Okay, I need to tell you about the drink that has completely taken over my summer. Picture this: it’s golden hour, it’s warm out, and you want something in your hand that feels a little fancy but goes down like sunshine. That, my friends, is the Blueberry Hugo Spritz, and it is genuinely the BEST EVER warm weather cocktail.
If you’ve never had a Hugo Spritz, it’s a floral little number from Northern Italy, all elderflower and bubbles and fresh mint. I took that gorgeous base and gave it a juicy summer glow-up with a homemade blueberry syrup, and WOW. It’s light, it’s refreshing, it’s just barely sweet, and it hits the spot every single time. This is the drink I’m making for every porch hang, every girls’ night, and every “it’s technically still afternoon but who’s counting” moment.
The best part? It comes together in minutes, and that blueberry syrup is so easy it feels like cheating. Whether you’re hosting a whole crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, this one is going to become your new summer obsession.
P.S. Make a double batch of the blueberry syrup and keep it in the fridge. You’ll want it for round two, and it’s AMAZING drizzled over pancakes or stirred into lemonade too!
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh Blueberries: The juicy little stars of the show. You’ll muddle a few right into the glass so their flavor infuses the whole drink, and use more to make the syrup. Go for plump, ripe berries for the sweetest result. They also make the prettiest garnish floating on top.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: These bring that cool, garden-fresh aroma that makes a spritz feel so special. Lightly muddling them releases the oils without making things bitter. Save a nice sprig for garnish so every sip smells incredible. Mint and blueberry are a match made in summer heaven.
- Blueberry Syrup: This is the homemade magic that sets this spritz apart. It’s a quick simmer of blueberries, brown sugar, water, and vanilla that turns into the most gorgeous deep purple syrup. It adds just the right touch of sweetness and berry depth. You control how much you add, so it’s as sweet as you like.
- Elderflower Liqueur: The heart of any Hugo Spritz, and St-Germain is my go-to. It brings that delicate floral, honeyed note that plays SO beautifully with blueberry. It’s what makes this drink taste elegant and grown-up. A little goes a long way.
- Dry Prosecco: All those lovely bubbles that make a spritz a spritz. Go with a dry (brut) Prosecco so the drink stays crisp and never cloying. Keep it well chilled for the fizziest pour. Cava or any dry sparkling wine works too.
- Club Soda: A splash to lighten everything up and keep it refreshing. It stretches the drink so it’s easy and sippable on a hot day. Keep it cold and bubbly. This is what makes it dangerously drinkable.
Substitutions and Modifications
- No St-Germain? Any elderflower liqueur or even a splash of elderflower cordial (for a lighter, less boozy pour) works great.
- Swap the Prosecco for Cava, dry Champagne, or any dry sparkling wine you love.
- Make it a mocktail by skipping the elderflower liqueur and Prosecco and using elderflower cordial plus extra club soda or sparkling water.
- Not a blueberry person? This is beautiful with blackberry or raspberry syrup instead.
- Like it sweeter? Add a little more blueberry syrup. Prefer it bone dry? Start with just half an ounce and taste as you go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s light, floral, and refreshing without being too sweet, the PERFECT summer sipper.
- It comes together in just a few minutes, and the homemade blueberry syrup is foolproof.
- It looks absolutely stunning with that deep purple hue and fresh garnish, so it’s a total showstopper for parties.
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Wine glass or stemless glass
- Muddler (or the back of a spoon)
- Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
Blueberry Hugo Spritz: The Perfect Light and Refreshing Summer Cocktail
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cocktail:
- 4 to 6 fresh blueberries plus more for garnish
- 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves plus a sprig for garnish
- 1 oz blueberry syrup use less for a drier drink
- 2 oz elderflower liqueur like St-Germain
- 3 to 4 oz dry Prosecco chilled
- 1 oz club soda
Instructions
- Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it bubble away for 10 minutes.
- Smash the blueberries with the back of a spoon or a muddler to release all that gorgeous juice, then simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a jar, pressing to get every last drop. Stir in the vanilla extract and let it cool completely. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Make the cocktail: In your glass, lightly muddle the blueberries and mint leaves just until fragrant. Do not overdo it or the mint can turn bitter.
- Fill the glass with ice. Add the blueberry syrup and elderflower liqueur.
- Top with the chilled Prosecco and the club soda.
- Stir gently to combine, garnish with a mint sprig and a few blueberries, and enjoy!
Storage Instructions
- Counter: The finished cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and bubbly, so sip it right away! It will not keep at room temperature.
- Fridge: Store the blueberry syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Give it a shake before using.
- Freezer: Freeze the blueberry syrup in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Pop out a cube whenever a spritz craving hits!
Tips and Tricks
- Chill everything ahead of time. Cold Prosecco and club soda keep your spritz crisp and bubbly instead of flat and watery.
- Go easy on the muddling. You want to gently wake up the mint, not pulverize it, or it can turn bitter.
- Taste as you build. Start with less blueberry syrup and add more to hit your perfect sweetness.
- Make the syrup in advance so drinks come together in under a minute when guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Hugo Spritz?
A Hugo Spritz is a light, floral cocktail from Northern Italy made with elderflower, sparkling wine, mint, and soda water. My blueberry version adds a juicy summer twist with homemade blueberry syrup!
Can I make this a mocktail?
Absolutely! Skip the elderflower liqueur and Prosecco and use elderflower cordial plus extra club soda or sparkling water. It’s just as refreshing and gorgeous.
What Prosecco should I use?
Reach for a dry (brut) Prosecco so the drink stays crisp and never too sweet. Cava, dry Champagne, or any dry sparkling wine works beautifully too.
How long does the blueberry syrup last?
It keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s so versatile you’ll find yourself using it in everything!
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Multiply the syrup and pre-muddle the mint and berries in a pitcher, then let guests top their own glasses with Prosecco and soda so every drink stays bubbly.
Is this drink very sweet?
Not at all, it’s light and just barely sweet. You control the sweetness with the amount of blueberry syrup, so you can make it as dry or as fruity as you like.
Do you LOVE Making Cocktails at Home?? Check out MORE of my Favs:
Blackberry Hugo Spritz (The Berry Best Summer Cocktail!)
Frozen Watermelon Margarita (4-Ingredient Recipe!)Â
Let’s Stay in Touch!
If you make this Blueberry Hugo Spritz, I want to SEE it! Snap a photo of your gorgeous purple sipper and tag me @munchiesbymallory on Instagram and TikTok. It truly makes my day to see your creations. Now go pour yourself one, you deserve it. Cheers to the best summer yet!
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