White Wine Hugo Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Hugo spritz cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink that’s becoming a true favorite, especially on those hot summer days. Today, I’m excited to share a special Hugo cocktail recipe that uses white wine instead of Prosecco, also called Kaiser Spritzer in Austria.

Personally, I adore the way white wine mingles in spritz drinks, but of course, you can make it with Prosecco too if that’s more your style. This delightful cocktail brings together elderflower syrup, white wine, mineral water, lime, and mint for a truly refreshing experience.

And if you love the taste of elderflowers as much as I do, why not try our delicious elderflower fritters made in the air fryer?

They’re absolutely to die for!

Plus, you simply must check out our stunning Limoncello Martini with elderflower syrup—it’s my absolute favorite cocktail this summer, right after the Hugo!

🥘 Ingredients

• Cubed Ice
• Fresh Mint: Adds a burst of freshness and a lovely aroma.
• Lime - Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brings a tangy brightness to your cocktail. For tips on how to get the most juice out of your limes, check out our detailed post on freshly squeezed lime juice.
• White Wine - Any Dry Wine Works Great Opt for a dry variety to balance the sweetness of the elderflower syrup. Check our recommendations below on choosing the perfect white wine for your spritzer!
• Elderflower Syrup - I am using a Monin Elderflower Syrup: This syrup adds a delightful floral sweetness. Monin is my go-to brand for its rich and authentic flavor.
• Sparkling Mineral Water

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍸 Step-by-Step

💕 Perfect Pairing

• Coconut Pound Cake
  • The tropical sweetness of this Coconut Pound Cake is the perfect complement to the floral and citrusy notes of a Hugo cocktail, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• 5 Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake
  • Enjoy the creamy and tangy delight of this 5 Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake with a Hugo cocktail, whose light and refreshing taste enhances the cheesecake's rich flavors.
• Pavlova
  • The crisp meringue and fresh fruit topping of this Pavlova pair wonderfully with a Hugo spritz, making for a refreshing and elegant dessert experience.
• 6 Egg White Cake
  • This light and airy 6 Egg White Cake complements the refreshing and effervescent qualities of a Hugo cocktail, making for a delightful combination that’s perfect for any occasion.
• 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake
  • This simple yet delicious cake made with Greek yogurt, condensed milk, and cornstarch is light and tangy. Its subtle sweetness and creamy texture are a delightful match with the Hugo cocktail.

🤔 PICKING THE RIGHT WHITE WINE

Choosing the perfect wine for your Hugo cocktail is easier than you think! For the best results, go for a dry, light-bodied wine. Here are some fantastic options:

If you enjoy a light, zesty white wine, try:

• Pinot Grigio
• Pinot Blanc
• Grenache Blanc
• Muscadel
• Sauvignon Vert/Friulano

For those who prefer herbaceous white wines with a "green" herbal profile, offering hints of freshly cut grass or aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme, these selections are ideal:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Grüner Veltliner – A beloved choice in Austria!
• Vermentino

These recommendations are a great starting point, but feel free to explore more options or ask the knowledgeable staff at your local wine shop for further advice!

🍸 Hugo Cocktail Substitutions

Variation with Prosecco:

• White Wine Substitute: Use Prosecco instead of white wine for a traditional twist. This will add a bit more fizz and a slightly sweeter taste to your cocktail.

Alcohol-Free Variation:

• White Wine Substitute: Replace the white wine with non-alcoholic white wine or white grape juice for a refreshing, alcohol-free version.
• Prosecco Substitute: For an alcohol-free Prosecco option, use sparkling apple cider or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Additional Substitutions:

• Elderflower Syrup: If elderflower syrup is unavailable, use St-Germain elderflower liqueur for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, elderflower cordial works perfectly.
• Lime Juice: If fresh lime juice is not available, bottled lime juice can be used, though the flavor might be slightly different. Lemon juice can also be a good substitute, providing a similar tangy freshness.
• Sparkling Mineral Water: Club soda or any unflavored sparkling water can replace sparkling mineral water without altering the taste significantly.
• Mint Leaves: If fresh mint is not available, a few drops of peppermint extract can be used, though use sparingly as it's quite potent.

These substitutions ensure you can enjoy a Hugo cocktail regardless of your ingredient availability or preference for alcohol content. Cheers!

🇮🇹 Why is it called Hugo Cocktail?

The Hugo spritz is believed to have been named by its creator, Roland Gruber, a bartender from South Tyrol, Italy. The story goes that in 2005, Gruber was looking to create a refreshing summer drink that could serve as an alternative to the popular Aperol Spritz.

He originally thought of naming the cocktail "Otto," but later decided on "Hugo." The exact reason behind the choice of the name "Hugo" remains somewhat unclear, but it is speculated that it was simply a name that sounded appealing and memorable.

🍽 Equipment

• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Lemon squeezer
• Jigger / Measuring tools
• Wine glass
• Long stemmed spoon

Other White Wine Recipes for You to Try

• Watermelon Spritzer {white wine}
• Lovely Lavender Spritz Cocktail
• How to make a White Wine Spritzer (easy recipe)
• How to make a Refreshing Strawberry Spritz Cocktail

If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.

📖 Recipe

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.