Hugo Spritz popularity rises as elderflower cocktail overtakes Aperol

The Hugo Spritz, an elderflower-flavored cocktail, is seeing a surge in popularity, recently overtaking the Aperol Spritz in UK web searches for the first time. Created in 2005 by bartender Roland “AK” Gruber in South Tyrol, Italy, the drink was originally made with lemon balm syrup before elderflower became the standard ingredient. The cocktail typically consists of Prosecco, elderflower, soda water, and fresh mint.

While traditional spritzes follow a ratio of three parts Prosecco, two parts liqueur, and one part soda water, the rise in popularity has led various pub chains to expand their menus with various fruit and spirit-based variations. The Hugo Spritz has grown from its origins in northern Italy to become a staple across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and now an international summer trend.