness.
This gluten-free cocktail is perfect for a summer gathering.
What Is a Elderflower Spritz Called?
The Elderflower Spritz is also known as the "Hugo Spritz." This refreshing cocktail originated in South Tyrol, Italy, in 2005 and has become a popular summer drink.
It combines Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, fresh mint, and lime, topped with soda water for a light, floral flavor profile. You can even add other ingredients like berries or herbs to customize the taste.
Whether you call it an Elderflower Spritz or a Hugo Spritz, it's a delightful alternative to the classic Spritz Veneziano.
What Kind of Alcohol Is Elderflower?
Elderflower is a type of liqueur, typically containing around 20% alcohol by volume.
It's made from the blossoms of the elder tree, which give it a sweet, floral flavor.
While the liqueur is great on its own, it's also a popular ingredient in cocktails like the Elderflower Spritz.
You can find elderflower liqueur at most liquor stores, and it adds a unique twist to all sorts of drinks and dishes.
What Is the Difference Between St-Germain and Aperol Spritz?
The key difference between a St-Germain Spritz and an Aperol Spritz is the flavor profile.
St-Germain is a sweet, floral liqueur, while Aperol has a more bittersweet, herbal taste.
The St-Germain Spritz is generally sweeter and more delicate, while the Aperol Spritz has a stronger, more pronounced bitter orange flavor. Both cocktails are perfect for sipping on a warm summer day, and can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients. To make the Aperol Spritz, combine 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 splash of soda water in a wine glass filled with ice. For a St-Germain Spritz, mix 2 parts St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur with 3 parts dry white wine and 1 part soda water in a wine glass filled with ice. Whichever aperitivo spritz recipe you choose, garnish with a slice of orange for a refreshing and elegant drink.
Both are refreshing summer cocktails, but the Aperol Spritz has a drier, more assertive character compared to the lighter, more delicate St-Germain Spritz.
Conclusion
The elderflower spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for summer gatherings. With its delicate floral notes and bubbly effervescence, it's sure to impress your friends. Give this spritz a try – you'll be sipping on a taste of springtime in no time!