This light and refreshing Hugo Cocktail recipe is a delicious combination of sparkling wine, elderflower syrup, mint and lime .
When we lived in Munich 10 years ago, the Hugo Cocktail – along with Aperol Sprizz – was the drink all the fashionable people seemed to be drinking. Big wine glasses filled with ice cubes, mint, and fizzy wine, it looked like a super refreshing summer cocktail.
And it is!
Anything containing elderflower syrup has my vote; sweet and floral, with a slightly crisp edge to it; to me it is the taste of summer. We don’t get elderflowers in Sydney (or not that I’ve seen anyway), but growing up, the hedges were full of them and the white flowers gave out such a perfume. Mum often made her own elderflower syrup and once made some elderflower champagne which, despite it’s name, she thought wasn’t alcoholic. 9 years old at the time, I thought it was delicious and drank 3 glasses in quick succession. It turned out that it was actually alcoholic – only slightly though (thankfully)!
But from one slightly scary elderflower cocktail to another one, which is not scary in the slightest. It is a an easy cocktail to make, and one you can make for 1 or 50 people. You don’t need any special cocktail making equipment and, apart from the mint, you don’t need to buy any last minute ingredients.
What is a Hugo Cocktail?
This light and refreshing cocktail originated in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. Similar to a wine spritzer, it is delicately flavoured with elderflower syrup, mint and lime. There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summers evening.
If you are looking for ideas for food to serve with these cocktails, how about this delicious take on Guacamole, Venezuelan Guasacaca, or my healthy smoked salmon dip
Here are some other amazing and simple canapés ideas from some lovely blogger friends of mine:
Caprese Bread Tartlets from It’s Not Complicated Recipes – 5 ingredients and such a great idea with bread!
Cheese Gougeres from A Baking Journey – which are freezable, making them perfect for entertaining!
Nectarine Bruschetta with Prosciutto and Honey from The Home Cook’s Kitchen – honey infused goats cheese, need I say more *drooling*
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Spoons from Sprinkle And Sprouts – a tasty low calorie canapé idea
Cucumber Appetizer Bites from Peter’s Food Adventures – a light, gluten free bite.
Have you made this recipe? Tag me on Instagram #atmrsjoneskitchen or Facebook, or leave a comment below. I’d love to see your creation!
Refreshing Hugo Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2-3 mint leaves
1-2 tsp elderflower syrup
200ml sparkling wine
50ml sparkling water
1 wedge lime
Ice cubes
Method
Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
Clap mint leaves in between hands to release the flavour, then place in the glass on top of the ice cubes.
Pour over the elderflower syrup, then the sparkling wine and sprinkling water.
Place a wedge of lime on the top, and serve straight away.
Notes
I like it made with 1 tsp elderflower but you can add a little more if you like. Just be aware that if you add more cordial it will make the drink sweeter.
This looks like my kindof cocktail!! Love sitting and sipping on a thirst quenching drink like this, although I admit, I drink them TOO quickly. Love the canape ideas as well.
Thank you Adrianne! Yes, that is the only downside to this drink, it goes down far too quickly, especially on a hot day!