This pear spritz is a delicious fall variation of the classic Hugo Spritz, made with juicy pear juice, elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and fresh sage. It takes just 5 minutes to make and is light, bubbly, and incredibly easy to serve for Thanksgiving, fall happy hours, or brunch. 

If you’re loving pear drinks, you’ll also want to try my Best Pear Martini, Spiced Pear Vodka Cocktail and Pear White Wine Spritzer.

Two pear cocktails garnished with green leaves, served in elegant glasses on a stylish bar counter.

Quick Look: Elderflower Pear Spritz (Fall Hugo Spritz)

  • ⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • ❄️ Infusion Time: 1-2 minutes
  • ⏳ Total Time: 5 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 1 cocktail
  • 🍐 Flavor Profile: Crisp, fruity, floral, herbaceous, and bubbly
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy, perfect for fall gatherings and special occasions

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I love a good Hugo Spritz in the warmer months, but swapping the usual mint for fresh sage and adding pear makes this version feel so much more at home in fall. The elderflower liqueur keeps it floral and refreshing, while pear juice gives it a subtle sweetness and cozy festive flavor without making the drink feel heavy. It’s especially fun to serve for Thanksgiving because you can make it right in the wine glass and be sipping in minutes. This definitely won’t be the last time I make and enjoy this delightful drink!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A fall twist on a classic: Pear and sage give the traditional Hugo Spritz a seasonal update.
  • Ready in 5 minutes: There’s no complicated syrup or special prep required.
  • Light and refreshing: Pear juice adds fruity flavor while prosecco and sparkling water keep the drink bright and bubbly.
  • Perfect for Thanksgiving: It’s festive enough for a holiday gathering but easy enough for a casual fall happy hour.
  • Beautiful in a wine glass: A thin slice of fresh pear makes an easy, pretty garnish.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • Sage: Fresh sage gives this fall Hugo Spritz its signature herbaceous flavor. Clapping the leaves between your hands helps release their aroma before they go into the glass.
  • Elderflower liqueur: St-Germain adds floral sweetness and is what keeps this pear spritz connected to the classic Hugo Spritz.
  • 100% pear juice: Look for 100% pear juice, such as RW Knudsen, rather than a pear drink or juice blend with added sugar. It gives the cocktail plenty of pear flavor without needing additional sweetener.
  • Prosecco: Mionetto Prosecco works beautifully here, adding plenty of bubbles without overpowering the pear and elderflower.
  • Sparkling water: Just a splash lightens everything up and adds a little extra fizz.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Make it more or less sweet: Use slightly more or less pear juice depending on your preference. A drier prosecco will also keep the drink more crisp.
  • Try another bubbly: Cava or another dry sparkling wine can work in place of prosecco.
  • Make it non-alcoholic: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or prosecco alternative, or simply add more sparkling water. Then swap for a non-alcoholic elderflower-style syrup or cordial. My Easy Rosemary Pear Mocktail is also a great non-alcoholic option.
Two pear cocktails garnished with green leaves, served in elegant glasses on a stylish bar counter.
Two pear cocktails garnished with green leaves, served in elegant glasses on a stylish bar counter.

How to Make Elderflower Pear Spritz (Fall Hugo Spritz)

Step 1: Infuse the sage 

Clap 4 fresh sage leaves between your hands to release their aroma. Add the sage and elderflower liqueur to a wine glass and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, if you have the time. This quick infusion gives the drink a subtle sage flavor without making it overpowering.

Step 2: Build the spritz 

Fill the wine glass with ice. Add the pear juice, prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water. Gently stir everything together with a bar spoon.

Step 3: Garnish and serve 

Add a thin slice of pear for garnish, if desired, and serve immediately.

Carolyn’s Tips for Making Elderflower Pear Spritz (Fall Hugo Spritz)

  • Chill ingredients: Chilled prosecco and pear juice mean you can use plenty of ice without quickly watering down the spritz.
  • Customize sweetness: I recommend 100% pear juice and customizing the quantity of juice and elderflower liqueur to your liking.
  • Don’t skip the sage infusion: Even 1-2 minutes helps release the sage’s aroma and adds a subtle savory note that makes this feel distinctly fall.
  • For a party: Prep the sage and pear garnishes ahead of time, but build the individual drinks just before serving or make as a batch or pitcher drink.
  • Make it a mocktail: Swap the prosecco and elderflower liqueur for non-alcoholic alternatives for an easy zero-proof fall spritz.

Elderflower Pear Spritz (Fall Hugo Spritz) FAQs

What is a Hugo Spritz made of?

A traditional Hugo Spritz is made with elderflower liqueur or syrup, prosecco, sparkling water, and fresh mint. This fall version swaps the mint for sage and adds pear juice!

What pear juice is best for a pear spritz?

For the best flavor, use 100% pear juice rather than a sweetened pear drink or juice cocktail. RW Knudsen 100% Pear Juice is a great option.

What elderflower liqueur can I use instead of St-Germain?

You can replace St-Germain with other elderflower liqueurs like Giffard, Bols Elderflower, or De Michellot Elderflower Liqueur, or use elderflower cordial/syrup for a non-alcoholic or traditional regional approach.

Can you make a pear spritz ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients and garnishes ahead of time, but it’s best to build the spritz just before serving. This keeps the prosecco and sparkling water bubbly and refreshing.

More Fall Spritzes and Spritzers to Try

⭐ If you loved this recipe, I would SO appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review below. Also, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @thesocialsipper!

Two pear cocktails garnished with green leaves, served in elegant glasses on a stylish bar counter.
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Elderflower Pear Spritz (Fall Hugo Spritz)

Servings: 1
Prep: 5 minutes
This pear spritz is a delicious fall variation of the classic Hugo Spritz, made with juicy pear juice, elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and fresh sage. It takes just 5 minutes to make and is light, bubbly, and incredibly easy to serve for Thanksgiving, fall happy hours, or brunch.
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 sage leaves
  • 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain
  • 1 1/2 oz pear juice
  • 3-4 oz prosecco
  • Splash of sparkling water
  • Pear slice, for garnish

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Clap the sage leaves between your hands to release their aroma. To a wine glass, add sage leaves and elderflower liqueur. Allow to sit for 1–2 minutes, if time allows, to infuse.
  • Fill the glass with ice. Add pear juice, prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. Stir to combine.
  • If desired, garnish with a pear slice.

Notes

  • Chill ingredients: Chilled prosecco and pear juice mean you can use plenty of ice without quickly watering down the spritz.
  • Customize sweetness: I recommend 100% pear juice and customizing the quantity of juice and elderflower liqueur to your liking.
  • Don’t skip the sage infusion: Even 1-2 minutes helps release the sage’s aroma and adds a subtle savory note that makes this feel distinctly fall.
  • For a party: Prep the sage and pear garnishes ahead of time, but build the individual drinks just before serving or make as a batch or pitcher drink.
  • Make it a mocktail: Swap the prosecco and elderflower liqueur for non-alcoholic alternatives for an easy zero-proof fall spritz.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!