Hugo Spritz
If you haven’t given a Hugo Spritz a try yet, where have you been? This Italian cocktail combines prosecco, elderflower, soda water, and fresh mint, and has been showing up on bar menus across the globe. It’s often described as a lighter, more floral alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. The Hugo Spritz originates from South Tyrol in the Italian Alps and has since found a very comfortable home in the UK. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo cocktail was created around 2005 by a bartender named Roland Gruber, working in South Tyrol, the southern strip of northern Italy. His original variation used lemon balm syrup; however, he quickly switched to elderflower, and the recipe stuck.
It took off massively across Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, becoming the ideal sunshine terrace drink for friends to share. It was recently named “the drink of the summer” in The Guardian, which seems to point to a shift in drink culture.
The popular Aperol Spritz hits you with a bitter orange edge, while the Hugo offers a gentle, floral, and pleasingly easy drink. This is why it had Aperol fans heading in a different direction.
Gin lovers won’t be disappointed either. The Hugo Spritz also lends itself well to gin thanks to its botanical base.
FAQ
Can I have a Hugo Spritz with Gin
Right, this is where it gets really interesting. Add a 25ml measure of gin to your Hugo Spritz, and all of a sudden you have something that carries full-bodied botanicals. The elderflower and mint are already doing their job, and a good gin lifts everything and takes it to the next level.
A floral or citrus-led gin makes all the difference. Whilst a popular choice is Edinburgh Gin, or Hendricks, if you’re looking to take your Hugo Spritz to the next level, we recommend a craft, citrus gin. For a delicious pop of citrus, instead try Distillerie 3 Lacs Lemon Sunflower Gin or the bright and refreshing Sea Level Jersey Lemon Gin, guaranteed to elevate your spritz experience from what you can get from the supermarkets. Or if you have a craft gin with meadow or hedgerow botanicals, we recommend Otterbeck Distillery Cotton Garden Gin we suggest you give it a try.
How to make a Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz is one of the easiest cocktails to make in the world. This is because it doesn’t require a shaker or muddling. All you need to do is the following:
Hugo Spritz ingredients
- 120ml prosecco or sparkling wine (keep this chilled, warm prosecco is basically a criminal offence)
- 40ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the classic - but we recommend the Connie Glaze Vodka Liqueur) or elderflower cordial
- 60ml soda water
- A large sprig of fresh mint
- A wedge of lime
- Loads of ice
Method
- Put ice into a large wine glass. Use as much as the glass can hold to keep it properly cold.
- Pour in 40ml of elderflower liqueur or cordial.
- Pour in 120ml of sparkling wine or prosecco, or more if you prefer. Keep the pour slow and gentle and avoid splashing. Respect those bubbles.
- Add 60ml of soda water.
- Stir gently. Don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the fizz.
- Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a wedge of lime.
It’s just that simple and takes less than two minutes to make.
It is also important that you don’t forget the mint. When it comes to the Hugo Spritz, this isn’t just a throwaway garnish to make the drink look pretty. The aroma is a big part of the drink itself, and as you lift the glass, it’s one of the best parts of the drink.
However, if you want a sharper edge, then you can squeeze in a little lime juice too. It works brilliantly on a hot day, especially as we head into summer.
If you want to beat the queues, all the ingredients for this cocktail can be found in our Hugo Spritz or explore our range of Cocktail kits
Hugo Spritz vs Aperol Spritz
They are both Italian and both are based on prosecco. Both the Hugo Spritz and Aperol Spritz are best enjoyed from a large wine glass, especially when summer is in full swing. Yes, they do have a lot in common, but for moments when the Aperol Spritz just doesn’t quite hit right, it’s time to give the Hugo a try.
While the Aperol Spritz is all about that hit of bitter orange, the Hugo takes things in a new and unexpected direction. Elderflower brings a softer, slightly floral sweetness, while fresh mint adds a refreshing aroma that Aperol cannot match. The Hugo is a lighter and easier-drinking option.
Another reason why the Hugo is taking off is that it has a slightly lower ABV, which makes it a good choice for longer weekend afternoons when one drink naturally turns into another. If you’ve never found yourself to be a big fan of Aperol, then we recommend the Hugo.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Hugo Spritz made of?
Prosecco, elderflower liqueur or cordial, soda water, fresh mint, and a lime wedge, all in a big wine glass over ice. If you want that big floral hit, elderflower works a dream. And the mint and lime are just the ticket for freshness.
Is a Hugo Spritz alcoholic?
Yes. With prosecco and elderflower liqueur (or cordial), you’re looking at around 8-11%ABV. Swap the liqueur for cordial, and your alcohol level dips a little lower, since prosecco is the only booze in there.
Can I make a Hugo Spritz without St-Germain?
Yes! We personally recommend the Connie Glaze Vodka Liqueur with the perfect balance of light, zesty and floral flavours. Or elderflower cordial is a great alternative, and maybe the more typical UK choice. The result is a slight touch lighter and less syrupy, which many people prefer in truth. Either way, superb
How many calories are in a Hugo Spritz?
Around 120-150 calories per tipple, depending on whether you opt for elderflower cordial or liqueur. Not a bad return for a cocktail.
What glass should you serve a Hugo Spritz in?
A large wine glass is the traditional choice and the one we'd recommend. The wide bowl lets those mint and elderflower aromas develop properly, and there's plenty of room for ice and garnish. A copa glass does the job nicely too.