The Hugo cocktail brings the fresh breath of the Italian Alps straight to your glass—a light and elegant drink that’s the perfect choice for hot summer days, whether on a high-altitude terrace or by the water. Floral and citrus notes mingle with the delicate sparkle of prosecco, while elderflower syrup and mint offer a cooling touch for thirsty taste buds. This cocktail carries a calm, serene charm, as if you were sipping it on a sunlit alpine meadow in full bloom.
Story
The Hugo is a relative newcomer in the cocktail world, but that only adds to its modern charm. Created in 2005 in northern Italy by Roland Gruber from South Tyrol, it was originally intended as a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the Spritz. The first version featured lemon balm liqueur, but Gruber soon replaced it with elderflower syrup—an inspired change that gave the drink its distinctive profile. This tweak made Hugo the undisputed star of contemporary summer cocktails. From Italy, it quickly spread to Austria and Germany, and soon after, to the rest of Europe. Today, the Hugo is a beloved staple on terraces and an essential guest at any summer party.
Ingredients
4 oz (120 ml) prosecco
⅔ oz (20 ml) elderflower syrup (or St-Germain elderflower liqueur)
⅔ oz (20 ml) soda water
6–8 fresh mint leaves
How to Make a Hugo Cocktail
Place the mint leaves and elderflower syrup in a large wine glass. Let them rest briefly to release their aroma, then add ice. Pour in the soda water, followed by the prosecco, topping up gently so the bubbles stay lively while the flavors blend beautifully. Stir carefully to combine without losing effervescence.
Serving and Garnish
Serve the Hugo in a large wine glass to give the prosecco’s bubbles space to develop fully. Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the drink’s visual appeal and intensify its refreshing aroma.
Calorie Content
A single serving of Hugo cocktail contains approximately 160 calories, mostly from the natural sugars in the prosecco and elderflower syrup.