Hugo Spritz (2023 Drink of the Summer)

The 2023 drink of the summer, as proclaimed by TikTok, is a stunner. The Hugo Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail, and it's light, refreshing, and super simple.

It's basically just two ingredients: elderflower liquor and prosecco. You can add a few more ingredients like muddled mint and lime (which we're doing here), but at the end of the day, if you just had those two things, it's still going to be delicious.

Discover the refreshing allure of the Hugo Spritz cocktail. This delightful blend of prosecco, elderflower, mint, and lime offers a vibrant and floral taste experience. Perfect for entertaining.

Jump to:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Why You're Going to Love This Recipe
• What is a Hugo Spritz?
• Hugo Spritz vs. Aperol Spritz
• What Kind of Prosecco to Use
• Ingredients
• How to Make a Hugo Spritz
• Make a Batch
• Variations
• Pro Tips & Tricks
• Other Awesome Cocktails
• 📖 Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why You're Going to Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: The Hugo Spritz effortlessly captures a sense of sophistication with its simple yet exquisite combination of ingredients.

Refreshing Delight: This cocktail is a refreshing and invigorating treat that tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant flavors.

Summery Sensation: The Hugo Spritz embodies the essence of summer, making it the perfect companion for sunny days and warm evenings.

Enchanting Fusion: The harmonious blend of prosecco, elderflower liqueur, mint, and lime creates a truly enchanting flavor profile.

Sip and Savor: Each sip of the Hugo Spritz offers a delightful balance of bubbles, floral notes, citrus tang, and herbal freshness.

Versatile Pleasure: Whether you're hosting a classy gathering or enjoying a post-work libation, this cocktail adapts effortlessly to any occasion.

Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors and garnish options, the Hugo Spritz is a visually stunning drink that will impress your guests.

Customizable Creations: Feel free to experiment with different variations by adding your own personal touch to this versatile recipe.

What is a Hugo Spritz?

The origin of this drink is in the picturesque region of South Tyrol, Italy. The Hugo spritz burst onto the scene as a refreshing alternative to the classic Aperol spritz.

Now, here's what goes into this delightful concoction: First, you've got your sparkling base of prosecco, because what's a spritz without a little bubbly, right? Then, they add a touch of fragrant elderflower liqueur (aka St. Germaine), which adds a subtle sweetness. If you tend to like things on the sweeter side, you can add some simple syrup as well.

But wait, there's more! Fresh mint leaves are gently muddled and tossed in, infusing the drink with their invigorating aroma. And to give it a zesty kick, a squeeze of lime is added to brighten things up.

The result? A beautifully balanced and oh-so-refreshing beverage that's perfect for sipping on those warm, sunny days. The Hugo spritz quickly became a beloved drink, not only in Italy but also across Europe and beyond, making it a go-to choice for those who want to sip on something stylish and sophisticated.

Hugo Spritz vs. Aperol Spritz

These are both delicious and refreshing Italian cocktails, but they're pretty different, especially in the flavor profile. Here's a run-down:

1. Flavor Profile:
   • Hugo Spritz: features a refreshing and floral flavor profile. It combines the crispness of prosecco with the delicate sweetness of elderflower liqueur, complemented by the zing of lime and the herbal notes of mint.
   • Aperol Spritz: On the other hand, an Aperol Spritz offers a more bittersweet flavor profile. It features the distinctive taste of Aperol, an Italian liqueur, which brings together bitter orange, herbs, and rhubarb. It is balanced with prosecco and a splash of soda water.
2. Key Ingredients:
   • Hugo Spritz: The key ingredients in the Hugo include prosecco, elderflower liqueur, mint leaves, and lime juice. The elderflower liqueur adds a unique floral character to the drink.
   • Aperol Spritz: An Aperol Spritz primarily consists of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water. Aperol, with its distinct bitter flavor, is the defining ingredient that sets it apart.
3. Color and Appearance:
   • Hugo Spritz: tends to have a light, pale green hue due to the addition of fresh mint leaves. It presents a vibrant and inviting appearance.
   • Aperol Spritz: In contrast, an Aperol Spritz boasts a vivid orange color, thanks to the vibrant color of Aperol. It's a visually striking drink that catches the eye.

What Kind of Prosecco to Use

This is definitely something that comes down to personal taste, but here's a list if you're looking for somewhere to start!

1. La Marca Prosecco: Known for its crisp and refreshing flavor, La Marca Prosecco is a popular choice for spritzes.
2. Mionetto Prosecco: Mionetto offers a range of Proseccos, including their flagship Prosecco Brut, known for its balanced acidity and fruity notes.
3. Ruffino Prosecco: Ruffino Prosecco is a versatile and lively choice that pairs well with various cocktail recipes.
4. Zonin Prosecco: Zonin Prosecco is renowned for its bright and delicate flavors, making it a great option for spritzes.
5. Villa Sandi Prosecco: Villa Sandi produces Prosecco with a focus on elegance and finesse, creating a delightful base for your Hugo Spritz.

