My Favorite Drink in Germany – A Hugo Cocktail

My favorite drink in Germany is surprisingly not beer. 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 favorite 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 actually not a German drink, it comes from the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, but is commonplace in many cafes and bars menus in southern Germany especially in summer. A Hugo is made from Prosecco and with its fresh peppermint leaves is similar to a Mojito, but what gives it a distinct, yet refreshing flavor is elderflower syrup. I can’t think of any drink as refreshing as a Hugo. If you’re traveling in southern Germany or northern Italy this summer I highly recommend trying it.

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 sparking water to dilute the alcohol if desired

This post has been submitted as part of the German Blogger Stammtisch. This month’s theme “drink” was chosen by Christie from Letters from Frau Dietz, following up on last months German food in which I talked about The Humble Knödel: A German Staple. Check out these other drinks in Germany related posts below. Watch out for our Parks theme next month chosen by Adam from Travels of Adam.