How to Make a Cucumber Elderflower Gin Spritz

The Hugo Spritz has dominated European aperitivo culture since around 2020, when its combination of elderflower, prosecco, and mint replaced the Aperol Spritz as the more refined summer-evening drink across northern Italy and Austria. The gin-based variant - same elderflower, mint, and prosecco foundation, with gin replacing the Hugo’s neutral base - has spread more quietly through cocktail bars in London, Berlin, and Copenhagen. The result is brighter, more aromatic, and slightly higher-proof than the original Hugo. Perfect for warm afternoons when you want a little more lift than a wine-based spritz can provide.

The recipe

For 1 serving:

• 30ml dry gin (any London Dry; Plymouth or Tanqueray work well)
• 30ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the standard reference)
• 60ml prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
• 60ml sparkling water or soda water
• 3-4 thin slices of cucumber
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• A single elderflower sprig if available

Method

1. Place the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a large wine glass or copa balloon glass
2. Add ice cubes - large cubes if possible, plenty of them
3. Pour the gin and elderflower liqueur over the ice
4. Top with the prosecco
5. Add a splash of sparkling water to extend the drink
6. Stir gently once to combine
7. Garnish with the elderflower sprig if using

Tips

The order matters. Always add the cucumber and mint first so they sit at the bottom of the glass, where they release their aromatics into the cold drink throughout. Adding them on top makes them purely decorative.

Use a wine glass or copa, not a champagne flute. The wider opening lets the aromatics develop, and the larger volume means slower dilution as the ice melts.

Fresh elderflower if you can find it. Typically in season May through June in Europe. The fresh flower has much more aroma than the liqueur alone provides. Otherwise, increase the elderflower liqueur to 40ml.

Skip the sparkling water if you want a richer drink. The original Hugo Spritz is just elderflower, prosecco, and mint. The soda water makes it lighter and lower in alcohol, which works for daytime drinking but produces a less concentrated cocktail.

Variations

• Replace half the gin with a herbal gin like Gin Mare for more Mediterranean character
• Add 5ml fresh lemon juice for more acidity if your prosecco is on the sweet side
• Replace the cucumber with thinly sliced pear in autumn for a season-appropriate version
• Use Cremant or English sparkling wine instead of prosecco for a slightly drier profile

What to pair with it

The Cucumber Elderflower Gin Spritz works particularly well with cold mezze (hummus, olives, fresh cheese), summer salads, light seafood like smoked salmon or prawns, and outdoor brunches. The carbonation and slight sweetness make it food-friendly across a wide range of dishes.

For pure aperitivo, serve with salted almonds and a few olives. The simplicity of the snack lets the drink’s herbal-floral character lead.

The cocktail doesn’t batch well - the prosecco loses its carbonation within 20 minutes of being opened, and the cucumber and mint discolor in advance preparation. Make it to order. The five-minute prep is part of the charm.