My favourite drink in Germany is surprisingly not beer, but a Hugo Cocktail.
Don’t get me wrong, I like German beer, but the problem is I can’t drink most of it since I have celiac disease (a gluten allergy).
Don’t feel too sorry for me though, because I’m quite happy with my new favourite drink – a Hugo cocktail. I had never heard of a Hugo cocktail until I moved to Germany, but now I’m addicted (well not literally).
A Hugo cocktail is not a German drink. It comes from the South Tyrol region in northern Italy.
You can’t blame the Germans for wanting to take credit for it though! You will find it in many cafes and bars in southern Germany, Austria and South Tyrol, especially in summer!
According to Mixology magazine, The Hugo was created in 2005 in the Italian town of Naturno by bartender Roland Gruber. It was invented as an alternative to spritz and spread like wildfire through South Tyrol and into Austria and Germany.
Prosecco is the main ingredient in a Hugo, along with a spring of fresh peppermint making it similar to a Mojito. What gives it a distinct, a refreshing flavour is elderflower syrup.
I can’t think of any drink as refreshing as a Hugo!
If you’re travelling in southern Germany, Austria or northern Italy this summer, I highly recommend trying it. Its mild taste is a crowd-pleaser for almost everyone who tries it! In fact, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like the taste.
It’s not like Trollinger, a wine produced from the Württemberg region in SW Germany. Let’s say that’s an acquired taste. One that most people outside of the region don’t particularly like.
Alternatively, you can also make a Hugo at home and serve it to guests. They’re incredibly simple to make, and you can whip one up in a matter of seconds.
Related Reading: 15 Best Hotels with Saunas in Germany for a Luxurious Wellness Escape
Recipe for a Hugo Cocktail
- Prosecco
- Splash of elderflower syrup to taste
- A few fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves rubbed to release their aromatic oil
- Top with a slice of lime
- Optional – add a splash of sparkling water to dilute the alcohol if desired
You can also use alcohol-free Prosecco if you or your guests don’t drink.
Note, if you order it in a restaurant or cafe, it will contain alcohol.
I am a fellow Canadian and celiac considering relocating to Germany ( near Frankfurt) for work. How do you find Germany restaurants and shops for gluten-free? I haven’t spent much time there. How does it compare to say the UK (excellent) or France (not as good/knowledgeable but ok if you speak the language and can explain)?
Hi Leigh, German restaurants are difficult since flour and bread are used in a lot of the dishes. The good news is that you can ask if something is “Gluten-frei” (gluten free), so it’s pronounced similarly as in English. At German restaurants I usually end up eating potato salad, or a steak. Other restaurants like Thai or Indian are much easier. For shopping, you can buy gluten free products in the health food stores easily and Rewe (a grocery store chain) just started carrying a small selection of gluten-free products. In Munich there are 3 restaurants serving gluten free pizza. Fast food is much harder since it’s usually a pretzel or pastry of some sort. I usually carry something around with me, but find the gluten free options for fast food are much better in the UK or France. Hope that helps, best of luck.
Mmmm, anything with Prosecco as a base sounds delightful. Will have to see whether elderflower syrup is an option here in the Netherlands. But fear not, easy enough to make a minor adjustment!
It sounds somewhat inspired by the italian apertivo drinks with prosecco mixed with something else. I am kind of surprised how often Sekt and such show up in German society. I guess I shouldn’t be but it was not expected that so much is celebrated with alcohol especially at the office. Guess that is the alcohol isevil mentality at home.
Elderberry flavor is quite popular. I just think of MontyPython.
I hadn’t heard of this cocktail but ill look next time we go out.
I too have not heard of this cocktail. Sounds a bit inspired by the Italian apertivo drinks with Prosecco. I am kindof
Hmmm, that sounds really good. I’ve never heard of it before, but love the idea of mixing mint with Prosecco. Does the Ederflower make it kind of sweet?
I’ve never heard of this drink and don’t think I’ve ever seen it advertised. I will certainly look for it. It sounds like the perfect summer drink.
I love a mojito… so I am TOTALLY trying this!! I had never heard of it, but it sounds wonderfully refreshing 🙂