How to make a Hugo

Are you a fan of refreshing and flavorful cocktails? Look no further as we introduce you to the world of Hugo, a delightful and easy-to-make drink that will transport your taste buds to the beautiful hills of Northern Italy. Originating from the South Tyrol region, this refreshing beverage has gained popularity worldwide for its perfect blend of ingredients and its ability to instantly uplift your mood. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a Hugo right in the comfort of your own home.

Before we dive into the process of making a Hugo, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients required:

1. Prosecco: As a Hugo is essentially a sparkling cocktail, Prosecco serves as the base. It is a sparkling wine from Italy, known for its fruity and floral flavors. Choose a good quality Prosecco for the best-tasting Hugo.

2. Elderflower Syrup: This sweet and floral syrup is the star ingredient in a Hugo. It adds a unique and irresistible flavor to the cocktail. You can find Elderflower syrup in most grocery or liquor stores, or even make your own by infusing elderflower petals in simple syrup.

3. Fresh Mint Leaves: To give your Hugo a fresh and herbaceous taste, a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves are essential. The mint leaves also add a vibrant green color that makes the cocktail visually appealing.

4. Lime: Squeezing some lime juice into your Hugo will balance out the sweetness of the elderflower syrup, giving it a tangy kick.

5. Sparkling Water: To dilute the cocktail and give it a refreshing bubbly effect, a splash of sparkling water or soda water is added.

Now that we have all the ingredients let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making a Hugo:

Step 1: Take a tall glass or a Hugo glass and fill it with ice cubes. The chilled glass will keep your Hugo nice and cold.

Step 2: Add 1-2 tablespoons of the elderflower syrup to the glass. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweetness.

Step 3: Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the glass. This will provide a zesty flavor to your Hugo.

Step 4: Gently muddle 3-4 fresh mint leaves and add them to the glass. Be careful not to over-muddle, as it can release bitter flavors from the mint leaves.

Step 5: Pour approximately 150 ml of Prosecco into the glass. The exact quantity may vary depending on the size of the glass.

Step 6: Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.

Step 7: Finally, top it off with a splash of sparkling water or soda water. This will add a refreshing effervescence to your Hugo.

Step 8: Garnish your Hugo with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle aroma to the cocktail.

Voila! Your homemade Hugo is ready to be enjoyed. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful combination of flavors, the captivating aroma of mint, and the effervescence of the Prosecco. Sip it slowly and let the refreshing sensation transport you to a tranquil Italian summer garden.

In conclusion, making a Hugo is a simple and enjoyable process. With just a few ingredients and some basic mixing skills, you can create a delightful cocktail that will impress your guests or serve as a delightful treat for yourself. So, why not try making a Hugo today and invite a taste of Italy into your home? Saluti!