Topline
TikTokers and food bloggers alike have declared the Hugo spritz鈥攁 blend of prosecco and elderflower liqueur that鈥檚 being praised for its low alcohol-by-volume and refreshing flavor鈥攖he drink of the summer.
Key Facts
Italian bartender Roland Gruber is often credited with creating the Hugo spritz鈥攚hich has also been called a St. Germain spritz and an Otto spritz throughout the years鈥攊n 2005 as a lighter alternative to the Aperol spritz, according to Wine Enthusiast.
It鈥檚 not clear exactly how the Hugo spritz blew up this summer, but publications including Delish and Better Homes & Gardens began declaring it the drink of the summer in May due to its rise in popularity on social media; at one point, the drink had more than 290 million views on TikTok.
Better Homes & Gardens credited pop culture鈥檚 renewed focus on Italy鈥攖hrough television shows like The White Lotus and Stanley Tucci鈥檚 Searching for Italy鈥攆or the drink having a moment, but others say it鈥檚 simply time America has caught onto Europe鈥檚 love of spritzes in general.
In the United States, people began searching for the Hugo spritz online in late February, and interest steadily increased before taking off in June and hitting its peak popularity in the first week of July, according to Google data.
How To Make It
Though spritz recipes traditionally use the 3-2-1 method, meaning three ounces of prosecco, two of an aperitif and one of club soda, most Hugo spritz recipes online divert slightly from that. To make the drink of the summer, fill a wine glass halfway with ice, pour in 1/2 ounce of elderflower liqueur鈥攍ike St-Germain鈥攐r syrup if you want a version with less booze, then top with 4 ounces of prosecco and one ounce of sparkling water. Bartenders recommend you stir it and garnish with a lime slice and fresh mint before serving. If you want to make the drink a little stronger, some recipes recommend adding 1/2 ounce of gin.
Past Drinks Of The Summer
- 2020: Aperol spritz
- 2021: Espresso martini
- 2022: Dirty shirley