Move Over Aperol, There’s Another Spritz in Town

Move over Aperol Spritz, there’s another spritz in town. The Hugo Spritz combines Prosecco, elderflower, soda and fresh mint for a light, floral cocktail that has become one of Europe’s favorite aperitivo drinks. Even better, it takes about five minutes to make and is built straight in the glass.

I am always going to have a soft spot for a Spritz. What I love about the Hugo is that it offers something completely different from the bitterness of Aperol, Campari or Select.

Elderflower gives it a gentle floral sweetness, mint brings freshness and Prosecco provides all those essential bubbles. A splash of soda keeps the whole thing light enough for aperitivo hour.

It also couldn’t be easier to make. No cocktail shaker, no complicated technique and no obscure bar equipment. All you need is a large wine glass and plenty of ice.

What is a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo is a sparkling Italian aperitivo made with Prosecco, elderflower, soda water and fresh mint, usually served over ice in a large wine glass. Although it feels as if it could have been served in the Italian Alps forever, the Hugo is actually a surprisingly modern cocktail.

Bartender Roland “AK” Gruber created it in 2005 at his Sanzeno wine and cocktail bar in Naturno, a town in South Tyrol in northern Italy. He was looking for an alternative to the increasingly popular Aperol Spritz. The original Hugo didn’t contain elderflower. Gruber made it with lemon balm syrup, Prosecco, soda, fresh mint and lemon. Elderflower syrup eventually took the place of lemon balm and became the ingredient we now associate with the cocktail.

From South Tyrol, the Hugo spread through northern Italy and into Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Twenty years later, it has become an international summer staple.

Hugo Spritz vs Aperol Spritz

They might share the word Spritz, but the two drinks taste very different. An Aperol Spritz combines Prosecco, Aperol and soda, giving it that unmistakable bittersweet orange flavor.

The Hugo replaces the bitter aperitivo with elderflower, making it much more floral and aromatic. Fresh mint adds another dimension that you don’t usually find in an Aperol Spritz. If you find the bitterness of an Aperol Spritz a little too much, the Hugo may be the spritz for you.

Elderflower Cordial or St-Germain?

The modern European version is commonly made with elderflower syrup or cordial, which adds sweetness and elderflower flavor without adding more alcohol. You will also find plenty of recipes using St-Germain elderflower liqueur. It works beautifully, although technically you’re making a slightly boozier variation of the modern Hugo.

Use elderflower cordial if you want a lighter, more traditional Hugo. Use St-Germain if you want the elderflower flavor with a little more depth and an extra alcoholic kick. The important thing is to taste as you go. Elderflower cordial can be considerably sweeter than elderflower liqueur, so you may need less.

What You Need to Make a Hugo Spritz

Prosecco

This is the backbone of your Hugo, so choose a dry Prosecco that you would happily drink on its own. There is no reason to use an expensive bottle, but this isn’t the moment for one you don’t particularly like either. Make sure it is properly chilled before you begin.

Elderflower

Elderflower cordial or syrup gives the Hugo its characteristic floral sweetness. You can substitute St-Germain or another elderflower liqueur if you prefer.

Soda Water

A little soda lengthens the drink and keeps it wonderfully refreshing.

Fresh Mint

Don’t leave this out. Mint isn’t just decoration in a Hugo; its aroma is an important part of the cocktail. Give the mint a gentle clap between your hands before adding it to release its aroma. There is no need to pulverize it.

Lime or Lemon

You’ll see both. The original Hugo was served with lemon, while lime has become extremely common in today’s elderflower version. I tend to think of the citrus as a supporting player rather than the main event. You want brightness without overwhelming the elderflower and mint.

Ice

Lots of it. More ice doesn’t make your Hugo watery. A glass packed with good, cold ice keeps the cocktail colder and slows dilution.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hugo

Chill everything first. A spritz should arrive cold and stay cold. Starting with warm Prosecco means the ice immediately has far too much work to do.

Don’t muddle the mint into submission. You want to release those wonderful mint aromas, not turn the bottom of your glass into a herb garden.

Use plenty of ice. Fill the glass rather than adding two apologetic ice cubes.

Add the Prosecco gently. You paid for the bubbles. Let’s keep them.

Taste your elderflower cordial first. Brands vary considerably in sweetness. Start with a little less if yours is particularly sweet and add more if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Hugo cocktail alcoholic?

Yes. A Hugo contains Prosecco and, if you make yours with St-Germain, elderflower liqueur as well. Using elderflower cordial instead keeps the alcohol content lower because the cordial itself is non-alcoholic.

What glass should I use for a Hugo?

A large wine glass is ideal. It gives you enough room for plenty of ice, Prosecco, soda, mint and citrus without everything spilling over the moment you stir it.

Here is the recipe!