The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that combines the lightness of a spritz with the floral notes of elderflower. Originating from Northern Italy, this drink is known for its crisp and slightly sweet flavor profile.
It features a blend of prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, and a garnish of mint leaves and lime. The Hugo Spritz offers a pleasant alternative to the more traditional Aperol Spritz, with its herbal and fragrant character making it a popular choice for summer gatherings and outdoor events.
Its vibrant and effervescent nature not only makes it visually appealing but also a delightful choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet uncomplicated beverage.
Who Invented The Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz was created by Roland Gruber, a bartender from South Tyrol, Italy. He introduced the cocktail in 2008. Gruber developed the drink as a modern twist on the traditional spritz, incorporating elderflower liqueur to give it a unique floral flavor.
The cocktail quickly gained popularity, particularly in the Alpine regions of Italy and has since spread across Europe and beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love the Hugo Spritz for several reasons:
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of prosecco and elderflower liqueur creates a light, crisp taste with a hint of sweetness and floral notes. It’s perfect for a hot day or any time you want a refreshing drink.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients—prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, mint, and lime—it’s simple to prepare. The recipe doesn’t require any special equipment or complicated steps.
- Versatile: This cocktail works well for a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties. Its bright, bubbly nature makes it a crowd-pleaser.
- Visual Appeal: The Hugo Spritz is visually striking, with its pale, sparkling appearance and vibrant garnishes. It’s as pleasant to look at as it is to drink.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and strength of the drink by modifying the amount of elderflower liqueur and prosecco to suit your taste.
Overall, the Hugo Spritz is an enjoyable and sophisticated choice that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to sip.
Hugo Spritz Ingredients:
To make a Hugo Spritz, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Prosecco: 3 ounces (or more, depending on your taste)
- Elderflower Liqueur: 1 ounce (like St-Germain)
- Soda Water: 1 ounce
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A few sprigs
- Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Ice: For serving
These ingredients come together to create a light, refreshing cocktail with a hint of floral sweetness.
How to make a Hugo Spritz cocktail recipe:
Here’s how to make a Hugo Spritz cocktail:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a large wine glass or a spritz glass with ice.
- Add Elderflower Liqueur: Pour 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur over the ice.
- Add Prosecco: Gently pour 3 ounces of prosecco into the glass. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for strength and bubbles.
- Top with Soda Water: Add 1 ounce of soda water to the glass. This adds a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish: Add a few fresh mint leaves and a couple of lime wedges to the glass. You can also squeeze a wedge of lime into the drink for extra citrus flavor.
- Stir: Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.
- Serve: Enjoy your Hugo Spritz immediately while it’s cold and bubbly.
This cocktail is perfect for a summer day or any occasion where you want something light and refreshing.
What To Serve With Your Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz pairs well with a variety of light and flavorful snacks. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:
- Antipasti Platter: Include a mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for a sophisticated and savory snack.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil complements the floral notes of the Hugo Spritz.
- Seafood: Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon, or sushi work well with the crispness of the cocktail.
- Fresh Salads: A light, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a salad with seasonal fruits pairs nicely with the refreshing nature of the drink.
- Cheese Bites: Try serving small cheese bites or soft cheeses like goat cheese, which complement the elderflower liqueur’s sweetness.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit, such as melon, berries, and grapes, provide a sweet and light contrast to the cocktail.
These pairings enhance the overall experience, making your Hugo Spritz even more enjoyable.
Is that what they call Mojitos in Vienna?
No, they don’t call Mojitos “Hugo Spritz” in Vienna. The Mojito and the Hugo Spritz are distinct cocktails:
- Mojito: A Cuban cocktail made with rum, lime juice, sugar, soda water, and fresh mint. It’s known for its refreshing and tangy flavor.
- Hugo Spritz: An Italian cocktail made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur, soda water, and garnished with mint and lime. It’s light and floral.
The Hugo Spritz is popular in Northern Italy and has gained popularity in other parts of Europe, but it is not a substitute for a Mojito in Vienna or elsewhere.
