Hugo Spritz is more than just a cocktail: it’s a refreshing experience that captures the essence of Italian conviviality. This recipe, with its unmistakable blend of sparkling Prosecco, aromatic elderflower syrup, and a hint of soda, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness.
If I were to describe my summer with a single drink, it would undoubtedly be the Hugo Spritz. A friend of mine made an exquisite one for me back in June, and since then, I’ve been completely hooked. It became my favorite cocktail throughout the season, and I’ve tasted it in many different places, developing a discerning palate for it. Now, I want to share how you can recreate this delightful cocktail at home.
What’s Hugo Spritz?
This delicious cocktail was invented in 2005 by Roland Gruber, a bartender from the small town of Naturno, as an alternative to the traditional Spritz. Initially, the recipe included lemon balm syrup, but this was later replaced by elderflower syrup, which is more readily available.
Interestingly, the name ‘Hugo’ was chosen somewhat randomly by its creator; he initially considered the name ‘Otto’ but didn’t find it fitting.
The Hugo Spritz rapidly became very popular in Trentino Alto Adige and in the Triveneto region, and then started spreading internationally.
What I love about this cocktail
Compared to the classic Aperol Spritz, the Hugo has a sweeter flavor and is overall more refreshing thanks to the combination of elderflower syrup and mint leaves. This summer I had to work a lot under the sun, and I found that this combination is a really good pick-me-up after a long day.
Plus, it’s so simple to make, and yet it has somewhat of an elegant touch in it.
If you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll love it too!
What you’ll need
Prosecco: The sparkling heart of the cocktail, Prosecco should be of good quality, preferably DOC or DOCG to ensure an authentic and refined flavor. An extra-dry or brut Prosecco is ideal, as it offers a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, enhancing the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Elderflower Syrup: This syrup gives the cocktail its unique floral sweetness. It’s important to choose a high-quality syrup, ideally organic, made with real elderflowers. Elderflower syrup not only adds sweetness but also a delicate floral scent and flavor that are characteristic of the Hugo Spritz.
Seltzer or Sparkling Water: This ingredient adds freshness and lightness to the cocktail. It’s advisable to use good quality seltzer or sparkling water, which should be fizzy enough to keep the cocktail lively. The sparkling water should not have a strong taste, so as not to disturb the delicate balance of the other ingredients.
Mint Leaves: Mint adds a touch of freshness and a pleasant aroma. Fresh mint leaves, which are green and aromatic, are preferable. The leaves should be gently added to the cocktail to avoid overpowering the taste, maintaining a harmonious balance with the other ingredients.
Method
Chill the Glass: First and foremost, to ensure your Hugo Spritz stays cool and inviting, begin by chilling a wine glass or a goblet in the refrigerator. This simple step is crucial for ensuring the cocktail maintains its optimal freshness.
Add Ice: Once the glass is sufficiently chilled, fill it with ice cubes up to about halfway. The ice not only cools the cocktail but also slightly dilutes it, balancing the flavors.
Pour Elderflower Syrup: Gently add the elderflower syrup over the ice.
Prosecco: Carefully pour the Prosecco over the syrup and ice. It’s important to pour slowly to preserve the wine’s precious bubbles, which add liveliness and texture to the cocktail.
Top with Seltzer or Sparkling Water: To finish, add a splash of seltzer or sparkling water. This step is meant to make the cocktail lighter and more refreshing, but be careful not to stir too much to avoid losing the Prosecco’s bubbles.
Garnish with Mint: Add a few fresh mint leaves for a final touch of freshness and aroma. The mint leaves not only decorate the cocktail but also add a pleasant contrast in flavor. If you want, you can also add a couple slices of lime.
Serve Immediately: Your Hugo Spritz is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it right away to fully appreciate its freshness and fizz. If you want, you can add some lime for extra flavor.
Variations of the Hugo Spritz
The Hugo Spritz is a versatile cocktail that lends itself to numerous variations. While the classic recipe is beloved by many, here are some ideas for personalizing it:
Syrup Variations: Beyond elderflower syrup, you can experiment with syrups from other flowers or fruits to add a different twist to your cocktail. Lavender, rose, or mixed berry syrups can offer a new flavor profile.
Adding Fresh Fruit: Incorporating fresh fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or slices of lime can enrich the cocktail with natural flavors and a pleasant texture.
Alcoholic Variation: For a more alcoholic version, you can add a small amount of gin or vodka. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, replace Prosecco with flavored sparkling water or sparkling fruit juice. This will make the cocktail suitable for everyone, while maintaining its refreshing character.
Experimenting with these elements can lead you to discover your ideal version of the Hugo Spritz, tailoring it to your tastes or the occasion.
From its humble beginnings in South Tyrol, Hugo Spritz has captured the hearts of many, spreading throughout Italy and beyond. Its simplicity, coupled with the ability to personalize it, makes it perfect for any occasion, from a relaxing summer evening to lively social events.
I know you’ll love it. Make it nice!
Hugo Spritz
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
2 oz Prosecco
2 oz Seltzer
1 oz Elderflower Syrup
ice to taste
mint leaves
1 or 2 slices of lime (optional)
Instructions
- Start by chilling a wine glass or goblet in the refrigerator for a few minutes. A cold glass helps keep the cocktail cool longer.
- Fill the chilled glass with ice cubes up to about halfway.
- Add a moderate amount of elderflower syrup over the ice
- Gently pour Prosecco over the syrup and ice, leaving some space at the top for the sparkling water.
- Add a splash of seltzer or sparkling water to bring the cocktail to the desired level, avoiding over-stirring to keep the bubbles intact.
- Add a few fresh mint leaves for decoration and to add a refreshing aroma.
- Enjoy your fresh and bubbly Hugo Spritz!
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: hugo spritz, alternatives to spritz, italian cocktails with prosecco
