Beer Hugo: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Hugo Cocktail
The Hugo is a light, floral, and minty spritz that became hugely popular across northern Italy, Germany and Austria in the 2010s. The Beer Hugo reinvents the original by swapping Prosecco or sparkling wine for a delicate, aromatic beer — giving the drink a subtle hop bitterness and a unique citrus-ale finish. Below you'll find answers to common questions about the Hugo, how the Beer Hugo differs, recipes, and tips for serving and gifting (including where to find a pre-made option).
What is the Hugo drink and where did it come from?
The Hugo originated in Northern Italy (South Tyrol/Alto Adige) in the early 2000s as a lighter, floral alternative to heavier cocktails. Made initially with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur (St-Germain or a similar elderflower syrup), soda water, mint and lime, it quickly spread into Germany and Austria — where it became a popular summer spritz at bars, festivals and garden parties.
Why is Hugo popular in Germany?
Germany embraced the Hugo because it hits a sweet spot: low alcohol, aromatic, and very drinkable on warm days. Bars and beer gardens adapted it to local tastes, sometimes substituting sparkling wine with beer — which is how variations like the Beer Hugo gained traction. The cocktail's simplicity and fresh ingredients also made it easy to produce at scale for events and gatherings.
Where can I buy a Hugo or Beer Hugo?
You have a few options depending on whether you want a freshly mixed Hugo or a bottled/pre-made product:
- Bars and restaurants: Many modern bars and German/Austrian-style beer gardens serve the Hugo as part of their spritz lineup — ask if they offer a beer-based variant.
- Supermarkets and specialty beverage stores: Bottled versions or kits (elderflower liqueur + mixers) can often be found in well-stocked stores, especially in Central Europe.
- Online retailers: You can buy elderflower liqueur, mixers, and sometimes bottled cocktails online. For an authentic Beer Hugo experience, look for a product that highlights the use of a floral or citrusy beer like Baladin Isaac — or try this ready-made option: .
Classic Hugo (Prosecco and St-Germain) — Quick Recipe
If you want the original style Hugo, here’s a simple recipe to recreate at home:
- 60 ml Prosecco (or other dry sparkling wine)
- 20–30 ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain or elderflower syrup)
- Splash of soda water
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice and a lime wheel to garnish
Method: Fill a wine glass with ice, add the elderflower liqueur and gently bruise a few mint leaves for aroma. Pour the Prosecco, add a splash of soda, stir lightly and garnish with a lime wheel and extra mint.
Beer Hugo — How to make the beer-based version
The Beer Hugo keeps the floral backbone of elderflower and mint but replaces sparkling wine with a light, floral/citrus beer. Use a beer with delicate aromatics (a Belgian-style wit, a light saison, or a floral pale ale like Baladin Isaac) so it complements rather than overpowers the elderflower.
- 150 ml light floral beer (chilled)
- 20–25 ml elderflower liqueur or syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice and a thin slice of lemon or lime
Method: In a large glass, gently muddle one or two mint leaves with the elderflower liqueur. Add ice, pour the beer slowly to preserve foam, and stir gently. Garnish with lemon or lime and a mint sprig.
Can Hugo be adapted for special occasions (like a 25th anniversary)?
Absolutely. The Hugo’s light, floral profile makes it a versatile celebratory drink. For a 25th anniversary you might:
- Choose higher-quality ingredients: a premium elderflower liqueur and a craft beer with elegant aromatics.
- Serve in attractive glassware with gold- or silver-accented garnishes to emphasize the milestone.
- Offer both classic and beer versions so guests can pick their favorite.
- Consider small batched servings in carafes labeled for the event to make service easy.
How does a gin + elderflower + mint cocktail compare?
A gin-based elderflower cocktail is a natural cousin to the Hugo — it adds juniper- and botanical-driven depth. If you like more structure and a slightly stronger base spirit, try a gin elderflower mint cocktail:
- 45 ml gin
- 20 ml elderflower liqueur
- 10–15 ml fresh lemon juice
- Fresh mint
- Ice
Shake gin, elderflower, lemon juice and ice, then double-strain into a chilled glass and garnish with mint. This version is more spirit-forward than a Hugo but shares the same floral-mint character.
Tasting notes — what to expect from a Beer Hugo
The Beer Hugo typically pours pale and sparkling with a persistent fine bubble. Expect floral top notes (elderflower and sometimes lavender), fresh and slightly peppery mint, and a light citrusy bitterness from the beer. The finish is usually crisp, mildly bitter, and refreshing — ideal for warm-weather sipping.
Serving tips and variations
- Glassware: Serve in a large wine glass or a balloon goblet to allow aromatics to open up.
- Garnishes: Mint sprig, thin lemon or lime slice, or an edible flower for visual appeal.
- Sugar level: Adjust elderflower liqueur to taste for a drier or sweeter drink.
- Non-alcoholic option: Use elderflower cordial and sparkling water, substituting the beer with a citrusy non-alcoholic beer if desired.
Final thoughts
The Beer Hugo is a delightful hybrid — floral and minty like the classic Hugo, but with an extra layer of complexity from beer. It’s perfect for beer lovers who want a lighter, aromatic cocktail and for hosts who want something a bit different at their next gathering. Try both the classic and beer versions to see which fits your taste, and don’t hesitate to tweak the proportions to find your perfect balance.
