Hugo

The Hugo has a floral, refreshing, light, bubbly, sweet flavor profile. A refreshing Austrian spritz cocktail featuring elderflower syrup, prosecco, and fresh mint. This light and floral aperitif has become a beloved summer drink across Europe.

A Hugo requires 6 ingredients: Prosecco, Elderflower syrup, Soda water, Fresh Lime Juice, fresh mint leaves, Ice cubes.

A Hugo takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

A Hugo is traditionally served in a wine glass, garnished with Fresh mint sprig and lime wheel.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Hugo by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Hugo was created in 2005 by South Tyrolean bartender Roland Gruber in the picturesque town of Naturns, Italy, near the Austrian border. Gruber was seeking to create a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the popular Aperol Spritz that would appeal to those who found traditional Italian aperitivos too bitter. Drawing inspiration from the elderflower bushes that bloom abundantly in the Alpine valleys, he combined elderflower syrup with prosecco and fresh mint, creating what he initially called 'Hugo Spritz.' The cocktail quickly gained popularity throughout the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in Austria, Germany, and South Tyrol. Its success can be attributed to the growing trend toward lighter, less alcoholic cocktails and the universal appeal of elderflower's delicate, honeyed flavor. Today, the Hugo is ubiquitous at European cafés and bars, especially during the warmer months, and has become a symbol of Alpine hospitality and the leisurely European café culture.