The Autumn Hugo Spritz is full of fall flavors and effervescence! Made with elderflower liqueur, mint, pomegranate juice, prosecco, and fresh muddled figs.

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Autumn Hugo Spritz

Fall in San Diego may not have the traditional autumn chill just yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t savor the comforting flavors of the season. So, I decided to craft a light and refreshing spritz that captures the essence of fall, even if we’re still sporting flip flops.

The Autumn Hugo Spritz is no frills and the perfect way to enjoy the warm and inviting tastes of this time of year. This cocktail effortlessly combines the delicate floral notes of elderflower liqueur, the earthy richness of fig, and a sweet-tart touch of pomegranate. Prosecco and sparkling water round out the cocktail for a bubbly element that will keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients for the Autumn Hugo Spritz

• Elderflower Liqueur: To add a touch of sweet and fragrant floral notes to the cocktail, use elderflower liqueur. I like St‑Germain.
• Mint: Fresh mint lends a refreshing and aromatic quality to the drink.
• Fig: Figs offer a rich, honeyed sweetness.
• Pomegranate Juice: Adds a tartness that balances out the sweetness of drink. I used POM Wonderful.
• Prosecco: Bubbly prosecco infuses the cocktail with effervescence. I like Mionetto Prosecco.
• Sparkling Water: To balance the richness of the other ingredients and add a light, crisp element. I had LaCroix on hand.
• Pomegranate Arils, Mint Sprig: Juicy pomegranate arils and a sprig of fragrant mint tie it all together!

How to Make the Autumn Hugo Spritz

Now let’s mix up the Autumn Hugo Spritz! Start by adding elderflower liqueur, a sprig of mint, and a fig to a wine glass. Gently muddle them to release their juices and oils, being careful not to break the fig apart. Allow the blend to rest and infuse together for 2-3 minutes.

Fill the glass with ice cubes. Next, pour in the pomegranate juice, prosecco, and sparkling water. Stir together. Garnish the Autumn Hugo Spritz with pomegranate arils, a fig slice, and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of fall flair!

What’s the Difference between a Hugo and Aperol Spritz?

While both Hugo and Aperol Spritz are refreshing, effervescent cocktails, they have distinct differences that set them apart.

Originating from Italy, the Aperol Spritz has been a beloved classic for decades. The key ingredient in this cocktail is Aperol, an Italian aperitif known for its distinctive bitter-orange flavor with herbal undertones. Aperol Spritz boasts a bittersweet taste, where a gentle bitterness is balanced by the effervescent sparkle of prosecco and the zesty aroma of orange slices.

Hugo Spritz, on the other hand, hails from the South Tyrol region of northern Italy and is relatively newer in the cocktail scene. Its primary components include elderflower liqueur, mint, and sparkling wine, such as prosecco or champagne. The result is a lighter, more floral profile with hints of elderflower sweetness and minty freshness, offering a more delicate and less bitter flavor compared to Aperol Spritz.

More Spritzes to Enjoy

• Apple-rol Spritz
• Cranberry Rosemary Spritz
• Spiced Pomegranate Rosé Spritzer

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