The St-Germain Spritz has become the drink of the summer in London, challenging the dominance of Aperol as heatwaves push the capital's drinkers toward lighter, floral options. The Hugo Spritz, once uncommon outside northern Italy, is now widely available across the city.
Google searches for the cocktail have increased by 170 per cent over the past three months, according to figures from St-Germain. Globally, interest in the Hugo Spritz rose by 58 per cent last year as consumers sought fresher alternatives to bitter aperitifs.
Simple recipe, rising popularity
The drink combines 60ml of sparkling wine, 60ml of sparkling water and 40ml of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, poured over ice with a lemon twist. Some versions add lime and mint. The result is delicately sweet and refreshing, described as more French Riviera garden party than Venetian stag weekend.
Sales data from IWSR shows St-Germain increased its share of the UK spritz category by seven percentage points year on year to 17 per cent, while Aperol fell six points to 58 per cent. St-Germain is the fastest-growing brand in the category, up 46 per cent against overall spritz growth of 10 per cent. Bartenders surveyed for the Drinks International Brands Report 2026 named it the industry’s second-bestselling liqueur, with the Hugo Spritz credited for renewed enthusiasm.
Where to find it in London
London venues serving the drink include Kitty Hawk in the City, Jurema at The Mandrake, and Shangri-La at The Shard. Other locations are Templeton Garden, Three Darlings, Pont de la Tour, Sale e Pepe, Pear Tree Café, and Gaucho’s terraces in Richmond, Hampstead and Canary Wharf. The Fable, Devonshire Terrace and All Bar One in Leicester Square also offer it.
Sophie Turner, the face of St-Germain’s Riviera summer campaign, said: “I am enjoying a simple summer on the French Riviera and The St-Germain Spritz is my perfect partner for that. It’s light, bright and fresher tasting, and captures the essence of summer, whether you’re on a beach far away, or just embracing being carefree at home.”
