You've probably heard of the Aperol Spritz, but do you know about its refreshing, less bitter cousin, the Hugo Spritz?
Living in Northern Italy, I've had the good fortune to be able to drink and learn about all kinds of wines that I'd never known about before. And both my husband and I have really learned to enjoy Prosecco. (We prefer the less sweet, Brut option.) But one of my favorite things I've discovered is the Hugo Spritz.
This more sweet, less bitter spritz is absolutely perfect for the summer heat. And let's face it, our summers will only be getting hotter and hotter. So save this recipe! We're all gonna need it!!
Like all spritzes the Hugo has a base of Prosecco and soda water, but instead of bitters like Aperol or Campari that would be in a Venetian-style Spritz, you add Elderflower syrup and a sprig of mint! This makes for a sweeter, more refreshing (in my opinion) option for these sweltering summer days.
This spritz doesn't have the century of history that the bright orange Aperol does. It was invented by a bartender in 2005 in the Trentino-Alto-Adige region in the mountains near the Swiss and Austrian border. So this drink is mostly found in that area - Northern Italy, Switzerland, Southern Germany, Austria and we have even found it in Croatia and Slovenia. But it doesn't seem to have made it's way much further south... yet!
To make a Hugo Spritz pour 4-5oz of a nice Brut or Extra Dry Prosecco (if you use Dry it will be very, very sweet), then a 1/2oz -1oz of Elderflower syrup, a splash of soda water, then add your mint and ice. I've also seen it garnished with cucumber and/or lime. And Enjoy!
You could also use a dry white wine if you don't like the bubbles of Prosecco. Make it your own - more or less Elderflower syrup or soda water, add a splash of lemon or lime juice. Whatever sounds good to you!
If you want to learn more about the food and drinks popular in northern Italy and the Veneto region , check out my post, First Tastes of Veneto.
Disclaimer: Some photos in this post are not mine, but are stock photos.