Ingredients

Prosecco: Prosecco serves as the base of the cocktail, providing a sparkling and effervescent quality that adds liveliness and crispness to the drink.

Elderflower Liqueur: The elderflower liqueur contributes a delicate floral sweetness, infusing the cocktail with an enchanting aroma and a subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the prosecco.

Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves add an herbal and refreshing element to the Hugo Spritz. They bring a cool, aromatic essence that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a bright and tangy citrus flavor to the cocktail, balancing the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur and providing a refreshing zest.

How to Make a Hugo Spritz

To craft a Hugo Spritz using a cocktail shaker, gather your ingredients: fresh mint leaves, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and ice cubes.

Start by placing a handful of mint leaves in the cocktail shaker. Add a splash of lime juice to the shaker and gently muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice, releasing their aromatic oils. This step infuses the drink with the mint's refreshing essence.

Next, add ice cubes to the shaker, followed by the elderflower liqueur. Secure the shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds, allowing the flavors to blend and the drink to chill.

Grab a wine glass and strain the shaken mixture into the glass.

Finally, top off the glass with chilled prosecco, allowing the bubbles to mingle with the vibrant mixture. Enjoy this elegant and flavorful cocktail, perfect for indulging in moments of sophistication and relaxation.

Make a Batch

If you're making these for a crowd - here's what you're going to want to do.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) of prosecco
• 8 ounces of elderflower liqueur
• 1 cup of fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or container, combine the fresh mint leaves and lime juice.
2. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the mint leaves, releasing their aromatic oils and flavors into the mixture.
3. Add the elderflower liqueur to the pitcher and stir well to combine the ingredients.
4. Fill the pitcher with ice cubes to chill the mixture.
5. Slowly pour in the entire bottle of prosecco, stirring gently to mix everything together.
6. Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes in the refrigerator.
7. Prepare wine glasses by adding a few ice cubes to each glass.
8. When ready to serve, give the pitcher a final stir and pour the Hugo Spritz mixture into the prepared wine glasses, straining out the mint leaves.
9. Optionally, garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.

Variations

Cucumber Twist: Add a refreshing twist to the Hugo Spritz by muddling a few cucumber slices along with the mint leaves. The cucumber adds a cool and crisp element to the cocktail.

Gin Fizz: For a stronger kick, substitute the elderflower liqueur with gin. The botanical notes of the gin blend beautifully with the mint and lime, creating a herbaceous and invigorating twist on the classic Hugo Spritz.

Vodka Splash: Instead of using prosecco, replace it with a splash of vodka to create a vodka-based Hugo Spritz. This variation offers a cleaner and more neutral taste, allowing the other flavors to shine.

Fruity Fusion: Experiment with adding additional fruit flavors to the mix. Consider muddling fresh berries (such as strawberries or raspberries) with the mint leaves for a fruity twist.

Herbal Infusion: Infuse the elderflower liqueur with herbs like basil or thyme to impart a unique herbal undertone to the cocktail. Let the herbs steep in the liqueur for a few hours before using it in the recipe.

Garnish Extravaganza: Elevate the visual appeal by garnishing your Hugo Spritz with creative options like cucumber ribbons, lime wheels, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of aromatic herbs on top.

Tropical Escape: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise by adding a splash of pineapple juice or coconut water to the mix. This variation adds a touch of exotic sweetness to the cocktail.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Chilled Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, including the prosecco, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice, are properly chilled before making the cocktail. This helps maintain the refreshing and crisp nature of the drink.

Fresh Mint: Opt for fresh mint leaves rather than dried ones to achieve a vibrant and aromatic flavor. Give the mint leaves a gentle clap between your hands before adding them to release their essential oils.

Muddling Technique: When muddling the mint leaves and lime juice together, be gentle and avoid over-muddling. You want to release the mint's fragrance without overly bruising the leaves, which can introduce bitter flavors.

Glassware: Serve in a wine glass or a balloon glass to fully appreciate its aromas and allow room for ice and garnishes. The presentation adds to the overall experience.

Perfect Proportions: Experiment with the ingredient ratios to find the perfect balance for your taste. Adjust the amount of elderflower liqueur, lime juice, or mint leaves to achieve the desired level of sweetness, tanginess, or herbal notes.

Quality Prosecco: Invest in a good quality prosecco for the best flavor and effervescence. Look for a prosecco that suits your taste preferences, whether you prefer a dry or slightly sweet variety.

Garnish with Style: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with a sprig of fresh mint, a cucumber slice, a lime wheel, or any other creative garnish that complements the flavors and adds visual appeal.

Batch Preparation: If you're hosting a gathering or planning to enjoy multiple servings, consider preparing a batch of Hugo spritz in advance. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld together. You can muddle the mint and lime, add the St. Germaine, and keep it in a pitcher in the fridge. When your guests arrive, strain and pour into wine glasses, then top with the prosecco.

Experiment with Variations: Don't be afraid to experiment with the suggested variations or create your own. Explore different fruits, herbs, and spirits to customize the Hugo spritz according to your preferences and occasion.

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📖 Recipe