I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of refreshing flavors and bubbly effervescence, making it the ultimate summer drink. The combination of elderflower syrup and fresh mint creates a delightful, floral twist that keeps me coming back for more every time.
I delight in making invigorating drinks, and Hugo is among my favorites. This exquisite cocktail joins 150 ml of cool Prosecco with 100 ml of lifting sparkling water for a base that is anything but flat.
I like to use 30 ml of elderflower syrup to sweeten it, bringing that flavor up close and personal with 10 fresh mint leaves and a garnish of lime. Served over ice and with a big straw, this is truly my summer drink of choice.
Hugo Recipe Ingredients
- Prosecco: Adds a light, bubbly sweetness; perfect for celebratory drinks.
- Sparkling water: Offers a refreshing fizz, balancing the sweetness of syrup.
- Elderflower syrup: Provides floral sweetness; enhances the drink’s fragrant complexity.
- Fresh mint leaves: Infuse a cooling aroma; minty freshness cuts through sweetness.
- Lime slices: Impart a zesty, citrusy tang; brightens and sharpens overall flavor.
Hugo Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 150 ml Prosecco
- 100 ml sparkling water
- 30 ml elderflower syrup
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, sliced
- Ice cubes
How to Make this Hugo Recipe
1. Take a large wine glass and fill it halfway with ice cubes. This will serve to chill the wine glass.
2. Lightly crush the fresh mint leaves to bring out their fragrance and put them in the glass.
3. Pour 30 ml of syrup made from elderflowers over the ice and mint in the glass.
4. Pour 150 ml of Prosecco into the glass, taking care to maintain the bubbles by not pouring too fast.
5. Add 100 ml of sparkling water to increase the fizz.
6. Combine the ingredients without losing the carbonation by gently stirring the mixture with a long spoon.
7. Cut the lime into thin rounds.
8. For an exceptional, enlivening citrus flavor, add a few slices of lime to the glass.
9. Gently stir the drink one last time to make certain that the flavors are combined perfectly.
10. Enjoy your invigorating Hugo cocktail right away. Serve it immediately.
Hugo Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large wine glass
2. Measuring cup (for liquids)
3. Long spoon (for stirring)
4. Knife (for slicing lime)
5. Cutting board (for slicing lime)
FAQ
- What is a Hugo cocktail?A cocktail that is often served in summer, called a Hugo, is one that usually has Prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water, mint leaves, lime, and ice cubes in it. These ingredients, while not overwhelmingly complex, give the drink a light and refreshing flavor.
- Can I use a different sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?You can indeed swap Prosecco for another sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne, but you should recognize that the flavor profile may alter slightly.
- Is there an alternative to elderflower syrup?Should you lack elderflower syrup, trying using St.-Germain, an elderflower liqueur, for a nearly identical floral note. Again, you’re looking for something that makes the drink taste delicious, so let your own judicious palate be your guide.
- How do I prepare fresh mint for a Hugo?Gently crush the mint leaves using your hands or a muddler to set free their scent prior to putting them in the drink.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic version?Absolutely, you can swap out Prosecco for extra sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine to make a mocktail version of the Hugo. Ingredients remain the same in either scenario. Here’s how to prepare it.
- How should I serve a Hugo cocktail?Present it in a wine glass or a large tumbler, over a copious amount of ice, and garnish with fresh mint and a slice of lime for a really nice presentation.
Hugo Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Instead of Prosecco, 150 ml Champagne or other sparkling wine can be used for a different twist on the classic Hugo.
If you’re in need of a sparkling water substitute for a cocktail, you can use tonic water, which will give your drink a slightly bitter flavor, or you can use club soda if that’s what’s handy.
If you can’t find elderflower syrup, use a different floral syrup, such as syrup of lavender or honeysuckle, and enjoy a uniquely flavored drink. Or use elderflower liqueur and make a stronger tasting drink.
If fresh mint leaves aren’t available, you can use fresh basil leaves instead. The drink will take on a different herbal note.
If lime isn’t at hand, lemon slices can be used in its place to impart a citrus twist.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Ingredients: For an exceptionally refreshing cocktail, chill the Prosecco, sparkling water, and elderflower syrup in the refrigerator beforehand. This ensures that your drink stays cold without diluting it too much with ice.
2. Use Fresh Mint: Always opt for fresh mint leaves, as they provide a more vibrant flavor and aroma. To enhance their fragrance, clap the mint leaves between your hands before adding them to the glass.
3. Ice Quality Matters: Use large ice cubes if possible, as they melt more slowly and help maintain the drink’s temperature without diluting it as quickly as smaller cubes.
4. Lime Zest Boost: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, lightly zest the lime into the glass before adding the slices. This provides a subtle aromatic layer to the cocktail.
5. Glass Choice: Serve the drink in a large wine glass or a goblet to enhance its visual appeal and allow the aromas to develop, giving a better tasting experience.
Hugo Recipe
My favorite Hugo Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large wine glass
2. Measuring cup (for liquids)
3. Long spoon (for stirring)
4. Knife (for slicing lime)
5. Cutting board (for slicing lime)
Ingredients:
- 150 ml Prosecco
- 100 ml sparkling water
- 30 ml elderflower syrup
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, sliced
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Take a large wine glass and fill it halfway with ice cubes. This will serve to chill the wine glass.
2. Lightly crush the fresh mint leaves to bring out their fragrance and put them in the glass.
3. Pour 30 ml of syrup made from elderflowers over the ice and mint in the glass.
4. Pour 150 ml of Prosecco into the glass, taking care to maintain the bubbles by not pouring too fast.
5. Add 100 ml of sparkling water to increase the fizz.
6. Combine the ingredients without losing the carbonation by gently stirring the mixture with a long spoon.
7. Cut the lime into thin rounds.
8. For an exceptional, enlivening citrus flavor, add a few slices of lime to the glass.
9. Gently stir the drink one last time to make certain that the flavors are combined perfectly.
10. Enjoy your invigorating Hugo cocktail right away. Serve it immediately.