How Much Alcohol is in a Hugo? Complete Guide to Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz has become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, particularly during the summer months when refreshing drinks are in high demand. This light and floral cocktail, originating from northern Italy, offers a sweet, crisp, and refreshing alternative to the more bitter Aperol Spritz. But how much alcohol is in a Hugo Spritz? In this article, we’ll dive into the alcohol content of a Hugo, its ingredients, variations, and how it compares to other cocktails. Plus, we’ll give you a guide on how to make your own Hugo at home, with tips on adjusting the alcohol content to your taste.

What is a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing cocktail made with a blend of Prosecco, elderflower syrup or liqueur, soda water, fresh mint, and lime. Traditionally served over ice in a large wine glass, Hugo Spritz has grown in popularity since its creation in South Tyrol, a region in northern Italy. Bartender Roland Gruber is credited with inventing this cocktail in 2005 as an alternative to the bitter Aperol Spritz, offering a lighter and sweeter option for those who prefer floral flavors.

Hugo Spritz is enjoyed during warm summer afternoons, outdoor picnics, or casual gatherings. Its versatility allows it to be adapted to personal preferences, including making it low or high in alcohol, depending on how you mix it.

Alcohol Content in a Hugo Spritz

The alcohol content in a Hugo Spritz can vary depending on the proportions of the ingredients used. The two main factors affecting the alcohol level are the type of Prosecco and whether you use elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur.

1. Prosecco: The Primary Source of Alcohol

Prosecco is the main source of alcohol in a Hugo Spritz. Most Prosecco wines have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 11-12%, making them moderately alcoholic. Prosecco provides both the effervescence and the boozy punch that balances out the sweetness of the elderflower syrup or liqueur.

When you pour about 3 oz of Prosecco into your Hugo, you are getting most of the alcohol content from this ingredient. The amount of Prosecco you use will determine whether your Hugo Spritz is on the stronger or lighter side.

2. Elderflower Syrup vs. Elderflower Liqueur

The other ingredient that plays a major role in determining the alcohol content of a Hugo Spritz is whether you use elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur. Elderflower syrup contains no alcohol, making it ideal for those who want a lower-alcohol cocktail. On the other hand, elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, typically has an ABV of around 20%. Using elderflower liqueur instead of syrup will significantly increase the alcohol content of your drink.

For example, using 1 oz of elderflower liqueur in place of syrup can raise the overall ABV of your cocktail by several percentage points.

3. Soda Water: A Diluting Ingredient

Soda water is added to the Hugo Spritz to lighten the drink, making it more refreshing and easy to sip. Sodaa water, of course, contains no alcohol and dilutes the cocktail, lowering the overall ABV. The more soda water you add, the lighter the alcohol content will be.

The standard recipe calls for about 1 oz of soda water, which doesn’t affect the ABV significantly, but you can adjust this depending on your preferences for a lighter drink.

4. Typical ABV Range for Hugo Spritz

Given the standard ingredients and their proportions, the ABV of a Hugo Spritz typically falls between 5-8%. This makes it a relatively light cocktail compared to other classic drinks like a Negroni or Margarita. The alcohol level depends on whether you use elderflower syrup or liqueur, as well as the amount of Prosecco and soda water added.

Hugo Spritz with elderflower syrup: 5-7% ABV
Hugo Spritz with elderflower liqueur: 8-10% ABV

For more tips on adjusting alcohol levels in cocktails, you might also enjoy our guide to refreshing summer cocktails.

Variations of the Hugo Spritz and Their Alcohol Content

The beauty of the Hugo Spritz lies in its versatility. Depending on your preferences, you can tweak the recipe to make it stronger or lighter, or even turn it into a non-alcoholic drink. Here are some common variations of the Hugo Spritz and their approximate alcohol content:

1. Classic Hugo Spritz with Elderflower Syrup

Ingredients: 3 oz Prosecco, 1 oz elderflower syrup, 1 oz soda water.
ABV: 5-7%

This is the traditional Hugo Spritz recipe, offering a refreshing and low-alcohol option. The elderflower syrup adds sweetness without increasing the alcohol content, making it an ideal cocktail for those who prefer lighter drinks.

2. Hugo Spritz with Elderflower Liqueur

Ingredients: 3 oz Prosecco, 1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain), 1 oz soda water.
ABV: 8-10%

For those who want a stronger drink, substituting elderflower syrup with elderflower liqueur increases the alcohol content while maintaining the floral sweetness. This version is popular among those who enjoy a slightly boozier cocktail with more complexity.

