Kitchen Recipe Collection
Italian Hugo Spritz
A floral, incredibly refreshing Alpine alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Made with elderflower syrup, Prosecco, fresh mint, and lime.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Servings
- 1
- Difficulty
- easy
- Cuisine
- italian
Ingredients
Scaled for 1 serving
- elderflower syrup (or St-Germain liqueur)
- Prosecco
- soda water
- fresh mint leaves
- lime (sliced)
- ice cubes
Equipment
- Large wine glass
- Bar spoon
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Glass
Take a large balloon wine glass.
- 2
Activate Mint
Place 5-6 fresh mint leaves in the palm of your hand. Clap your other hand over them once to 'spank' the mint, releasing the fragrant oils without tearing the leaves.
- 3
Add Mint to Glass
Drop the activated mint leaves into the bottom of the glass.
- 4
Add Syrup
Pour 1 oz (30ml) of elderflower syrup (or St-Germain) over the mint.
- 5
Muddle Gently
Very gently press the mint into the syrup with a spoon just once.
- 6
Add Ice
Fill the glass to the top with large ice cubes.
- 7
Add Prosecco
Pour 3 oz (90ml) of chilled Prosecco over the ice.
- 8
Add Soda
Top with a heavy splash (about 1.5 oz) of soda water.
- 9
Stir
Use a long bar spoon to gently lift the heavy syrup and mint from the bottom of the glass, mixing everything evenly.
- 10
Garnish
Garnish with a slice of lime and a fresh sprig of mint. Serve.
Cooking Tips
- Traditional recipes from the Dolomites use a locally made lemon balm or elderflower syrup (sciroppo di sambuco) rather than alcoholic liqueurs.
- Never crush or tear the mint; it will turn bitter. Just a light slap is enough.
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Hugo: Use elderflower syrup, sparkling water, mint, and extra lime juice.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- Created in 2005 in Naturno (South Tyrol) as an alternative to the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz.
Nutrition Estimate
150 calories · 0g protein · 12g carbs · 0g fat · 0g fiber per serving
