Hugo Cocktail – a Spritz with a Soul

Last Updated on July 28, 2024

A low(er)-alcohol Hugo Cocktail that punches high

The Hugo, a classic aperitif that originated in South Tyrol as recently as 2005, was originally made with prosecco, elderflower or lemon balm syrup and mint.  For my taste it’s just a little sweet – and the classic way to add complexity and a little bitterness is to use gin.  I’m also a fan of making a Hugo with St-Germain, a delicious elderflower liqueur.  But, if you are yearning for a low alcohol aperitif that doesn’t compromise on flavour, then it’s time to get creative.

As part of my efforts to moderate my alcohol consumption, I buy no-alcohol sparkling wine.  Versions of Prosecco, Cava and other sparklers that use a de-alcoholised base work well for me.  Sometimes I indulge in a Kir Royale (made with an alcoholic blackcurrant liqueur) and sometimes I make a zero-alcohol ‘Aperol’ using Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Italiano.  In a cocktail with a little alcohol, it’s perfect.  Another trick that works well for me is using Cotswold Dry Gin Essence – it’s a gin-based alcohol with 10 times the number of botanicals so that when you make it up with tonic you only need 5ml for the perfect ‘G&T’.  So, to make my own version of the Hugo, I’m using a zero alcohol ‘Nozeco’, 5ml of Cotswold Dry Gin Essence and 30 ml of regular St Germain (which is 20% ABV so about half the alcohol of regular gin or vodka)  

I’m not going to try and calculate the units, but the result is an aperitif that isn’t too sweet for me and has a good ‘kick’ but doesn’t leave me under the table if I happen to indulge in a second helping!  Most of the drink is zero-alcohol sparkling wine, but the beautifully balanced and refreshing taste comes from fresh mint, Cotswold gin essence and St Germain.

If you’d like to make a full alcohol version, then of course you can substitute the Nozeco for prosecco or your own favourite sparkling wine – and use 20ml of Cotswold gin instead of 5ml of essence.  And if you prefer a zero alcohol version, I recommend using Belvoir Elderflower cordial and a 20ml measure of a good zero alcohol ‘gin’ – Lyre’s is one of my favourites, or NLL from Salcombe Distillery

Here’s the recipe to try at home.  You don’t even need a cocktail shaker for this one

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Low Alcohol Hugo Gin Spritz

Prep Time

5 mins

 

A delicious and refreshing Hugo without the alcohol

Course: Aperitif

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: gin, mint, prosecco, St Germain

Servings: 1

Calories: 160 kcal

Author: Fiona Maclean

Ingredients

• 5 ml Cotswold Gin Essence
• 20 ml St Germain
• 100 ml zero alcohol sparkling wine
• 8 sprigs fresh mint
• Ice

Instructions

1. Crush the mint gently in your hands to release the flavour

2. Half fill a glass with ice

3. Add the mint, St Germain and Gin Essence and stir well

4. Top the glass up with non alcoholic sparkling wine and enjoy

Nutrition Facts

Low Alcohol Hugo Gin Spritz

Amount Per Serving

Calories 160

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.