Hugo Spritz vs Aperol Spritz: What's the Difference?

Hugo Spritz vs Aperol Spritz: What's the Difference?

Two of Italy's most refreshing sparkling cocktails have something important in common: Prosecco, bubbles and the unmistakable feeling of aperitivo hour. But when it comes to flavour, Hugo Spritz and Aperol Spritz are surprisingly different.

The Aperol Spritz is bright orange, citrusy and bittersweet. The Hugo Spritz is pale, floral and refreshing, combining elderflower with fresh mint and lime.

Both are easy to prepare at home, but which should you choose? Let's compare their ingredients, flavours, sweetness and alcohol content — and show you how to make each one properly.

Hugo Spritz vs Aperol Spritz: Quick comparison

The main difference: Hugo Spritz highlights delicate elderflower and mint, while Aperol Spritz delivers a distinctive combination of bitter orange, herbs and sparkling wine.

Neither cocktail is automatically lower in alcohol or calories. That depends on the exact ingredients and proportions used.

What is a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo Spritz is a sparkling elderflower cocktail that originated in South Tyrol, northern Italy, around 2005. It is widely associated with bartender Roland Gruber and later became popular throughout the Alpine region and across Europe.

Unlike the more bitter Italian aperitivo cocktails, Hugo Spritz focuses on freshness and floral aromas.

A typical Hugo Spritz combines:

• Prosecco
• Elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur
• Soda water
• Fresh mint
• Lime
• Ice

The elderflower provides a delicate floral sweetness, the mint adds an aromatic freshness, and the Prosecco brings acidity and bubbles.

The result is a refreshing cocktail with very little bitterness, making it particularly appealing to people who find Aperol or Campari too bitter.

What does Hugo Spritz taste like?

Hugo Spritz tastes light, fragrant and floral, with gentle sweetness from elderflower and fresh herbal notes from mint.

The lime adds a citrus lift, while sparkling wine prevents the cocktail from becoming overly sweet.

When made with elderflower syrup, the flavour can be quite delicate. Using an alcoholic elderflower aperitivo creates a more structured cocktail with additional botanical character.

What is an Aperol Spritz?

Aperol Spritz is one of Italy's best-known aperitivo cocktails, closely associated with the drinking culture of Venice and the Veneto region.

Its characteristic orange colour comes from Aperol, an Italian aperitivo introduced in 1919.

The classic Aperol Spritz contains just three liquid ingredients:

• Prosecco
• Aperol
• Soda water

It is traditionally served over ice in a large wine glass and garnished with a fresh orange slice.

The most widely recognised recipe follows the 3-2-1 ratio: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water.

What does Aperol Spritz taste like?

Aperol Spritz has a distinctive bittersweet flavour built around orange, citrus peel and aromatic herbal notes.

The initial taste is fruity and slightly sweet, followed by a pleasant bitterness that lingers after each sip.

Prosecco brings freshness and acidity, while soda water makes the cocktail feel lighter and more refreshing.

Compared with Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz has a more pronounced bitter finish and a less floral flavour profile.

Which is sweeter: Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz?

Hugo Spritz often tastes sweeter than Aperol Spritz because elderflower syrup and liqueur have a soft, floral sweetness without Aperol's distinctive bitterness.

However, perceived sweetness and actual sugar content are not necessarily the same.

A Hugo made with a generous amount of elderflower syrup may contain more sugar than an Aperol Spritz. A Hugo prepared with a less-sweet elderflower aperitivo and dry Prosecco can taste noticeably drier.

If you prefer sweet, floral cocktails, choose Hugo Spritz. If you enjoy a balance of sweetness and bitterness, Aperol Spritz is probably the better match.

How to make a Hugo Spritz at home

A Hugo Spritz can be prepared with either elderflower syrup or an alcoholic elderflower aperitivo. For a more botanical version, try Mondoro Aperitivo ai Fiori di Sambuco, an Italian elderflower aperitivo created for sparkling cocktails.

