Cranberry Hugo Spritz
This Cranberry Hugo Spritz puts a holiday spin on the classic Italian aperitivo. It's bubbly, refreshing, not too sweet and has a gorgeous rosy glow. It's everything you want in a festive cocktail!
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I love having a signature drink for the holidays and this recipe is so much fun! It's a festive twist on the classic Hugo Spritz that's just different enough to feel special.
I took the classic elderflower and prosecco cocktail recipe and added a touch of cranberry to give it a tangy flavor and jewel toned blush that looks like the holidays in a glass. It's a light and refreshing cocktail that's easy to assemble and so tasty to sip on!
You can omit the seltzer for a stronger drink, or make this non-alcoholic for a refreshing mocktail that still mirrors the original flavor profile. Just swap the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup or cordial and replace the prosecco with sparkling white grape juice, cider or all soda water.
For parties, you can pre-mix the elderflower, lemon juice and cranberry juice in a small jar and keep it chilled, then top with prosecco and seltzer just before serving.
Unsweetened cranberry juice is key so it doesn't get too sweet. And don't skip smacking the mint between your hands before adding it to the glass. It really makes a difference!
What is a Hugo Spritz?
A Hugo Spritz is a cocktail from Northern Italy that's traditionally made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur or lemon balm syrup and part club soda, it's a light floral spritz that became popular as an alternative to the classic Aperol spritz or Campari soda during the summer months.
This cocktail is best served freshly made so the bubbles stay sharp and the ingredients don't become diluted.
A stemmed wine glass is best for serving since it gives the spritz a clean presentation and helps hold the ice and garnish comfortably without overcrowding.
Want More Holiday Drink Recipes? Try my bright Cranberry Clementine and Rosemary Cocktail, this sweet Coquito Eggnog, or a cozy Hot Buttered Rum.
Why This Recipe Works
- Puts a seasonal twist on the classic Hugo spritz!
- Easy to assemble and pre-mix a large batch for parties.
- Can easily be made into a non-alcoholic mocktail.
Cranberry Hugo Spritz Ingredients
Cranberry juice - Unsweetened cranberry juice provides a balanced, tart contrast to the elderflower and keeps the drink light and crisp. You can use a sweetened cranberry juice cocktail, but it will make the drink noticeably sweeter.
Prosecco - Use a dry prosecco like brut or extra brut for the best balance. Extra dry prosecco will be a little bit sweeter.
Elderflower liqueur - Choose a quality brand such as St-Germain. Its floral flavor complements the cranberry perfectly.
Lemon juice - Only use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a clean, bright, citrusy flavor.
Mint sprigs and lemon - Fresh mint leaves add that signature minty aroma and visual appeal, while a thin lemon wheel makes a festive garnish!
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Large wine glasses
- Jigger or small ladle
- Mixing spoon
- Pitcher or jar for batching
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring cup
How to Make a Cranberry Hugo Spritz
- Fill a large wine glass halfway with ice to keep the drink chilled.
Pro Tip: Chill every component ahead so the drink stays crisp without relying on extra ice.
- Pour in the elderflower liqueur and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Gently top with prosecco for a bubbly base, then add seltzer to lengthen and lighten the drink.
- Slowly pour the cranberry juice over the top. It will swirl downward to create a rosy pink color. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Place the sprig of mint in the palm of your hand, then slap it with your other hand, like you're clapping, to release the oils.
- Add the mint and a lemon wheel to the glass, then serve the Hugo spritz cocktail immediately.
Make a Big Batch
In a large pitcher, combine the elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and cranberry juice for 8 servings. Stir well, cover, and chill. This is your base mixture. Refrigerate up to 2 days ahead.
To assemble each drink
- Fill a large wine glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in some of the chilled base mixture.
- Add prosecco to build the spritz.
- Top with a splash of seltzer water to taste.
- Give a gentle stir to combine.
- Smack a sprig of mint between your palms to release its oils, then use it to garnish, along with a lemon wheel. Serve right away.
*Full quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Taste one drink before serving the batch, if you prefer a bit more tartness or color, add an extra splash of cranberry juice.
- The batched mixture can be refrigerated up to 2 days; stir before using, as the lemon and cranberry may settle slightly.
- Keep the bubbly prosecco and seltzer well-chilled so the final drink stays crisp.
