The Hugo Spritz: Your New Go-to Summer Cocktail

By Emily King

It may be August, but we still have plenty of warm weather ahead. Summer afternoons by the pool and evenings on the deck call for a refreshing, light, and effervescent cocktail.  We love the Hugo Spritz for exactly this purpose. The Hugo Spritz is an Italian spritz that originated in South Tyrol, a northern Italian province nestled in the Italian Alps, including parts of the Dolomites. A spritz is a light Italian drink, usually a dry sparkling wine like prosecco, a bitter apertif, and soda water. You’re probably familiar with the Aperol Spritz, which uses, Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur. The Hugo Spritz uses elderflower liquor or syrup as a variation. We like the delicate floral flavor profile of the elderflower, which is less intense than the bitter orange of the Aperol. It's just sweet enough and the addition of the soda water makes this a lighter cocktail with a lower alcohol content than a glass of wine, so it’s perfect for any time of day. 

Ingredients:

1 oz elderflower liquor, like St. Germaine

4 oz chilled Prosecco

2 oz chilled club soda

Lime slices and mint leaves (extra for garnish)

Recipe:

1. Start by chilling everything, the elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda.

2. Add mint leaves and lime slices to a tall glass or large wine glass. Slightly muddle to release the aroma and flavors.

3. Pour 1 oz of elderflower liqueur into the glass.

4. Add 4 oz of chilled Prosecco, pour slowly to preserve the bubbles.

5. Add 2 oz of chilled club soda, pouring slowly.

6. Gently stir the drink to incorporate all ingredients.

7. Garnish with a lime slice and extra mint leaves. For an extra bite, rub lime on the rim. Ice is optional. 

   
   

Tips:

Not a drinker? You can easily make an mocktail version of a Hugo Spritz. Substitute the Prosecco with more soda water or a flavored seltzer. Use elderflower syrup instead of elderflower liqueur and you will get the same fresh flavor.

Having company? The Hugo Spritz can easily be made in a batch. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. You can prepare a pitcher ahead of time with the muddled mint, lime, and liqueur. Add the chilled Prosecco and club soda and stir right before serving.