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    Home / Recipes / Beverages

    How to Make a Hugo (Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail)

    Posted On May 8, 2018 · Updated On Jan 5, 2023

    How to Make a Hugo (Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail)

    A twist on traditional wine spritzers, the Hugo has a hint of mint and elderflower with a bubbly finish. In other words: the perfect summer drink.

    BeveragesCocktails + Dreams

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    The Hugo is a refreshingly delicious sparkling wine cocktail flavored with mint and elderflower. We're sharing how to make a Hugo, along with the best tips & tricks to get it deliciously right.

    Before you learn how to make a Hugo, let's talk about what it is:

    hugo recipe

    The Hugo is a German staple with Italian roots. Created in Northern Italy as an alternative to the basic wine spritzer, the Hugo cocktail is hugely popular in bars and pubs throughout Southern Germany and Austria. This Hugo recipe is a deeply refreshing blend of sparkling wine, mint, and elderflower cordial. Elderflower cordial or syrup varies in depth of flavor and sweetness, so you may want to adjust the mix to your liking. Prosecco is the traditional option, but any dry sparkling wine should do in a pinch.

    The great news is, once you've collected the ingredients, this cocktail is super easy to prepare. That's probably one of the reasons it's become such a favorite across Europe.

    hugo recipe

    What you need to make a Hugo:

    • elderflower syrup or cordial
    • Prosecco or sparkling wine
    • Fresh mint
    • Mineral water or club soda
    • Ice

    Can you use St. Germain for a Hugo?

    I’ve tried making a Hugo recipe with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and it wasn’t quite as delicious, plus fully loaded with booze.  These are the kind of light summer sips that go down pretty easy, so it was a bit too much.  I’d do it again in a pinch, but I’d recommend sticking with the traditional cordial or syrup.

    Cheers!

    hugo cocktail recipe

    Hugo Recipe (Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail)

    K.C. Cornwell
    A twist on the traditional wine spritzer, this Hugo recipe has a hint of mint and elderflower, with a bubbly finish. In other words, the perfect summer drink.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine German
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Calories 132 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 part elderflower syrup or cordial
    • 4 parts Prosecco or sparkling wine
    • Fresh mint
    • Mineral water or club soda
    • Ice

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a large wine glass halfway with ice.
    • Take 2-3 mint leaves and twist them to release their oils, then add them to the glass. Pour in the elderflower syrup and Prosecco, then top with a splash of mineral water.
    • Stir gently to combine, then garnish with more mint.

    Notes

    Enjoy with friends!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 0.1gSodium: 24mgPotassium: 118mgSugar: 22gCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cocktail recipes, elderflower cocktail, gluten-free cocktail recipes, hugo recipe

    photos by Katie Roletto (and she has a new favorite cocktail!)

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    Loaded with fresh citrus and herbs and topped with sparkling wine, this Mandarin Basil Sparkler is a perfect options for fans of the traditional Hugo cocktail, or just those wanting a refreshing sipper.

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    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

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