Is it the summer of the Hugo Spritz? It just might be.
There’s an obvious appeal. For many, the floral sweetness of elderflower is an easier flavour to take than bittersweet citrus. And if you’re a Spritz drinker whose tongue is practically orange at this stage, it makes a refreshing alternative.
This has led it to become the fastest-growing cocktail in Britain, with sales up 196% between April and June 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to new transaction data from Square, a global payments company.
The key ingredient in most Hugo Spritz recipes is St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
The Hugo Spritz: The Drink of the Summer?
The data, the all important data, reveals that Spicy Margaritas, Campari Spritzes and mango-flavoured cocktails are also becoming summer staples for British consumers.
The top 10 trending cocktails in Great Britain, April-June 2026 vs 2025 (ranked by year-on-year growth in items sold)¹ are:
Hugo Spritz: +196%
Spicy Margarita: +56%
Campari Spritz: +52%
Mango Cocktail: +46%
Paloma: +41%
Limoncello Spritz: +31%
Gin & Tonic: +28%
Caipirinha: +24%
Manhattan: +21%
Aperol Spritz: +13%
Lies, damn lies, and statistics
“Our data shows tastes are shifting toward lighter, fresher drinks, and the Hugo Spritz is leading the charge,” says John O’Beirne, CEO of Square International.
“For hospitality business owners, a well-judged cocktail menu is becoming one of the things customers look for in the summer months, and having the ingredients ready is a simple way to make the most of the demand.”
Although the Aperol Spritz may not be growing as fast as its Hugo counterpart, it still remains the most purchased cocktail overall.
What do you see in your bars? Are people going gaga for the Hugo Spritz? Personally, I can’t hear the drink’s name without thinking about your man from Inglourious Basterds. Is mango the flavour of the moment? Is there even really such a thing as the Drink of the Summer™ ? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.
¹ Square transaction data, Great Britain, food and drink sellers, April–June 2026 vs April–June 2025.
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