What is a Hugo Spritz and how is it different from an Aperol Spritz?+
A Hugo Spritz is a light floral sparkling cocktail made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur or syrup, soda water, fresh mint and citrus, giving it a brighter sweeter profile than the bitter orange Aperol Spritz. It’s usually lower in bitterness and alcohol which many people find more refreshing in warm summer weather.
What ingredients do I need to make a Hugo Spritz cocktail?+
You’ll need dry sparkling wine such as Prosecco, elderflower liqueur or syrup, chilled soda water or seltzer, fresh mint leaves, a wedge of lime or lemon and plenty of ice. Optional garnishes like cucumber ribbons elevate the freshness which is what we found our party guests really loved so we used this to create our modernized version of the original recipe to maintain it's original flavour and enhance it instead.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Hugo Spritz?+
Sure you can easily make a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling water in place of Prosecco and elderflower syrup instead of the liqueur, then build it the same way with mint, citrus and ice.
What’s the best way to get the balance right so it’s not too sweet?+
Start with smaller amounts of elderflower syrup or liqueur, use a dry or extra-dry Prosecco and add a splash of lime or lemon juice. Then taste before topping up more sweetness. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines and add soda water to lift and balance the sweetness.
How do I prepare the mint so it tastes fresh not bitter?+
Gently slap the mint leaves between your hands to release aromatics before adding them to the glass but avoid heavy muddling or crushing, which can release bitterness and overwhelm the drink.
Can I customise my Hugo Spritz with extra flavours?+
Absolutely, many people add thin cucumber ribbons, berries or even a splash of light tonic water to tweak the drink’s flavour. Cucumber and seasonal fruit can enhance refreshment while still keeping the spritz delicate and lively.
Why is my Hugo Spritz flat or lacking bubbles?+
Flat or lifeless fizz usually comes from warm ingredients or over-stirring. Make sure your sparkling wine and soda are very cold and only stir gently once to mix without knocking out the carbonation. We've found this tip makes a difference in the overall end result.
What type of glass should I use for a Hugo Spritz?+
A large wine glass or balloon glass works best because it holds plenty of ice and allows the mint and citrus aromatics to open up, which makes the drink feel brighter and more refreshing.