3. Gin Hugo Spritz

Ingredients: 2 oz Prosecco, 1 oz gin, 1 oz elderflower syrup, 1 oz soda water.
ABV: 10-12%

Adding gin to the classic Hugo Spritz gives the drink a stronger kick. Gin pairs well with the elderflower syrup, complementing its floral notes while raising the overall ABV. This version is perfect for those looking for a more potent cocktail without sacrificing the light, refreshing feel.

4. Non-Alcoholic Hugo Spritz

Ingredients: 3 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine, 1 oz elderflower syrup, 1 oz soda water.
ABV: 0%

For those who want to enjoy the taste of a Hugo Spritz without the alcohol, simply use non-alcoholic sparkling wine and elderflower syrup. This variation maintains the same refreshing and floral profile, making it a great option for designated drivers or those avoiding alcohol.

How to Make Hugo Spritz at Home

Making a Hugo Spritz at home is easy, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating the classic Hugo Spritz, as well as tips on adjusting the alcohol content.

Classic Hugo Spritz Recipe

Ingredients:

3 oz Prosecco
1 oz elderflower syrup (or elderflower liqueur for a stronger version)
1 oz soda water
Fresh mint leaves
Lime slice
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
Pour in 3 oz of Prosecco.
Add 1 oz of elderflower syrup (or elderflower liqueur for a higher ABV).
Top with 1 oz of soda water.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Adjusting the Alcohol Content:

For a stronger drink, use elderflower liqueur instead of syrup, and add less soda water.
To lower the alcohol content, use more soda water and reduce the amount of Prosecco.
You can also create a non-alcoholic version by using alcohol-free sparkling wine and elderflower syrup.

For more creative cocktail ideas, check out our guide to summer cocktail variations.

Hugo Spritz vs. Aperol Spritz: Comparing Alcohol Content

Many people compare Hugo Spritz with Aperol Spritz, as both are refreshing, bubbly Italian cocktails. However, there are key differences in both flavor and alcohol content.

Aperol Spritz:

Ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, soda water.
ABV: 9-11%
Flavor Profile: Aperol Spritz has a bitter-sweet flavor with notes of orange, herbs, and rhubarb. It is a stronger drink than Hugo Spritz, thanks to the alcohol content of the Aperol liqueur.

Hugo Spritz:

Ingredients: Prosecco, elderflower syrup or liqueur, soda water, mint, lime.
ABV: 5-10% (depending on whether you use syrup or liqueur).
Flavor Profile: Hugo Spritz is lighter and sweeter, with floral and citrus notes from the elderflower and lime. It’s a lower-alcohol option compared to Aperol Spritz, especially if made with elderflower syrup.

If you’re in the mood for a sweeter cocktail with lower alcohol content, Hugo Spritz is your go-to drink. If you prefer something with more bitterness and a higher ABV, Aperol Spritz will hit the spot. For more insights into the differences between these two drinks, read our article on Aperol vs. Hugo Spritz.

FAQs: Hugo Spritz Alcohol Content

1. How much alcohol is in a Hugo Spritz?

A Hugo Spritz typically contains between 5-10% ABV, depending on the proportions of Prosecco, elderflower syrup or liqueur, and soda water.

2. Can I make a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz?

Yes! You can create a non-alcoholic version of the Hugo Spritz by using alcohol-free sparkling wine and elderflower syrup.

3. Is Hugo Spritz stronger than Aperol Spritz?

No, Hugo Spritz is usually lighter in alcohol content compared to Aperol Spritz, especially if elderflower syrup is used instead of liqueur.

4. What’s the best occasion to serve a Hugo Spritz?

Hugo Spritz is perfect for warm weather gatherings, outdoor picnics, brunches, or anytime you want a light, refreshing cocktail.

5. Can I add other spirits to Hugo Spritz?

Yes, you can experiment with adding spirits like gin or vodka to Hugo Spritz for a stronger version. Just keep in mind that this will raise the overall alcohol content.

Conclusion: The Perfect Light and Refreshing Cocktail

Hugo Spritz is a delightful cocktail that offers a refreshing balance of floral sweetness and light bubbles. Whether you prefer it on the lighter side with elderflower syrup or want a stronger version with elderflower liqueur, the Hugo Spritz can be tailored to your taste. Its versatility, low alcohol content, and easy preparation make it the ideal drink for summer days, brunches, or casual get-togethers with friends.

For more recipes and tips on making the perfect cocktails at home, visit our guide to crafting the best cocktails.

Chef Billy

I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.