The Hugo Spritz is in, but Here are Some Alternatives

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A few weeks ago, we stayed in a beautiful lake house and were able to join in (as a family) the memorial of my late grandfather (God always provides).

My aunt’s best friend from college came to pay her respects, and I wanted a drink that would ring in warmer weather.

A drink that could rally the beauty in the spring despite the circumstances.

My grandfather wanted a good sending off and who was I to negate that? We must provide the hospitality we were brought up with.

A duty I respect.

I thought to myself — an Aperol Spritz would be the perfect drink.

During a dinner night at one of our family favorite restaurants, I asked if she was keen on the drink Aperol Spritz.

She was not (it was too bitter for her taste) — so I was on the hunt to find something I could share with her the next time we were all together.

This is a weird habit, but if you have ever worked in the service industry — it is a duty, and we guard it with our lives.

I started researching alternatives to the Aperol Spritz and found out that there are two.

Now, I should mention that this could be an appropriation post.

A Bit of a Backstory – The Hugo Spritz

To preface.

I have the utmost respect for Italian culture and tradition.

My late grandmother has a very best friend who is 100% Italian.

They both share similarities (let the annoying Americanisms commence)!

Both had mothers whose parents emigrated from (Ireland (my grandmother) and Italy (her BFF)) and both of their fathers were from (Ireland (my grandmother) and Italy (her best friend)) — They both grew up in Canada (met in middle school and became lifelong friends) — Both of them marrying men from the same small town in the U.S, becoming citizens together, and raising their kids side by side.

Like a truly kismet, amazing, and beautiful friendship.

Her best friend is one of the most amazing, and active people. I can always call her and she is always down for a chat. She’s the best.

When I tell you that you haven’t had real Italian food until a real Italian makes it for you — I would be lying.

I was ten.

My grandma’s best friend was in town for a conference. My grandma was in Reno (so not her style– but I am sure — super fun) — her BFF was staying with us and had made us spaghetti and meatballs, with a side of wine she had made with her son from their garden (her husband had made her the most magnificent garden I have ever seen).

HEAVEN!

I have never had a meal as perfect as that again (and I HATE spaghetti).

Truly, it was perfection.

The spices, the flavor, the care — You won’t find that often.

The Hugo Spritz

This drink reminds me of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’

St. Germain did not come to play.

A drink made of elderflower and a spritz of a Hugo (the name) “is just as sweet.”

How do you make it?

I will link the recipe below.

The Aperol Spritz

To make this a truer tasting test, I had some help.

The Aperol came in second with myself and another person.

Here is the recipe for an Aperol Spritz.

(Trade out the St. Germain with Aperol).

3 ounces of Aperol (add for sweetness).

4 Ounces of Prosecco.

Half of a wine glass full of ice.

Top with club soda.

Garnish with lime.

Limoncello Spritz

Follow all the same instructions as before.

Only this time, add in 1/2 ounce to two ounces of Limencello.

Garnish with lemon.

For all spritz drinks, please drink responsibly.

xx