Ingredients — Mondoro Hugo Spritz

• 90 ml Prosecco
• 60 ml Mondoro Aperitivo ai Fiori di Sambuco
• 30 ml soda water
• 5–6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime slice or wedge
• Approximately 120 g ice cubes

Method

1. Fill a large wine glass with approximately 120 g of ice.
2. Pour in 90 ml of chilled Prosecco.
3. Add 60 ml of Mondoro elderflower aperitivo.
4. Top with 30 ml of soda water.
5. Stir gently once or twice to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
6. Lightly tap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma.
7. Garnish with the mint and a fresh lime slice.

Taste tip: Use a dry Brut Prosecco if you prefer a crisp Hugo Spritz rather than an overly sweet cocktail.

Can you make Hugo Spritz with elderflower syrup?

Absolutely. Elderflower syrup is a popular ingredient in the classic Hugo Spritz.

For a syrup-based version, combine approximately 90 ml Prosecco, 20–30 ml elderflower syrup and 30–60 ml soda water, then add mint, lime and ice.

Start with less syrup and adjust to taste. Different elderflower syrups vary considerably in sweetness.

The syrup version is generally lower in alcohol than one made with alcoholic elderflower aperitivo, assuming the same Prosecco is used.

How to make an Aperol Spritz at home

Aperol Spritz is just as simple to prepare, and the classic proportions are easy to remember.

Ingredients — Classic Aperol Spritz

• 90 ml Prosecco
• 60 ml Aperol
• 30 ml soda water
• 1 fresh orange slice
• Approximately 120 g ice cubes

Method

1. Fill a large wine glass with approximately 120 g of ice cubes.
2. Pour in 90 ml chilled Prosecco.
3. Add 60 ml Aperol.
4. Top with 30 ml soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and serve immediately.

Taste tip: A dry Prosecco helps preserve Aperol's refreshing balance of citrus sweetness and bitterness.

Mondoro vs Aperol: Which aperitivo should you use?

Although Hugo Spritz and Aperol Spritz share similar preparation methods, their main aperitivos create two very different drinking experiences.

Mondoro Aperitivo ai Fiori di Sambuco

Mondoro is an Italian elderflower aperitivo with an alcohol content of 14% ABV.

It combines elderflower aromas with botanical notes and a gently sweet flavour profile.

Mondoro is particularly suited to a Hugo-style Spritz, where its floral character works with Prosecco, soda water, fresh mint and lime.

It is an interesting option if you prefer floral cocktails but want something more complex than a simple elderflower syrup.

Aperol Aperitivo

Aperol is an Italian aperitivo with an alcohol content of 11% ABV in the version commonly sold across much of Europe.

It has a characteristic orange colour, citrus-forward flavour and distinctive herbal bitterness.

Aperol is the essential ingredient in the classic Aperol Spritz and also works in a variety of other aperitivo-style cocktails.

Which one should you buy?

Choose Mondoro if you enjoy elderflower, mint and delicate floral flavours.

Choose Aperol if you enjoy orange, citrus peel and the refreshing bitterness of a traditional Italian aperitivo.

Both can be used with Prosecco and soda water, making them practical ingredients for a home cocktail bar.

Which has more alcohol: Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz?

The alcohol content depends on the type of Hugo Spritz you make.

A Hugo Spritz prepared with non-alcoholic elderflower syrup typically contains alcohol only from the Prosecco. In contrast, a Hugo made with elderflower liqueur or an alcoholic aperitivo contains alcohol from both ingredients.

For example, using 11% ABV Prosecco and the 90 ml / 60 ml / 30 ml recipe ratios:

• Aperol Spritz with 11% ABV Aperol: approximately 9.2% ABV before ice dilution.
• Hugo Spritz with 14% ABV Mondoro: approximately 10.2% ABV before ice dilution.

