Hugo Spritz.
A light, floral Alpine spritz from South Tyrol combining elderflower liqueur with Prosecco and soda water. Garnished with fresh mint and lime, it offers a softer, more aromatic and lower-alcohol alternative to the Aperol Spritz — delicate, refreshing and perfectly sessionable.
Backstory & Character
"Created in June 2005 by Roland "AK" Gruber at his Sanzeno wine and cocktail bar in Naturno, South Tyrol, northern Italy. Originally named "Otto," the drink was initially made with lemon balm syrup. When St-Germain elderflower liqueur became widely available, Gruber switched to it, giving the Hugo Spritz its signature floral character. The cocktail spread rapidly through Austria and Germany over the following years and is now one of the most ordered spritz cocktails in Central Europe."
The Method
Step by Step
Pre-chill a large wine glass or highball glass. Add the mint leaves and press them gently against the side of the glass to release the aroma — do not muddle. Fill with ice. Pour in the elderflower liqueur, then top with chilled Prosecco and cold soda water. Squeeze in the lime juice. Briefly stir once to combine. Garnish with a bouquet of fresh mint sprigs and a lime wedge.