Cocktails — Spritz

Last weekend we attended the most beautiful wedding in Italy, at a gorgeous vineyard just outside Modena. The wedding itself was a fairy tale but the heat made it a battle in trying to remain cool. After the vows were exchanged, people made their way into the scenic courtyard where they were greeted with either Champagne, Aperol Spritz or a Hugo Spritz. 

Whilst everyone knows the bright orange Aperol Spritz, which is highly fashionable in all bars, the Hugo is much lesser known. With condensation drops rolling down the glass, the tinkling of ice and the promise of cooling and refreshing mint, it had my name written all over it. 

One sip and that was it! What was this? Where did this drink come from and why on earth had I never heard of it!?

The Hugo Spritz originated from the Dolomites in Italy and has taken the Alpine bars by storm. Created in 2005 by barista Roland Gruber, it’s refreshing, light and incredibly moreish, almost like Maltesers. Once you pop you can’t stop! 

Back at home I tweaked the recipe slightly by replacing the Elderflower liquor with Elderflower cordial and then adding in 'Explorer's Gin.'

A summer cocktail for Adventurers – delicious!

Ease of Making: Easy 

Glass Type: Stemmed wine glass

Taste: Bright, floral and fresh

Recipe: 

• Mint leaves
• Lime slice
• 15ml Elderflower Cordial
• 25ml Explorer’s Gin
• 50ml Prosecco
• Splash of soda water

Method:

• Begin by adding ice to your wine glass
• Then tear some mint leaves and place them in the glass
• Add the elderflower cordial
• Add Explorer’s Gin
• Measure about 2 oz of sparkling water or seltzer and add to the glass
• Fill to the top with prosecco
• Give the drink a gentle stir and serve immediately
• Add lime

 You will not be disappointed! It’s easy to make and better than the Aperol Spritz!