Have you met the Hugo Spritz? The Italian coast with a light and refreshing Hugo Spritz. This modern twist on an elegant aperitif is super simple to make. Add elderflower cordial to a glass, followed by a splash of prosecco to create a zesty, refreshing mix. Recently, this cocktail has gained popularity as a go-to early evening drink in Italy, offering a more delicate flavor than the synonymous Aperol spritz. Add a hint of soda, and top it with mint and lime for an extra touch of freshness.
The delicate, floral notes of the elderflower perfectly pair with the light, citrusy profile of the soda and prosecco, making it a very refreshing cocktail. This light and floral drink is super easy to prepare and ideal for those who prefer little, gentler flavors over more robust ones. Whether alone or hosting friends, the Hugo Spritz is bound to become your favorite early-evening cocktail, transporting you to the picturesque vistas of Italy’s coastline.
It’s as easy as mixing elderflower cordial
Crafting a Hugo Spritz is a breeze. Begin by mixing a super easy amount of elderflower cordial with crisp prosecco. Adjust the taste by adding a splash of soda and a hint of lime. For an extra touch, finish with mint leaves. Perfect to scale up for entertaining, you can always adjust quantities to your desired taste. Whether keeping the liqueur light or increasing the amount of alcohol, this drink can be easily included in any gathering.
Ingredients
- Elderflower Cordial or elderflower liqueur (e.g., St Germain)
- Prosecco, any sparkling white wine, or champagne
- Soda Water, sparkling water, or lightly flavored soda water (lime or elderflower)
- Thinly sliced Lime
- Fresh Mint leaves
key points
- Elderflower Cordial for floral sweetness; Elderflower Liqueur like St Germain as an alternative.
- Prosecco or any sparkling white wine; Champagne for a more luxurious touch.
- Soda Water to keep it bubbly; sparkling water or lightly flavored soda water (lime or elderflower) works too.
- Thinly sliced Lime for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Fresh Mint leaves, muddle or scrunch to release their aromatic flavor.
How to make it
- Choose a Glass: Select a suitable glass that showcases the cocktail.
- Add Ice: Place a few ice cubes into the glass to keep the drink chilled.
- Pour Elderflower Cordial: Add a measure of elderflower cordial for its sweet and floral notes.
- Add Prosecco: Pour in Prosecco or your choice of sparkling white wine for elegance and effervescence. You can use champagne as an alternative.
- Top with Soda Water: Add a splash of soda water for extra fizz.
- Include Lime: Place a thin slice of lime into the glass for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Add Mint Leaves: Scrunch some fresh mint leaves between your hands before adding them to release their aromatic flavor.
- Stir Gently: Give the mixture a gentle stir to blend the flavors without losing the carbonation.
- Serve: Enjoy your freshly made Hugo Spritz!
Why we love this recipe
The charm of the Hugo Spritz lies in its ability to blend the elegance of an aperitif with the light and refreshing notes that make it ideal for summer. Even though it was officially invented in the 21st century, this classic cocktail boasts an irresistible appeal.
Elderflower serves as the key ingredient, providing a delicate, floral flavor profile that feels almost magical. It’s the perfect drink for happy hour sipping and can be the signature cocktail at any event, owing to its elegant yet low-key nature. With a balance of citrusy and herbaceous elements, the Hugo Spritz offers a versatile combination that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s SO easy to make simply mix in a glass or batch in a pitcher if you prefer.
Conclusion
The Hugo Spritz perfectly captures the charm and elegance of modern aperitifs with its blend of elderflower cordial, prosecco, citrus, and mint. This light and refreshing cocktail, ideal for early evening sipping, offers a delicate, floral flavor that’s easy to make, whether mixed in a glass or batched in a pitcher. Its growing popularity as an alternative to the Aperol Spritz makes it a versatile and sophisticated choice for any gathering, transporting you to the picturesque vistas of Italy’s coastline.
FAQs
What is Hugo Spritz made of?
The Hugo spritz is very easy to riff upon. Ratios of its primary three ingredients (elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, and soda water) can easily be adjusted for taste or strength. Elderflower syrup or elderflower infusions can be used to lower the abv even further, and the herb used can easily be changed.
What is an elderflower spritz called?
The Hugo Spritz is an effervescent cocktail that combines prosecco, elderflower liqueur, seltzer, lime, and mint. Its flavor is delicate and refreshing making it the perfect aperitivo to any meal.
What is the difference between Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz?
What is the difference between a Hugo and Aperol Spritz? A Hugo spritz is made with an elderflower aperitif liqueur (or cordial), whereas an Aperol spritz is made with the bitter-orange aperitif. Both spritzes follow a similar recipe makeup of aperitif, sparkling wine, and soda water. How to make a Hugo Spritz at home?
Why is it called spritz?
The spritz has its origins in Veneto, Italy, where prosecco comes from. The story goes that the spritz originated during the 1800s when Austrians visiting Italy would dilute Italian wines with a “spritz” (German for “splash”) of soda water to make them lighter and more to their taste.