- For easy service, pour the batched base into a small pitcher and measure 2¾ ounces per glass using a jigger.
Variations
- Omit the seltzer for a stronger drink.
- Swap the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup or cordial and the prosecco with sparkling white grape juice or cider for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use a sprig of rosemary or even sage for another holiday-themed variation.
- Use one single large ice cube for a longer sipping cocktail. Large ice cubes have less dilution.
- Add a few fresh cranberries or sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
- Try an orange slice or orange peel, lime slices or other fresh fruit instead of lemon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your new favorite cocktail alongside some light happy hour snacks like these Citrus Marinated Olives, sweet and salty Maple Rosemary Pecans, irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates, or crispy Roasted Chickpeas. It's also perfect before dinner with a few simple Crostini with your favorite toppings or spreads.
Storage Tips
This light cocktail is best served fresh, but the pre-mixed base of elderflower, lemon, and cranberry can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in a sealed container. Always add the prosecco, soda water and ice just before serving to keep the drink bubbly and balanced.
FAQs
Yes. Any dry sparkling wine, champagne or cava will work, though prosecco keeps it true to the original Hugo spritz recipe.
Both are part of the family of spritz cocktails, but Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liqueur like a St Germain spritz, while the Aperol spritz, another classic Italian cocktail, is made with a bitter liqueur like Aperol or Campari. The Hugo is light and has floral notes, while the Aperol version has a bitter aperitif flavor.
Absolutely. Replace the liqueur with non-alcoholic elderflower syrup or cordial for a non-alcoholic spritz.
Mix the cranberry, elderflower, and lemon in advance, then pour over ice and top with prosecco and mineral water or soda water right before serving. See the recipe card for exact proportions.
Try a splash of orange juice, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice or simple syrup for a slightly sweeter version. Try a rosemary sprig for another holiday season twist, or add lillet blanc for a different floral, citrusy flavor.
This Cranberry Hugo Spritz is lighter than most Italian spritzes you'd find at a cocktail bar, yet still festive enough for the colder months. It balances the liqueur with prosecco and seltzer, keeping it bubbly without being too strong for the most refreshing sip. Its rosy color and floral notes make it the perfect cocktail for this time of year. You could say it's the winter Aperol spritz!
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Holiday Hugo Spritz
Ingredients
To make 1 serving
- ice as needed
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
- ½ ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3-4 ounces prosecco
- 1-2 ounces seltzer water
- 1 ounce unsweetened cranberry juice
- fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel
To make 8 servings
- 1 cup elderflower liqueur (8 ounces), such as St-Germain
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 ounces)
- 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice (8 ounces)
- ice as needed
- 24-32 ounces prosecco
- 8-18 ounces seltzer water
- fresh mint sprigs and lemon wheels
Instructions
To make 1 serving
- Fill a large wine glass halfway with ice to keep the drink chilled.
- Pour in the elderflower liqueur and freshly squeezed lemon juice,
- Gently top with prosecco for a bubbly base, then add seltzer to lengthen and lighten the drink.
- Slowly pour the cranberry juice over the top. It will swirl downward to create a rosy pink color. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Place the sprig of mint in the palm of your hand, then slap it with your other hand (like you're clapping) to release the oils.
- Add the mint and a lemon wheel to the glass, then serve immediately.
To make 8 servings (batched base mixture)
- In a large jar or pitcher, combine 1 cup (8 ounces) elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, ½ cup (4 ounces) freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 cup (8 ounces) unsweetened cranberry juice. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate. This is your base mixture.
- To assemble each drink: Fill a large wine glass halfway with ice.
- Add about 2 ¾ ounces (a little over ⅓ cup) of the chilled base mixture.
- Pour in 3-4 ounces prosecco for the bubbly base.
- Top with 1-2 ounces seltzer water to taste.
- Give a gentle stir to combine.
- Slap a sprig of mint between your palms to release its oils, then garnish with the mint and a lemon wheel. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Taste one drink before serving the batch, if you prefer a bit more tartness or color, add an extra splash of cranberry juice.
- The batched mixture can be refrigerated up to 2 days; stir before using, as the lemon and cranberry may settle slightly.
- Keep the bubbly prosecco and seltzer well-chilled so the final drink stays crisp.
- For easy service, pour the batched base into a small pitcher and measure 2¾ ounces per glass using a jigger.
