Hugo Spritz Recipe

A refreshing cocktail with elderflower and sparkling wine.

The Hugo Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail that originates from the northern region of Italy, particularly from the area of the Dolomites. Created in the early 2000s, this refreshing and aromatic drink quickly garnered attention across Europe for its delightful blend of elderflower and sparkling wine, combined with fresh mint and lime.

This cocktail is perfect for summer evenings, garden parties, or any social gathering where a light, flavorful drink is appreciated. The combination of elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, mint, and lime creates a delicate, floral, and slightly sweet taste that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Prosecco or any dry sparkling wine
• 100 ml of elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain)
• 1.5 liters of soda water or club soda
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime slices
• Ice cubes

Nutrition

Calories: ~120 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare the glasses: Take four large wine glasses and fill them halfway with ice cubes. Ensure that the glasses are chilled before adding the ice for an extra refreshing experience.
2. Add the Prosecco: Pour 200 ml of Prosecco into each glass. The sparkling wine acts as the base for the Hugo Spritz, providing the effervescence and slight dryness to balance the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur.
3. Incorporate elderflower liqueur: Add 25 ml of elderflower liqueur into each glass. The elderflower liqueur imparts a beautiful floral aroma and a light sweetness, perfectly complementing the Prosecco.
4. Top with soda water: Fill the remainder of each glass with soda water or club soda to add a refreshing, fizzy element that makes the cocktail even more enjoyable.
5. Add mint leaves: Gently crush a few fresh mint leaves in your hand to release their aroma and flavor. Add a small handful of mint leaves to each glass, stirring them in gently with a cocktail stirrer.
6. Garnish with lime: Add a couple of lime slices to each glass for a zesty, citrusy kick. You can also squeeze a bit of lime juice into the drink if you prefer a slightly more acidic touch.
7. Stir and serve: Give each glass a gentle stir to mix all the ingredients together. Serve immediately and enjoy while cold.

Enjoy your Hugo Spritz! This delightful cocktail is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The fresh, floral notes of elderflower, combined with the crispness of Prosecco, create a drink that is both elegant and refreshing.

For an added twist, you can experiment with different flavors. Consider using a splash of grapefruit juice for a tangy twist, or adding a few berries for an extra touch of sweetness and color. You can also try different types of sparkling wine; while Prosecco is the traditional choice, a dry Cava or even Champagne can add a unique flair to your Hugo Spritz.

When it comes to garnishes, the possibilities are endless. Apart from lime slices, you can use lemon slices, cucumber ribbons, or even edible flowers to make your cocktail look as good as it tastes. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of bitters to create a more complex flavor profile.

Remember to always serve your Hugo Spritz chilled and with plenty of ice, especially on a hot summer day. The chilled temperature enhances the refreshing qualities of the cocktail, making it the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon in the sun or an evening under the stars.

If you're hosting a party, consider preparing a Hugo Spritz station where guests can customize their drinks to their liking. Supply a variety of fruits, herbs, and mixers to let everyone create their perfect Hugo Spritz.

As with any cocktail, drink responsibly. The Hugo Spritz is designed to be a light and enjoyable drink, but it's still important to be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Enjoy it in moderation, savor the flavors, and relish in the experience that this beautiful Italian creation offers.