Hugo Spritz : A Simple Guide to This Refreshing Summer Cocktail
The Hugo Spritz is a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for summer. Originally from northern Italy, this drink combines Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, fresh mint, and lime. If you love the classic Aperol Spritz but want a sweeter, more floral option, the Hugo Sprit is a fantastic choice. Let’s explore what makes this drink so special and how you can easily make it at home.
Where Did the Hugo Spritz Come From?
The Hugo Spritz was created in the early 2000s by a bartender named Roland Gruber in South Tyrol, a region in northern Italy. He wanted an alternative to the famous Aperol Spritz with a bitter orange taste. After experimenting with different flavors, he chose elderflower syrup as the star ingredient. Since then, the Hugo Sprit has become popular across Europe and beyond.
What’s in a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz has just a few simple ingredients that create its unique taste:
- Prosecco—This Italian sparkling wine is the drink’s main base. Its light bubbles make the Hugo feel festive and refreshing.
- Elderflower Syrup – This gives the drink its floral, slightly sweet flavor. Some people use elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain, instead.
- Soda Water – Just a splash of soda water adds a bit of extra fizz.
- Fresh Mint – Mint adds an excellent, fresh note to the drink.
- Lime or Lemon – A slice of lime or lemon brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
With these ingredients, the Hugo Spritz is refreshing and low in alcohol, making it great for sipping on a warm day.
How to Make a Hugo Spritz at Home
Making a Hugo Spritz is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this famous cocktail.
Ingredients
- 5 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz elderflower syrup (or elderflower liqueur)
- 1 oz soda water
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 lime or lemon slices
Instructions
- Fill a Wine Glass with Ice: To keep your drink cold, start with a large wine glass and fill it with ice cubes.
- Add Mint and Citrus: Clap a few mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma, then drop them into the glass. For a hint of citrus, add a lime or lemon slice.
- Pour in the Prosecco and Elderflower Syrup: Add Prosecco and Elderflower Syrup (or liqueur) to the glass. Stir gently to mix.
- Top with soda water: Add a splash of soda water to create extra bubbles.
- Garnish and Enjoy: If you like, garnish with a mint sprig and a lime slice. Your Hugo Spritz is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Hugo Spritz
Want to make your Hugo Spritz extra special? Here are a few tips:
- Use good prosecco: A high-quality prosecco makes the drink taste better. Choose one that isn’t too sweet, as the elderflower syrup adds sweetness.
- Try Elderflower Liqueur: If you like a more potent drink, use elderflower liqueur instead of syrup. This will add a bit more alcohol without changing the flavor too much.
- Use Fresh Mint: Fresh mint leaves add flavor and make the drink look nice. Avoid dried mint, as it won’t give the same fresh taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If the drink is too sweet, add more soda water or use less elderflower syrup.
Why People Love the Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz has become famous for several reasons:
- Light and Refreshing: It’s a low-alcohol drink, perfect for daytime sipping.
- Beautiful Presentation: The pale color, fresh mint, and lime slices make it look as good as it tastes.
- Easy to Make: It’s simple to assemble to fit any occasion with just a few ingredients.
- Unique Flavor: Elderflower syrup makes its floral flavor different from other cocktails.
Hugo Spritz vs. Aperol Spritz: What the Difference?
The Hugo and Aperol Spritz are Italian cocktails but taste very different.
- Flavor: The Aperol Spritz has a bitter, orange flavor, while the Hugo is floral and minty.
- Color: Aperol Spritz is bright orange, while Hugo is pale golden.
- Bitterness: The Aperol Spritz slightly tastes bitter, while the Hugo is sweeter and more floral.
If you want a cocktail without the bitterness of Aperol, the Hugo is a great choice.
FAQS
What is a Hugo Spritz?
The Hugo Spritz is a light, refreshing cocktail from northern Italy. It’s made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, fresh mint, and lime or lemon. It’s known for its floral, minty flavor and bubbly, sweet taste—perfect for summer.
How do you make a Hugo Spritz cocktail?
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add 5 oz Prosecco, 1 oz elderflower syrup (or liqueur), a splash of soda water, fresh mint, and a lime or lemon slice. Stir gently, garnish with extra mint, and enjoy!
What’s the difference between a Hugo Spritz and an Aperol Spritz?
The Hugo is floral and minty, while the Aperol Sprit has a bitter, orange flavor from Aperol, giving it a bright orange color. The Hugo is lighter and has a pale golden hue.
What does a Hugo Spritz taste like?
It’s light and floral with a hint of mint and citrus. The elderflower syrup adds sweetness, and the Prosecco gives it a gentle sparkle.
Can I make a Hugo Spritz without alcohol?
Yes! Replace the Prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a similar taste.
What’s the best Prosecco for a Hugo Spritz?
Use a dry or extra-dry Prosecco, as the elderflower syrup adds sweetness. Brut options like Mionetto or La Marca work well.
How many calories are in a Hugo Spritz?
Depending on the ingredients, it typically contains 120-150 calories per glass.
Can I use elderflower liqueur instead of syrup?
Yes, elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) can be used for a similar flavor with more alcohol.
Where did the Hugo Spritz originate?
Bartender Roland Gruber created it in the early 2000s in South Tyrol, Italy, as a refreshing alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
Conclusion
The Hugo Sprit is a fun, refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for warm days. Its floral and minty flavors make it unique and versatile. Whether you’re hosting friends or just relaxing at home, the Hugo Sprit is a great option to enjoy a taste of Italy in your backyard. So next time you’re looking for a light and easy drink, try the Hugo Sprit—you might just find your new favorite summer cocktail!
