The Hugo cocktail brings together gin, vermouth, and orange bitters in a simple yet refined drink. This classic cocktail is made by combining 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Created in the 1920s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, the Hugo gained fame among American tourists seeking elegant drinks during Prohibition. The mix offers a clean, crisp taste that works well as an aperitif before dinner.
The drink takes its name from its creator, Hugo Ensslin, who worked as head bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. His recipe book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks” helped preserve many classic cocktail recipes that might have been lost during Prohibition.
Hugo Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Small strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz 30ml elderflower syrup
- 4 oz 120ml prosecco, chilled
- 2 oz 60ml soda water
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime wedge
- Ice cubes
Optional: 1 green apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add the mint leaves to a champagne flute or wine glass. Press them gently with a bar spoon to release their oils.
- Pour the elderflower syrup into the glass. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Add the chilled prosecco slowly to prevent overflow, then top with soda water.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink and drop it in.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and apple slice if desired.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Hugo cocktail delivers a light and refreshing taste with a bright, floral profile. The elderflower liqueur creates a sweet and fragrant base that blends smoothly with the crisp Prosecco.
Fresh mint leaves add a cooling touch and gentle herbal notes. The lime brings a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tangy finish.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Floral elderflower
- Sweet sparkling wine
- Fresh mint
- Zesty citrus
The drink has a gentle effervescence from the Prosecco, making it sparkle on the tongue. The combination feels clean and balanced, not too sweet or too tart.
At 8-10% alcohol by volume, the Hugo remains a light and easy-drinking cocktail. Each sip brings a harmonious blend of the four main ingredients without any single element overpowering the others.
This cocktail works best when served very cold. The mint aroma becomes more noticeable as the drink warms slightly in the glass.
Substitute
The Hugo cocktail can be made with different ingredients if some items are not available. Prosecco works well instead of champagne. It offers similar bubbles and crispness at a lower price point.
White wine spritzers make an alcohol-free version possible. Mix white grape juice with club soda in equal parts, then add elderflower cordial.
Ingredient substitutions:
- Replace champagne with Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Switch elderflower liqueur for elderflower cordial or syrup
- Use club soda and white grape juice for non-alcoholic options
Mint sprigs can be replaced with basil leaves for a different herbal note. The garnish adds visual appeal and aroma to the drink.
Fresh lime juice remains essential, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. About 1 ounce of bottled juice equals one fresh lime.
Non-alcoholic elderflower drinks need extra sweetness. Add 1/4 ounce simple syrup to balance the flavors when using alcohol-free ingredients.
