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Hugo Spritz: Ultimate guide to making this refreshing Italian cocktail at home

Hugo Spritz: Ultimate guide to making this refreshing Italian cocktail at home

Cocktails have a unique way of transforming any occasion into something special. They offer a burst of flavour with every sip. Among the varieties of cocktail options, the Hugo Spritz stands out as a particularly refreshing choice. Discovered in Europe, the Hugo Spritz drink is known for its sweet and floral taste, making it perfect for warm weather.

Here is all you need to know about this special drink.

What is Hugo Spritz?

What is Hugo Spritz?
Photo Source: (Allrecipes)

The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that originated in Northern Italy. It is known for its light and fruity taste, making it a popular choice, especially during the summer months. The drink is typically made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda water, fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime or lemon.

The elderflower syrup gives the Hugo Spritz its signature floral sweetness, while the Prosecco adds a bubbly, crisp finish. The addition of soda water helps to lighten the drink, making it very easy to sip on a warm day. Fresh mint leaves and a slice of citrus not only add a burst of flavour but also enhance the drink’s visual appeal, making it look as refreshing as it tastes.

The Hugo Spritz is often served in a large wine glass filled with ice, allowing the flavours to mingle as the ice slowly melts. This cocktail is a great alternative for those who find the classic Aperol Spritz too bitter, as the Hugo Spritz offers a sweeter and more delicate flavour profile.

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Hugo Spritz ingredients

Hugo Spritz ingredients
Photo Source: (Garnishwithlemon.com)

The Hugo Spritz is a delightful cocktail known for its refreshing and light flavour. The ingredients used to make this drink are carefully chosen to create a balanced and enjoyable experience. Here’s a vivid outline and discussion of each ingredient:

1. Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy and it forms the base of the Hugo Spritz. Its light, bubbly nature adds a crisp and refreshing quality to the drink. Prosecco has subtle fruity and floral notes, which complement the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur perfectly. This sparkling wine is less intense than champagne, making it an ideal choice for a drink that’s meant to be enjoyed slowly on a warm day.

2. Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain) or Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, or elderflower cordial, is the star ingredient of the Hugo Spritz. This liqueur is made from elderflowers, which are small, white flowers known for their sweet, floral fragrance. The liqueur adds a delicate sweetness and a subtle floral aroma to the drink, giving it a unique character. Elderflower cordial, on the other hand, is a non-alcoholic version made by infusing elderflowers with sugar and water, offering a similar floral taste.

3. Soda Water

Soda water or sparkling water is added to the Hugo Spritz to lighten the drink and give it a refreshing fizz. This ingredient helps to dilute the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur and the richness of the Prosecco, making the cocktail crisp and easy to sip. The bubbles in the soda water add to the overall effervescence, making the drink feel light and refreshing.

4. Fresh Mint Leaves

Mint leaves are a key ingredient in the Hugo Spritz, providing a cool, refreshing aroma and taste. Before adding them to the drink, the mint leaves are gently muddled or crushed to release their essential oils. This process intensifies the minty flavour, which pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the elderflower and the citrusy hints in the Prosecco. Mint also adds a vibrant green colour to the drink, making it visually appealing.

5. Lemon or Lime Wedge

A slice of lemon or lime is often used to garnish the Hugo Spritz. This citrus wedge adds a zesty flavour to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur. The sharp, tangy taste of the lemon or lime complements the other ingredients, adding a layer of complexity to the cocktail. Additionally, the bright colour of the citrus slice enhances the visual presentation of the drink.

6. Ice

Ice is used to chill the Hugo Spritz, ensuring that it is served cold and refreshing. The ice also helps to slowly dilute the drink as it melts, mellowing out the flavours and making the cocktail more enjoyable over time. The clinking of the ice cubes against the glass adds to the overall sensory experience, making the drink feel even more refreshing.

Together, these ingredients create a Hugo Spritz that is light, floral and refreshingly fizzy. Each component plays a vital role in building the cocktail’s unique character, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing, summery drink.

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How to make Hugo spritz

How to make Hugo spritz
Photo Source: (Garnishwithlemon.com)

The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. Here is a simple guide to making your own Hugo Spritz at home.

1. Prepare the glass:

Start by choosing a large wine glass. This type of glass allows the flavours to mix well and gives the drink a classy look.

2. Add the mint:

Take a small handful of fresh mint leaves and gently press them in your hands to release their flavour. Place the mint leaves at the bottom of the wine glass.

3. Pour in the Elderflower Liqueur:

Add 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) or elderflower cordial to the glass. Let it sit for a minute to let the mint infuse with the liqueur.

4. Add Ice:

Fill the glass with ice cubes. This will keep the drink cold and refreshing.

5. Pour in the Prosecco:

Slowly pour 4 ounces (120 ml) of chilled Prosecco into the glass over the ice. The bubbles will mix gently with the mint and elderflower, creating a light, fizzy drink.

6.  Add the Soda Water:

Top off the drink with 1 ounce (30 ml) of soda water. This adds extra fizz and helps balance the flavours.

7. Garnish the drink:

Garnish your Hugo Spritz with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon or lime. This adds a pop of colour and a zesty flavour to the drink.

8. Stir and serve:

Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the ingredients. Now, your Hugo Spritz is ready to enjoy!

Tips:

  • If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a little more elderflower liqueur.
  • For a more intense mint flavour, muddle (gently crush) the mint leaves before adding the other ingredients.

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