We’re all thinking of cozy flavors after Labor day but in many places, like New York, we still have quite a few warm days left before it’s officially sweater season. So don’t abandon the light, effervescent joy of a summer spritz just yet. Try this Ginger Pear Hugo Spritz, a cozy, seasonal evolution of Europe’s favorite aperitivo.
By pairing crisp prosecco and floral elderflower liqueur with juicy pear and a gentle kick of warm ginger, this cocktail bridges the gap between summer refreshment and fall warmth. Whether you are hosting an autumn dinner party, prepping for a festive holiday gathering, or haing a happy hour at home, this recipe delivers seasonal craft-cocktail vibes with minimal effort.
Looking for more elderflower cocktails? Try this Elderflower and Grapefruit Gin Mule or a Cucumber and Elderflower Spritz
Looking for the glassware that I use? These Camille 23-Oz. Long-Stem Red Wine Glasses are great for a spritz. What is a Hugo Spritz?
Originating in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy in the early 2000s, the traditional Hugo Spritz was created as an alternative to the bitter Venetian Aperol Spritz. The original recipe is delightfully simple: prosecco, elderflower syrup (or elderflower liqueur), club soda, and fresh mint.
Light, floral, and aromatic, the Hugo Spritz quickly became a summer sensation across Europe and North America. Its clean botanical profile makes it the ultimate canvas for seasonal variations. Adding orchard-fresh pear juice and spicy ginger liqueur transforms the classic summer sip into a complex, layered cocktail perfect for cooler weather.
Understanding the Ingredients
What is Elderflower Liqueur?
Elderflower liqueur is a sweet, highly aromatic spirit distilled from the delicate white blossoms of the European elder tree (Sambucus nigra).
- Flavor Profile: Notes of fresh white peach, passion fruit, pear, and citrus zest blended with subtle floral undertones.
- Famous Brands: St-Germain is the most widely recognized brand, though bottles like Fiorente, Giffard, or Drillaud are other great options
- Why It Works: Elderflower acts as a “seasoning” in cocktails, bridging the acidity of citrus or pear juice with the dry bubbles of prosecco without overpowering the drink.
What is Ginger Liqueur?
Ginger liqueur is a spiced spirit made by infusing neutral grain alcohol or brandy with real ginger root, sugar, and often honey or citrus peels.
- Flavor Profile: Warm, zesty, and peppery with a lingering, pleasant heat that coats the palate.
- Famous Brands: I used Barrow’s Intense, made in my home state of New York
- Alternative Option — Ginger Beer: If you can’t find ginger liqueur or prefer a drink with a bit less alcohol, swap the club soda for a splash of high-quality ginger beer. This swap delivers that signature fiery ginger bite and extra effervescence while keeping the cocktail light.
Choosing the Right Glassware
Presentation is half the magic when it comes to spritz cocktails. To showcase the vibrant color, active bubbles, and aromatic garnish of a Ginger Pear Hugo Spritz, choose your glass wisely:
- Large Cabernet/Bordeaux Wine Glass (Recommended): The traditional choice for a Hugo Spritz. A large, oversized wine bowl allows plenty of room for ice cubes, fruit juices, and fresh mint leaves, while catching the botanical aromas right at your nose as you sip.
- Stemmed Copa Glass: Often used for Spanish Gin & Tonics, a wide balloon glass offers a dramatic presentation and holds plenty of ice to keep the drink ice-cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Highball or Collins Glass: If you prefer a stemmed-less, casual setup, a tall highball glass works wonderfully.
Looking for the glassware that I use? These Camille 23-Oz. Long-Stem Red Wine Glasses are great for a spritz. 
How to Juice Fresh Pears (If You Can’t Find Store-Bought Juice)
Store-bought pear juice (or pear nectar) is widely available in juice aisles or international markets, but making fresh juice at home is easy to do. Fresh pear juice provides a brighter, crisper flavor and a naturally luscious texture.
Method 1: The Blender & Nut Milk Bag (Easiest)
- Choose ripe, fragrant pears (Bartlett, D’Anjou, or Bosc work best). Core and chop them into small chunks.
- Add the pear chunks to a high-speed blender with a small splash of cold water (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per pear to help the blades catch).
- Blend on high until completely smooth.
- Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag into a jar, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract every drop of clear juice.
Method 2: The Cold-Press Juicer
Pass cored, sliced pears straight through a centrifugal or masticating juicer for instant, silky-smooth juice.
Pro Tip for Storage: Pear juice oxidizes and turns brown quickly due to natural enzymes. Add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 tsp per cup of juice) right after straining to preserve its bright, pale-yellow color.
Garnish Suggestions
Garnishes aren’t just for looks, they can also elevate the nose and aroma of your cocktail with every sip.
- Fresh Mint Sprig: A non-negotiable Hugo Spritz classic. Gently slap the mint leaves between your palms before garnishing to release the essential oils.
- Whole Star Anise: Floats beautifully on top of the ice, adding a subtle licorice aroma that pairs effortlessly with pear and ginger.
- Thin Pear Slices or Fan: Slice a pear paper-thin vertically, dip it in lemon juice to prevent browning, and place it against the inside wall of the glass.
- Cinnamon Stick: Use it as an aromatic garnish or drink stirrer for extra autumn flavor and auroma.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Spritz
- Chill Everything: Warm ingredients melt ice instantly, flatting your prosecco and diluting your drink. Keep your prosecco, pear juice, and club soda ice-cold in the fridge prior to building.
- Use Dry Prosecco (Brut): Because pear juice, elderflower, and ginger liqueur all contain natural sugars, opt for a dry prosecco labeled Brut to ensure your cocktail stays crisp and balanced, not cloying.
Ginger Pear Hugo Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco chilled
- 3/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur such as St-Germain
- ½ oz Ginger Liqueur or substitute 1-2 oz ginger beer in place of club soda
- 1 oz Pear Juice fresh or store-bought nectar
- 1 oz Club Soda chilled
- Garnish: Fresh mint sprig
- Garnish Optional: 1 whole star anise & a thin pear slice
Method
- Prepare the Mint: Take a fresh sprig of mint and clap it firmly between your hands to activate the fragrant aromatic oils. Place it into the bottom of a large wine glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass generously with clean, large ice cubes.
- Add the Flavors: Pour in the elderflower liqueur, ginger liqueur, and pear juice directly over the ice.
- Top with Bubbles: Gently pour in the prosecco followed by the club soda.
- Gently Stir: Use a long bar spoon to give the drink one or two slow, bottom-to-top lifts to blend the juices with the prosecco without deflating the carbonation.
- Garnish & Serve: Float a whole star anise on top, tuck in a thin pear slice, and serve immediately with a fresh mint sprig right near the rim. Enjoy!
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