Hugo Spritz

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 15 ml Elderflower Liqueur
- A Sprig of Mint
- 120 ml Prosecco (Chilled)
- 30 ml Soda (Chilled)

GARNISH:
- Sprig of Mint
- Lemon Wheel
- Lemon Twist

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Add a sprig of mint and elderflower liqueur to the cocktail glass.
• Gently muddle the mint and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
• Fill a wine glass with ice.
• Add chilled prosecco and soda water.
• Give it a brief stir to combine.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint, lemon wheel and a lemon twist.

Cocktail author: cocktail originates in Northern Italy, Dolomite Mountain region. Recipe by Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau.

Continuing the theme of refreshing summer spritzes, I’m bringing you one of the subtlest riffs in this cocktail family – Hugo Spritz.

What differentiates this cocktail from the classical spritz template is the absence of amaro. Instead, its place has been taken by the mint infused/steeped elderflower liqueur. Personally, I think that 3 minutes of steeping mint in the liqueur is a not enough, I prefer to push it closer to 5-6 minutes. From here on, it is business as usual. Chilled prosecco brings those familiar and tasty fruity, acidic notes, lengthened by a splash of soda. Garnish with a bouquet of fresh mint and a lemon twist for additional aromatic component and your summer treat is ready.

All in all, Hugo Spritz might be an unusual take on the Italian classic. A subtle taste of mint infused elderflower does not overpower the prosecco, it does not even jump to the forefront, but just lingers mysteriously around. A truly lovely drink, especially for those leaning more towards sparkling wines than actual cocktails.

Source material:
https://www.liquor.com/hugo-spritz-cocktail-recipe-5194222