Hugo Cocktail: Origin, Recipes, and How to Enjoy It
The Hugo is a refreshing, floral cocktail built around elderflower, fresh mint, and a fizzy base. Light, aromatic, and perfect for warm afternoons, it has spread from the Alps across Italy, Germany, and beyond. Below you'll find answers to common questions, simple recipes (including a Beer Hugo variation), buying tips, and serving ideas.
Where did the Hugo drink come from? (Is it German?)
The Hugo originated in the alpine region of Northern Italy (South Tyrol) in the early 2000s and quickly became popular across German-speaking Europe. While many associate it with Germany or Austria because of its widespread presence there, its roots are Italian. It's frequently served in summer menus and at outdoor cafés across the region.
Where can I buy a Hugo drink?
There are several ways to buy or enjoy a Hugo:
- Bars and restaurants: Ask for a Hugo at cocktail bars, wine bars, or cafés—especially in Italy, Germany, and Austria.
- Ready-made or bottled versions: Some producers sell bottled or canned elderflower spritz-style drinks; check specialty liquor stores or online retailers.
- Make it yourself: Buying the ingredients (Prosecco or a sparkling base, elderflower liqueur or syrup, soda water, fresh mint, lime) is often the fastest route to a perfect, customized Hugo at home.
- For beer-based variations and craft takes, look for cocktail menus at craft beer bars or venues that mix beer with liqueurs and fresh herbs.
Classic Hugo recipe (simple, crowd-pleasing)
- Ingredients (per glass): 90 ml Prosecco, 20 ml St-Germain (elderflower liqueur) or 15 ml elderflower syrup, a splash of soda water, 4–6 fresh mint leaves, half a lime (or a wedge), ice.
- Method: Muddle mint gently with a little lime in the glass, add ice, pour St-Germain and Prosecco, top with soda, stir once and garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Beer Hugo: a lighter, beer-forward twist
For a floral-but-bubbly variation that leans on beer instead of Prosecco, replace the sparkling wine with a light, floral beer (Belgian-style wit or a floral pale ale work well). The Beer Hugo brings subtle hop bitterness and citrus notes that pair beautifully with elderflower and mint.
Ingredients (per glass): 120 ml light floral beer (e.g., a Belgian wit or a floral craft beer), 15–20 ml St-Germain or elderflower syrup, a splash of soda, mint, lime, ice.
Method: Muddle mint and lime gently, add ice, pour elderflower liqueur and beer, top with a little soda if desired, stir gently to combine. Garnish with mint.
If you want a ready-made take on this style, try
as a curated Beer Hugo option that highlights elderflower, mint, and a gentle hop finish.
Is Hugo a good choice for a 25th anniversary or other celebrations?
Yes. The Hugo’s light, aromatic profile makes it an elegant choice for celebrations. It’s easy to scale into a large pitcher or punch bowl (use Prosecco or sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, soda, mint and sliced citrus) and feels festive without being heavy.
- For a 25th anniversary: serve in wine glasses with a decorative mint sprig and edible flowers for an elegant touch.
- Make a non-alcoholic version by substituting elderflower cordial and sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Is Hugo basically prosecco and St-Germain?
Yes — the core of a Hugo is prosecco (or another sparkling wine) combined with elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the common brand), fresh mint, and soda water. The balance between the prosecco's bubbles and the elderflower's floral sweetness defines the drink.
Can I make a gin, elderflower, and mint cocktail instead?
Absolutely. If you want a herbier, stronger drink, substitute gin for the sparkling base or add a small measure of gin alongside Prosecco. Here’s a quick gin-elderflower-mint variant:
- 30–40 ml gin, 15–20 ml St-Germain, juice of 1/4 lime, fresh mint, top with soda or a splash of Prosecco, ice.
- Method: Muddle mint with lime, add gin and elderflower liqueur, shake with ice (optional), strain into a glass over fresh ice and top with soda or Prosecco.
Serving tips and pairings
- Glassware: Serve in a wine glass or a large stemmed glass to keep aromas and allow for ice and garnish.
- Garnish: Fresh mint, a lime wheel, or a thin slice of cucumber enhances freshness; edible flowers make it festive.
- Food pairings: Light seafood, salads, prosciutto and melon, or delicate pastries complement the floral notes.
- Batching: For parties, mix elderflower liqueur and mint into a pitcher and add prosecco or beer just before serving to preserve fizz.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is Hugo alcoholic? A: Yes in its classic form (Prosecco + St-Germain). Non-alcoholic versions exist using elderflower cordial and sparkling water.
- Q: Can I use elderflower syrup instead of St-Germain? A: Yes—use less syrup and adjust sweetness to taste.
- Q: What beer works best for a Beer Hugo? A: Light, floral or citrus-forward beers (Belgian wit, blonde ales, or a floral pale ale) pair nicely.
With its approachable flavors and easy adaptability, the Hugo is a modern classic worth trying in several versions—classic Prosecco-based, beer-forward, or gin-enhanced. Cheers!
