As much as I appreciate a chilled rosé or cold pilsner on a warm evening, they don’t deliver the refreshment factor of a glass of something sweet-sour, fizzy and iced. The popular Aperol Spritz fits the bill, but its bitter character can make it an acquired taste.
That’s where the Hugo Spritz comes in. It’s an easy to appreciate, light and low-alcohol cocktail based on prosecco with the floral herbaceousness of elderflower and mint.
This isn’t a drink that is going to attract attention on Instagram or TikTok, sprigs of mint and a lime slice are the only pops of colour in the clear ice filled glass. But its sweet-tart taste enhanced by an energizing wake-up call of mint is made for summer, whether you’re basking in the sunshine or enjoying the shade.
Italian bartender Roland Gruber is credited with creating the Hugo Spritz in 2005. Hugo followed in the wake of Otto, Gruber’s cocktail made with lemon syrup and prosecco. Trading in sweeter elderflower cordial and a name change saw the cocktail’s popularity spread from South Tyrol in northern Italy to Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
How to Make:
Hugo Sparkling wine cocktail with fresh mint and lime.Foxys_forest_manufacture/Supplied
The 3-2-1 standard spritz ratio works here, but you can tailor the drink to your taste. The beauty of this or any spritz cocktail is the impressive result from such little effort.
Start with 3 ounces of sparkling wine (inexpensive prosecco, cava or crémant work nicely), 2 ounces of elderflower syrup and one ounce of soda water. Simply layer the ingredients over ice in a rocks or wine glass, stir and enjoy.
Using St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur in place of the elderflower syrup puts more of a spring in its step. I would adjust the portion for a more balanced cocktail.
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour an ounce of St-Germain over the ice and add a few mint leaves and lime wheel into the glass. Add three ounces of prosecco and top with soda water. Give it a quick stir and serve.