The St-Germain Hugo Spritz Is the Drink of Summer 2025

This article is a part of Classic Summer Drinks Week, a week of content celebrating the arrival of summer. With its tank-top weather and long days, Summer can be one of the best seasons of the year. However, the scorching heat can make it tough to spend your days outside — even if you want to bathe in the sunlight before the cooler months confine you to the indoors. A refreshing, ice-cold drink can be of great assistance when it comes to bearing the sun rays. That’s why, from July 7–11, we’re celebrating Classic Summer Drinks Week with a series of recipes, recommendations, tips & tricks to help you beat the heat. Check out more Classic Summer Drinks Week content here!

St-Germain Hugo Spritz is Bottle Raiders’ drink of summer 2025. (Photo: Canva/Created with AI)

“The drink of the summer.”

Every year, countless companies, outlets, bars and individuals seek to thrust this label upon a certain libation. Invariably, a slew of candidates are referred to as “The drink of the summer.” The contenders change year to year — from hard seltzers to espresso martinis to neon-colored canned concoctions — but the impulse remains the same: to find that one drink that perfectly fits the moment.

Our pick for the drink of summer 2025 is the St-Germain Hugo Spritz.

Light, Bright and Not Too Boozy

So what is it, exactly? The St-Germain Hugo Spritz is a refreshing mix of St-Germain elderflower liqueur (order it here), dry prosecco, soda water and fresh mint. It’s low in alcohol, easy to drink and more floral than bitter — a welcome change for anyone burnt out on Aperol Spritzes.

The timing couldn’t be better. According to Bacardi’s 2025 Cocktail Trends Report, 20% of 21- to 25-year-olds are gravitating toward lower-ABV cocktails. That means drinks that don’t hit as hard but still feel elevated. The Hugo checks that box — and a few more.

How to Make the St-Germain Hugo Spritz

This isn’t a brand-new cocktail. The Hugo originated in the Alps, created by bartender Roland Gruber, who first called it “Otto” before deciding “Hugo” had a better ring to it. Originally made with lemon syrup, the drink eventually evolved to include elderflower cordial — and later, elderflower liqueur. Once St-Germain entered the picture, the spritz went global.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz ST‑GERMAIN
• 2 oz MARTINI Prosecco (or comparable dry prosecco)
• 2 oz soda water
• 8-10 mint leaves
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

• Add ice into a wine glass.
• Pour in St‑Germain and add your mint leaves.
• Top with sparkling wine and soda water.
• Stir the drink to combine all of the ingredients.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.

TikTok Fame and Real-World Staying Power

On social media, the Hugo Spritz is having a moment. On TikTok, the cocktail accounts for a third of all spritz video views under the #spritz hashtag — and the numbers are climbing. In 2024 alone, Google searches for “St-Germain Spritz” jumped 49%, while “Hugo Spritz” shot up a staggering 122%, according to St-Germain.

And it’s not just digital buzz. Hospitality research firm CGA says spritz sales have tripled over the last few years, and Hugo is one of the versions leading the charge. You’re just as likely to find it après ski as you are at a poolside bar, which speaks to its versatility.

Celebrities are into it, too. Jenna Bush Hager and Nene Leakes have been seen sipping the Hugo Spritz, and Sophie Turner headlined a campaign for the drink.

Why It Works

The Hugo Spritz feels current without being trendy for trend’s sake. It’s simple but not boring. It’s lower in alcohol but still feels like a real drink. It’s light, refreshing and easy to make, but the elderflower liqueur gives it a distinctive flavor.

For the elderflower-curious, it’s a perfect introduction to liqueurs that don’t rely on sugar or bitterness to make an impression. St-Germain, in particular, adds subtle sweetness and a hint of wildflower that gives the drink its signature lift.

In a crowded cocktail landscape, where everything is either overly complicated or pre-bottled and branded, the St-Germain Hugo Spritz feels like a breath of fresh air.

A Twist on the Classic: The Hugo Rosé Spritz

If you want to mix things up, while staying on trend, here’s an easy variation: Swap in a rosé prosecco (or still rosé wine) for the traditional bubbly, and you’ve got yourself a Hugo Rosé Spritz. It’s just as refreshing, with a little extra fruit and color. Same build: St-Germain, soda, mint and garnishes — but the rosy hue makes it perfect for summer brunch or golden hour on the patio.