Hugo Spritz Mocktail

Before you start

The Hugo comes from the Alpine regions of northern Italy and is built on elderflower syrup, prosecco, soda, mint and lime. It is lighter and more floral than an orange spritz. Its alcohol-free version translates neatly, since the defining flavor already comes from a non-alcoholic cordial.

The key is balance. Elderflower cordial is very sweet and concentrated, so measure it carefully and use a dry sparkling base. Bruise the mint gently, rather than shredding it, to release its fresh oils without grassy bitterness. Serve the drink in a big wine glass with lots of ice and lime.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves — plus a sprig for garnish
• 2 lime wedges
• 20 ml (¾ oz) elderflower cordial
• 120 ml (4 oz) dry non-alcoholic sparkling wine — chilled
• 60 ml (2 oz) soda water — chilled

Method

1. Put the mint leaves in the wine glass. Press them gently 3 or 4 times with a muddler, enough to release their smell but not tear them.
2. Squeeze in one lime wedge and drop it in. Add the elderflower cordial and stir to coat the mint.
3. Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes, packing them around the mint so the leaves stay near the bottom.
4. Pour in the sparkling wine and then the soda water, both slowly and down the side of the glass.
5. Lift once from the bottom with the bar spoon to bring the cordial up.
6. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge and a slapped mint sprig. Serve right away.

Tips for success

• Slap the mint sprig between your palms before garnishing. It releases aroma right where you will smell it as you drink.
• Cordials vary a lot in strength. Start with 15 ml and add more after tasting.
• Thin cucumber slices in the glass add freshness and look good with the mint.

Substitutions

Elderflower cordial

Use elderflower tonic or soda for the whole sparkling part and skip the cordial. It is lighter and less sweet.

Non-alcoholic sparkling wine

All soda water makes a drier, lighter drink. Add a few drops of lemon to bring back some acidity.

Mint

Fresh basil gives a sweeter, peppery herb note that also pairs well with elderflower.

Variations

Hugo cucumber cooler

Add 4 thin cucumber slices with the mint and top with cucumber tonic in place of soda.

Pitcher Hugo

Multiply by 6 in a pitcher with ice, adding sparkling wine and soda just before serving.

Troubleshooting

It is very sweet

Cut the cordial to 15 ml and add more soda water and lime.

The mint tastes bitter or grassy

It was muddled too hard. Press gently, just to bruise, and do not grind the leaves.

Pieces of mint get stuck in your teeth

Use whole leaves, press them gently, and serve with a straw. Shredded mint floats up into every sip.

Storage

Serve immediately. Opened elderflower cordial keeps in the refrigerator for the time on the label, often several weeks; discard if cloudy or moldy. Use opened non-alcoholic sparkling wine within a day.

Safety notes

Non-alcoholic sparkling wine may contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume, so check the label if the drink is for someone who must avoid alcohol entirely.