Master Bartender
It’s spritz season, baby! Summer is here, and while we’re welcoming the return of weekly beach trips, globs of sunscreen, and trips to the ice cream parlor, it’s also time to usher in what TikTok is proclaiming to be the not-so-new drink of the summer — the Hugo spritz.
The Hugo spritz is a common Italian aperitif (a drink typically served before a meal), and is considered the cousin of the more citrusy, slightly bitter, and a tad overrated summer favorite, the Aperol spritz. Made with elderflower liqueur, the Hugo spritz has risen through the ranks as a sweeter, juicier, and airy cocktail that’s perfect to sip throughout the day without having to worry about getting messy.
Created in South Tyrol, Italy in 2005 by the talented hands and palate of Roland Gruber, the Hugo’s popularity has only increased thanks to its crisp, invigorating, and fizzy body. Not only is it a super easy drink to make for yourself and for a crowd, but if you’re someone, like myself, who isn’t a big fan of the taste of alcohol but still wants a silly little drink in-hand, the Hugo spritz could be your next go-to this summer. In fact, after trying it for myself, I know it’s now mine!
A Hugo spritz is devastatingly easy to make. Take it from me — someone who’s never made a cocktail before in their life — you don’t need to break the bank, and you certainly don’t need any fancy gadgets. All you need is elderflower liqueur, prosecco, club soda or sparkling water, lime, and mint.
First, start with an empty glass half filled with ice.
Next, add in a half ounce of elderflower liqueur. Any elderflower liqueur works; it doesn’t have to be St. Germain! Plus, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, you can use elderflower syrup to still achieve the bright flavor.
Now it’s time for the ~bubbly~. Pop the top off of your preferred bottle of prosecco, bask in the glory and excitement of spritz season, then pour four ounces into the glass.
At this point, you’re practically done! After the prosecco, you’re going to add in your club soda or sparkling water. Don’t be like me and have it spray all over you upon opening. Not fun.
After you have your elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and club soda or sparkling water all mingling in your glass, give it a nice stir.
Finally, it’s time to garnish! You can add as much lime and mint as you desire, but I just opted for a wedge of lime and two mint leaves in the drink, then another lime wedge to adorn the glass rim.
And you’re done! That wasn’t too hard, right? Aside from getting attacked by club soda, the Hugo spritz was so fun and simple to make. If you’re playing bartender at your next shindig, I’m sure after some practice you’ll be able to bust these Hugos out with lightning speed. Kachow!
Now, the highly-anticipated taste test:
I found myself immediately surprised by how light and refreshing the Hugo was. It had just the perfect touch of sweetness, fruity and bright notes, and tasted so crisp. The prosecco left a gentle, boozy kiss, and I could easily picture myself sitting poolside, a book in one hand and a Hugo spritz in the other, just sipping the day away. That said, how can I not agree that it’s the drink of the summer?
So, is the Hugo spritz this summer’s Queen Bee? At least to me, it definitely is. As someone’s who’s tried to be a cocktail girly time and time again, I haven’t sipped on something as lovely as this Hugo in a hot minute! It’s fun, it’s affordable, it’s party-friendly, and it’s simply a staple aperitif. Aperol spritz, sweetie, you can sit this season out.
Try out the Hugo spritz for yourself and let me know how you feel in the comments! Is it the drink of the summer, or is there some other boozy concoction aiming to reign? If so, I might have to investigate that myself…. Salute!
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