Apparently credited to a barman hailing from South Tyrol in northern Italy, this wonderfully summery and refreshing apéritif has hugely gained in popularity. We’ve also heard it called the White Spritz. It is superbly easy to prepare with no barmen’s tools needed, just a delicate hand.
For years I didn’t know that this one actually had a name but here it is, the Hugo Cocktail!
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Tools you will need to make a Hugo Cocktail
- A chilled, tall glass (or margarita/cocktail glass if you prefer)
- Ice cubes pre-made
- A bar tenders spoon
- A jiggler for measuring quantities
Find all our favourite tools for your home cocktail bar here.
Hugo Cocktail
This delightful summery aperitif is the perfect way to start your evening. We have provided the recipe for one serve but it's easy to multiple out for extra serves as the drink is prepared in individual glasses - or simple double the recipe for a larger serve.
We like it in a larger white wine glass but a martini cocktail glass is also acceptable. There's no need for a shaker but you may like to mix with a bartenders spoon.
Finish your creation off with some fresh mint leaves and zesty lime!
Ingredients
- 30ml Elderflower syrup
- 20ml sparkling mineral water
- 70ml Prosecco (or sparkling wine)
- Mint leaves
- Ice cubes (depending on size 3-5 cubes)
- Lime slices to garnish
Instructions
- Place ice cubes in the glass first
- Pour the Elderflower Syrup over the ice cubes
- Add the sparkling mineral water
- Top up with the Prosecco
- Add some mint leaves and lime to garnish
Notes
You can substitute the Prosecco for sparkling wine but Prosecco works best for a true northern Italian taste. Seltzer can also replace the sparkling water - they are essentially the same.
Variations on the classic Hugo Cocktail
For a lighter, less alcoholic version of the classic Hugo, you can serve in a tall glass, double the elderflower syrup and then equal parts of Prosecco to sparkling mineral water.
Virgin Hugo
You can enjoy the simple refreshing flavour of elderflower with sparkling mineral water and garnish with lime and mint to create a non-alcoholic version of this classic.
Elderflower Syrup, Elderflower Cordial, Elderflower Liqueur – which is it?
A lot of the terminology difference come from different sides of the globe, but elderflower cordial and elderflower syrup are used interchangeable and DO NOT contain alcohol. If it has alcohol, it is referred to as an elderflower liqueur, the most famous example is St Germain. Always check when purchasing what you are getting!
Mama Loves A Drink advocates quality over quantity. Always drink responsibly!