Aperitivi
Hugo Spritz
The short answer
A Hugo Spritz is Prosecco, elderflower syrup, soda, mint and lime over ice — lighter and less sweet than an Aperol Spritz.
- Style
- Elderflower and mint, 7% ABV
- Glass
- Large wine glass with ice
- Strength
- About 7% ABV
Where it comes from
Invented in 2005 in Alto Adige by bartender Roland Gruber, who wanted an alternative to the orange spritz. It spread through the Alps and then all of Germany and Austria before Italy fully caught up.
What you need
- 3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco Brut
- 1 oz (30 ml) elderflower syrup or liqueur
- 1 oz (30 ml) soda water
- 6 mint leaves
- 2 lime wedges
How Larry builds it
- 01
Wake the mint. Slap the leaves once between your palms. Muddling makes it grassy and bitter.
- 02
Build. Mint and lime in the glass, ice on top, then syrup, Prosecco and soda in that order.
- 03
One stir. Lift once from the bottom and serve immediately.
Larry’s rule: Born in Alto Adige, now the northern Italian answer to the Aperol Spritz. Lighter and far less sweet.
Variations worth making
Zero-proof Hugo
Elderflower syrup, soda and sparkling grape juice.
Gin Hugo
Half an ounce of gin for backbone.
Questions people ask
Is a Hugo Spritz sweeter than an Aperol Spritz?
No — it reads lighter and more floral, with less sugar and no bitter orange.
What is in elderflower syrup?
Elderflower blossoms steeped with sugar, water and lemon. St-Germain is the liqueur version.
More from Aperitivi
← All 67 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/hugo-spritz.