Hugo Cocktail recipe
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Hugo is a bright, spritz-style cocktail that sits in the same easygoing family as other sparkling aperitifs: light, aromatic, and built for warm-weather sipping. Rather than leaning on heavy spirits, you’ll find it celebrates bubbles and botanicals, with elderflower liqueur doing the flavour-lifting. Its appeal is modern and crowd-friendly, the kind of drink you reach for when you want something refreshing that still feels a little special in a wine glass.
On the palate, the elderflower liqueur brings a soft, perfumed sweetness that immediately reads as floral. Champagne or prosecco adds crisp sparkle and a dry edge that keeps that sweetness in check, while tonic water contributes a clean bitterness and extra fizz for a longer, lighter finish. Mint leaves add a cool, green lift, and the lemon slice sharpens everything with bright citrus, making the floral notes feel fresher and more defined.
You’ll enjoy this most as an aperitif—before dinner, at brunch, or whenever you want a low-fuss celebratory pour. It suits drinkers who like spritzes, floral flavours, and a touch of bitterness, and it’s ideal for garden parties, sunny terraces, and casual toasts that still call for bubbles.
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Wine glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Elderflower liqueur leads with soft floral sweetness, lifted by Champagne/prosecco fizz and stretched into a crisp, quinine snap by tonic water, while mint leaves add cool green perfume and a lemon slice brings zesty brightness. It works because the tonic’s bitterness and lemon’s acidity keep the elderflower from cloying, making it ideal for spritz lovers who want something light, aromatic, and refreshing.
Method
How to make a Hugo
- Elderflower liqueur 20ml, Champagne / prosecco 150ml, Tonic water 90ml, Mint leaves 4, Lemon Slice
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- First muddle the mint leaves into a wine glass
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- Add the sparkling water, Prosecco and the elderflower liqueur
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- Add a slice of lemon and then the ice
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- Stir and serve
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Hugo cocktail?
The Hugo cocktail originates from the South Tyrol region in Italy. It was created in the early 2000s by Roland Gruber as a refreshing alternative to the Spritz Veneziano. It quickly gained popularity across Italy and later in other parts of Europe.
What are some garnishing tips for a Hugo?
To garnish a Hugo, add a few fresh mint leaves on top for extra aroma and a slice of lemon as a decorative and flavorful touch. Some also prefer to add a sprig of fresh mint to the glass to enhance the drink's visual appeal and scent.
What is the best way to serve a Hugo?
A Hugo is best served in a large wine glass to accommodate the volume and the garnishes. It's important to serve it cold, so make sure to fill the glass with ice before adding the ingredients. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Can I substitute anything for the elderflower liqueur in a Hugo?
If elderflower liqueur is not available, you can substitute it with elderflower cordial or syrup, though you may need to adjust the sweetness accordingly. If you're looking for an alcohol-free version, the elderflower syrup is a perfect choice.
How does the alcohol content of a Hugo compare to other popular cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 7.95%, the Hugo cocktail is relatively light in comparison to more potent cocktails like a Margarita or Martini. It's closer in alcohol content to a Spritz Veneziano, making it a good choice for those seeking a less strong alcoholic beverage.
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