The Refreshing Hugo Cocktail: A Floral Italian Favorite

Hugo cocktail is a refreshing and aromatic Italian drink made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water, mint leaves, and lime or lemon. With its delightful combination of ingredients, the Hugo cocktail has become a beloved drink enjoyed in bars and homes alike. Its light and floral flavors make it a perfect choice for warm weather gatherings and social occasions.

Hugo Cocktail: The History

Hugo cocktail was created in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity throughout Europe as a trendy and refreshing apéritif. But the history of this cocktail is rather uncertain.

It is based on elderberry syrup, so it is easy to imagine that it was born in mountain areas. The only thing that is certain, in fact, is its origin: Trentino-Alto Adige! But the first doubts are already arising about the exact place where it was created and the paternity of this aromatic drink.

One version has it that it was invented in Val di Fassa at high altitude, more precisely in Canazei, in the Contrin refuge at the foot of the Marmolada. They say Hugo, a regular guest at the refuge, brought home-made elderberry syrup as a gift for the owners. And then the owners decided to mix it with prosecco, mint leaves and seltzer to make a refreshing drink to enjoy after long hikes in the mountains.

Another version though gives the credit to the owner of a wine shop in Naturno in the province of Bolzano, saying it was his sudden brilliant idea.

Hugo: The Original Recipe To Make A Delicious Drink

Hugo Cocktail Ingredients

The main ingredients used in this cocktail are Prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water, and fresh mint leaves. These ingredients work together to create a light and bubbly drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.

• Prosecco – It is an Italian sparkling wine. It is the main ingredient in the Hugo Cocktail and provides the drink with its signature bubbles and light, crisp flavor.
• Elderflower syrup is a sweet syrup that is made from the flowers of the elderberry plant. It gives a floral note to the cocktail.
• Sparkling water gives a bit of fizz and to help balance out the sweetness of the elderflower syrup.
• Fresh mint leaves are added to the cocktail to give it a refreshing and herbaceous flavor.
• Lime or lemon to garnish.

How to Make Hugo Cocktail

To prepare the Hugo, chill a wine glass or a large balloon glass, then pour in the elderberry syrup and a few ice cubes. Pour in the Prosecco, add the mint, and top up the glass with soda. Add ice with the help of tongs. Mix carefully and delicately with a bar spoon. Complete the cocktail with decoration: a few leaves of fresh mint and a slice of lime or lemon. The Hugo cocktail is ready.

How to Serve Hugo Cocktail

Hugo Cocktail is a light and refreshing drink, so you can serve it as a light and refreshing drink before dinner or as a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day. It complements light appetizers and is enjoyable on its own as a standalone drink.