Patrick (Paddy) Moore 
A Taste of the Italian Alps
Some cocktails sparkle.
The Hugo Spritz seems to glow.
Fresh, floral and wonderfully refreshing, it brings together the delicate perfume of elderflower, the lively bubbles of Prosecco, cooling mint and a splash of soda water.
It is elegant without being formal, fashionable without trying too hard—and considerably more charming than anyone named Hugo has a right to be.
The Destination
The Hugo Spritz was born in South Tyrol, the breathtaking alpine region of northern Italy where Italian warmth meets Austrian tradition.
Here, vineyards climb sunlit hillsides beneath the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. Medieval villages gather around church steeples, mountain meadows spill over with wildflowers, and afternoons are best spent on a terrace with nowhere particularly urgent to be.
South Tyrol is a place of delicious contrasts.
You can hike through crisp mountain air in the morning, explore the arcaded streets of Bolzano in the afternoon, and settle into an elegant aperitivo as the evening light turns the surrounding peaks to gold.
The region’s cuisine reflects its location at the crossroads of cultures. Italian pasta and risotto share the table with dumplings, speck, apple strudel and hearty alpine cheeses. Local wines—especially Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Lagrein—are produced in vineyards that seem to cling impossibly to the mountainsides.
Travel here is less about rushing from one landmark to another and more about breathing deeply, eating well and allowing the landscape to quietly work its magic.
The Cocktail
The Hugo Spritz was created in 2005 as a lighter, more aromatic alternative to the bittersweet Aperol Spritz.
Its signature flavour comes from elderflower, originally added as a syrup and now frequently poured as an elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain.
Prosecco supplies the celebration. Soda water keeps things light. Fresh mint and lime add a cool, garden-bright freshness.
The result is crisp, gently sweet and beautifully fragrant—a cocktail that tastes rather like an alpine meadow decided to dress for dinner.
The Recipe
What You Need
- 4 oz Prosecco
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz soda water
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime wheel
- Ice
What You Do
Gently clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their aroma, being careful not to bruise them too aggressively.
Place the mint and elderflower liqueur in a large wine glass.
Fill generously with ice.
Add the Prosecco and soda water, then stir gently to combine without chasing away the bubbles.
Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and a lively sprig of mint.
Garnish
Fresh mint and a wheel of lime.
Serve
Large wine glass or generous balloon goblet.
Style
Aperitivo. Spritz. Summer refresher.
Taste
Floral, sparkling, lightly sweet and wonderfully fresh.
Where to Sip It
The ideal Hugo Spritz should be enjoyed outdoors.
Perhaps on a terrace overlooking the Dolomites, beside a lake in northern Italy, or beneath a striped umbrella in a village square where the bells mark the hour and nobody appears terribly concerned about it.
It also travels rather well.
Sip one beside the canals of Venice, in a garden café in Vienna, aboard a river cruise as the scenery drifts past—or at home on your own patio while planning where your passport might take you next.
A view is helpful.
A plane ticket is optional.
Traveltini Tip
Do not muddle the mint too vigorously. A gentle clap or light press releases its fragrance without introducing bitter flavours.
Use well-chilled Prosecco, plenty of fresh ice and a good-quality elderflower liqueur. The Hugo is a simple cocktail, which means every ingredient gets its moment in the sunshine.
Raise your glass to cool mountain air, warm Italian evenings and journeys that sparkle with possibility.
Alternatini Option
The Hugo Spritz is a very low alcohol drink.
For a completely Zero ABV, use Elderflower Wyrup and simply add more soda water to replace the Prosecco
Salute!
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