The Hugo Spritz Is The Drink Of The Summer

When the sun comes out, pub gardens get an injection of orange as people celebrate with a refreshing Aperol Spritz. But is the cocktail’s botanical cousin, the Hugo, threatening to steal its crown as spritz of the summer? According to trend prediction website Glimpse, interest in the Hugo Spritz has grown 85 percent over the past year, with its hashtag amassing over 2.9 million views on TikTok. Keen to give it a try? Here’s how to make a Hugo Spritz.

What Is A Hugo Spritz?

A Hugo Spritz is a modern Italian aperitif made with elderflower liqueur (often St-Germain) prosecco, soda water and fresh mint. It’s easy to make, with a floral, refreshing taste and Instagrammable aesthetic, making it perfect for summer parties and BBQs.

What Glass Should It Be Served In?

The Hugo is usually served in a large wine glass.

The History Of The Cocktail

The Hugo originated in Northern Italy in the early 2000s, after being invented by a bartender called Roland Gruber, who set out to create an alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. It was originally called the Otto, and made with a lemon balm cordial rather than elderflower liqueur, but later Gruber renamed it the Hugo (apparently chosen at random because he liked the name) and swapped the base. The drink grew in popularity across Europe during the 2010s, but it’s only properly taken off fairly recently.

@thespritzeffect Replying to @marisa_lynae_ Spritz Series Part 3: the Hugo Spritz! Make sure youre following for more recipes 🥂 #spritzgirlsummer #thespritzeffect #hugospritz #aperolspritz #northernitaly ♬ Come Prima – Tito Puente And His Orchestra & Abbe Lane

Hugo Spritz Recipe

Ingredients:  

• 40ml oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur 
• 60ml Martini prosecco 
• 60ml soda water 
• 8-10 mint leaves 
• Lime wedge for garnish 
• Mint sprig for garnish 

Method:

1. Add ice into a wine glass. 
2. Pour in St-Germain and add approximately eight mint leaves. 
3. Top with sparkling wine and soda water. 
4. Stir the drink to combine all of the ingredients. 
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge. 

Recipe from St-Germain