Hugo Spritz: how to make one of Europe’s trendiest drinks

Like a lot of the tastiest things in life, we have the Italians to thank for this cocktail winner, where a mixologist wanted something sweeter than the traditional Aperol spritz.

When the weather warms up we’ll be sipping a Hugo Spritz.

The refreshing concoction of prosecco, St Germain elderflower liqueur, mint and soda water is having a moment in the northern hemisphere and is set to topple Aperol as summer’s spritz of choice.

“It lacks bitterness and contains a lower alcohol volume, which is in line with the current trend of lighter and delicate beverages. Plus, it looks good in the glass,” says Tempus Two chief winemaker, Jamie Saint.

Like a lot of the tastiest things in life, we have the Italians to thank for this winner.

It was dreamed up in South Tyrol by mixologist Roland Gruber in 2005, who wanted something sweeter than the traditional Aperol spritz.

Instead of strong bitter notes from the amaro, it has a mellower vibe. New to elderflower liqueur? Expect floral and herbal notes balanced with a hint of citrus and just enough bitterness to give it depth.

Hugo Spritz is the new trendiest drink.

But Saint has a word of warning.

“Be mindful of measures though so it doesn’t overpower,” he says.

“When it comes to any spritz, the basic recipe is 3-2-1: three parts prosecco, two parts liqueur, and one part soda water.”

Spritzers are the perfect summer tipple and it seems the younger generation is catching on.

According to research site Glimpse, there’s been a 79 per cent increase in online interest for the Hugo Spritz over the last year. As of June, it was garnering 26,000 searches a month and has had the most traction on TikTok.

And with the rising cost of living, it’s good to know this is a great value cocktail you can DIY.

It is a sweeter option to traditional Aperol spritz.

“Prosecco is brilliantly versatile, both as a drink to have on its own or as the basis of a spritz,” Saint says.

“Recent scan data shows champagne is fizzing, meanwhile, cuvee, blanc de blanc and prosecco are all experiencing growth, with prosecco the standout. Aussie drinkers are moving away from intense French Champagne, experimenting with bottles of bubbly that offer both value and delicacy.”

Ingredients

90mL prosecco

60mL elderflower liqueur

30mL soda water

Method

Build this on top of a glass full of ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime.

If there’s one cocktail you absolutely must master for spring and summer, it’s the Italian Aperol spritz.

More Aperol spritz recipes for an aperitivo hour at home

Find a selection of traditional recipes and more modern mix-ups below.

How to make the drink of the season

Making the cocktail of summer yourself couldn’t be easier. For the perfect mix follow these easy rules: (1) Mix the Aperol, prosecco and soda before adding the ice, that way it doesn’t need stirring. (2) Add as much ice as the wine glass will allow. (3) Opt for a large orange wedge rather than a thin slice.

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The Freska nova is a must try.

Freska nova

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Charred tomato and olive salsa

Fresh burrata on top of a warm cherry tomato, caper and black olive salsa makes the perfect pairing to a classic Aperol Spritz.

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Egg whites and Aperol are key to the Petruccio.

Petruccio

Eggwhite and aperol are an unstoppable combination in this flavoursome cocktail twist. This is an edited extract from Eat at the Bar by Matt McConnell with Jo Gamvros (Hardie Grant Books, RRP $50). Available in stores nationally.

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Everything you need to know about spritz cocktails

How to aperitivo like an Italian

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Originally published as Hugo Spritz: how to make one of Europe’s trendiest drinks