Here's Why Everyone Is Drinking Hugo Spritzes This Summer

As the Aperol Spritz continues to be an it-girl's favorite beverage on hot summer days, another refreshing spritz variation has been slowly stealing the spotlight this summer: the Hugo Spritz. A sweeter and perhaps more approachable spritz than an Aperol or Limoncello Spritz, the Hugo Spritz has all of the refreshing fun with a more laid-back feel. The neon orange of an Aperol Spritz is impossible to miss, but the understated appearance and floral, minty tang of a Hugo Spritz is impossible to forget.

If you've also been seeing celebrities and influencers alike flaunting their mint and lime garnished spritzes on vacation this summer, or if you're looking to try out a new drink for your next cocktail party, learn everything you need to know about the Hugo Spritz, from recipes to bar recommendations, below.

Variations of a spritz drink have been around for a long time. The spritz allegedly originated in Veneto, Italy in the 1800s when Austrians visiting Italy decided to dilute their wine with soda water to lighten the taste to their preference.

The Hugo Spritz is said to have originated in Northern Italy in the early 2000s. Roland Gruber, otherwise known as A.K., invented the Hugo Spritz at his bar called San Zeno. He was hoping to create a lighter alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz, using elderflower flavoring instead of the bitter citrus of Aperol, and he succeeded. The drink has become a cult classic and a summertime favorite across the world. It was originally called the Otto Spritz, but Gruber changed the name after deciding that he preferred "Hugo."

The traditional Hugo Spritz is simple and sweet, with a hint of mint. Made with St-Germain, or another elderflower liqueur, and prosecco, it's a refreshingly floral drink. Here's a recipe for a classic Hugo Spritz, straight from St-Germain's website.

Hugo Spritz

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. St-Germain
• 2 oz. prosecco
• 2 oz. soda water
• 8-10 mint leaves
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

• Add ice into a wine glass.
• Pour in St-Germain and add approximately eight mint leaves.
• Top with prosecco and soda water.
• Stir the drink to combine.
• Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Most bars or restaurants will be able to make a Hugo Spritz easily, given that all of the ingredients are easy to come by and used in all kinds of different drinks. This summer, chic bars all over New York City are serving up the increasingly popular drink. Here are just a few recommendations of spots to grab a Hugo Spritz in true NYC style.

American Bar

This trendy bar in the West Village has plenty to offer on their cocktail menu, including a Hugo Spritz. With classy ambiance and an all-American East Coast vibe, it's a great restaurant to enjoy some outdoor dining.

Travelers Poets & Friends

A brand new West Village addition, Travelers Poets & Friends is an Italian bistro and marketplace that offers coffee and breakfast in the morning and turns into a sophisticated wine bar and restuarant at night. Their Hugo Spritz is expertly crafted, and it's an ideal setting for catching up with friends.

Rosemary's

Another great Italian spot in the city, Rosemary's has three different locations in the West Village, East Side and Midtown. Each spot which offer delicious spritzes alongside their farm-to-table menu.

Dante

A fan favorite for cocktail drinkers, Dante in Greenwich Village is known as one of the best bars in the city. Historic and known as an old haunt for countless famous actors, writers, musicians and artists, the scene at Dante is unforgettable, and their take on the Hugo Spritz is vibrant.

If you find yourself at a backyard party, on vacation by the ocean or grabbing drinks in the city this summer, try out a refreshing Hugo Spritz to see what the hype is about for yourself.