Since coming to Austria, there are quite a few things I have taken back to my native England and forced upon my friends and family, one being my favourite drink of the summer, the Hugo.
This delicious prosecco based drink is perfect for a sunny afternoon on the decking or by the shores of a lovely lake. Cool refreshing and crisp, yet very simple to make!
A Hugo cocktail is actually not an Austrian drink necessarily, however it is very popular here. It actually originates from northern Italy but is now commonly found in cafes and bars all around Austria but especially around Southern Tyrol.
According to Mixology magazine, The Hugo was created in 2005 in the Italian town of Naturno by bartender Roland Gruber as an alternative to the spritz.
A Hugo is made from Prosecco with mint leaves and lime, so not that dissimilar to a Mojito, but what gives it a distinct, yet invigorating flavour is the elderflower syrup, a very popular flavour in the region.
Its defiantly a must try for anyone travelling in the area and if you’re not, don’t worry, because as I was saying before, its extremely easy to make it at home andyou can whip one (or a jug!) up in a jiffy following these simple instructions below;
Ingredients
- 100 ml Prosecco
- 150 ml soda water
- elderflower syrup
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 lime
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Crush/ muddle 4 mint leaves and add to a champagne glass, or bigger depending on your personal preference!
- Add a small amount of elderflower syrup, roughly 1-2 teaspoons
- Add a squeeze of lime juice, prosecco and top up with soda water. Stir well.
- Add more mint leaves and a lime wedge.
- The most importantly, drink and enjoy
If a Hugo is anything to go by, I think I definitely try a Harry or a Howard if they came up on the cocktail menu!
Words by Sarah Allen, Resort Representative in Zell am See.