Actual strength will be lower as the ice melts, and the final figure depends on the ingredients and how the drinks are prepared.

This means that Hugo Spritz is not necessarily weaker than Aperol Spritz, even though it may taste softer and less bitter.

When should you serve each cocktail?

Both cocktails work beautifully as pre-dinner aperitivos, welcome drinks and options for gatherings.

Hugo Spritz is particularly suited to garden parties, summer brunches and warm afternoons. Its elderflower and mint flavours pair naturally with lighter foods, including salads, fresh cheeses and seafood.

Aperol Spritz works especially well with Italian-style aperitivo snacks such as olives, bruschetta, cured meats and salty cheeses. The slight bitterness helps balance rich and savoury flavours.

For a party, serving both cocktails side by side is an excellent way to offer guests a choice between floral and bittersweet flavours.

Other spritz cocktails worth trying

If you enjoy Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz, there is a whole family of sparkling aperitivo cocktails to discover.

Campari Spritz — A more intensely bitter alternative featuring Campari, Prosecco and soda water.

Sarti Spritz — A vibrant, fruity spritz featuring Sarti Rosa, with tropical and citrus-inspired flavours.

Limoncello Spritz — A bright, lemon-forward cocktail combining limoncello with Prosecco and soda.

Select Spritz — A Venetian-style aperitivo cocktail with a bittersweet, herbal character.

Each follows the same basic idea: sparkling wine, a flavourful aperitivo or liqueur, ice and often a splash of soda.

The main difference is the flavour of the featured ingredient.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hugo Spritz better than Aperol Spritz?

It depends on your taste. Hugo Spritz is generally floral, refreshing and less bitter, while Aperol Spritz offers a more citrusy and bittersweet profile. People who dislike bitter drinks may prefer Hugo Spritz.

Can you make Hugo Spritz with Aperol?

You can combine Aperol with elderflower, mint and Prosecco, but it becomes a variation rather than a traditional Hugo Spritz. The orange bitterness of Aperol will noticeably change the flavour.

Is Hugo Spritz made with St-Germain?

St-Germain elderflower liqueur is one popular option for making a Hugo Spritz. However, the cocktail can also be prepared with elderflower syrup or other elderflower liqueurs and aperitivos, including Mondoro.

Is Hugo Spritz sweeter than Aperol Spritz?

Hugo Spritz often tastes sweeter because elderflower has a delicate floral sweetness and lacks Aperol's bitterness. Actual sugar content depends on the recipe and ingredients.

Can I use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?

Yes. A dry sparkling wine such as Cava can work in either cocktail. Prosecco remains the traditional choice, but the important factors are freshness, acidity and balanced sweetness.

What is the best glass for a Spritz?

A large stemmed wine glass or balloon glass is ideal. It provides enough room for ice, sparkling wine and garnishes, while allowing the drink's aromas to develop.

Can you make Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz without alcohol?

Yes. For a non-alcoholic Hugo, use alcohol-free sparkling wine and non-alcoholic elderflower syrup. For an Aperol-style alcohol-free spritz, use alcohol-free sparkling wine and a non-alcoholic bitter-orange aperitivo. Regular Aperol and Mondoro both contain alcohol.

Final verdict: Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz?

Both cocktails deserve a place in a well-stocked home bar, but they deliver very different experiences.

Choose Hugo Spritz for an aromatic, floral cocktail with fresh mint, elderflower and a gentle citrus finish.

Choose Aperol Spritz for the classic Italian combination of orange, herbal bitterness and sparkling Prosecco.

Neither is universally better. The real choice is between floral freshness and bittersweet citrus.

With Aperol and Mondoro in your home bar, you can make both styles using many of the same ingredients — just add chilled Prosecco, soda water, plenty of ice and the right garnish.

Explore more cocktail recipes, ingredients and home-bar essentials at Drinkero, where great cocktails start with the right ingredients.