Hugo spritzes are shaping up to be the drink of the summer. The light cocktail is built around elderflower liqueur, a sweet, botanical spirit with notes of honeysuckle and lychee. Invented in northeastern Italy in 2005, the drink has only recently caught on here in the U.S. We’ve rounded up 8 NoVA spots where you can sample one, plus a recipe if you’d rather make your own.
Café Monet
Listed as “Jilli’s Elderflower” on their Spritz All Day menu, Cafe Monet’s iteration adds lemon to the Hugo for a touch of zest and brightness. It pairs perfectly with their burrata, available on their happy hour menu, which is topped with basil pistou, chili-infused honey, and pistachios. 6910 Fleetwood Rd., McLean
Mia’s Italian kitchen
Old Town is a great place to explore during summer months, and Mia’s outdoor patio is an ideal spot to unwind after taking a stroll, especially with their cool and refreshing Hugo spritz in hand. 100 King St., Alexandria
Cheesetique
The pronounced floral and herbaceous notes of the Hugo marry well with any kind of cheese, the theme of this northern Virginia institution. Try the cheese lady sampler to dive into with your spritz. It comes with cheese curds, a crispy cheese roll, and spinach and artichoke dip. 2411 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Stellina Pizzeria
Both of Stellina’s locations offer a social brunch on weekends and it might be one of the best ways to try the ‘Ugo’ and other spritzes, because they’re bottomless (with a 2-hour limit). The deal includes any two dishes from the brunch menu, which includes many pizzas and pastas, and as many spritzes or mimosas as you can handle. The spritz is also available at both spots on their regular menu throughout the day! 2800 S Randolph St. Ste 130, Arlington; 1610 Capital One Dr., Tysons
Corso Italian
Corso is going all in on spritzes this summer with their spritz season passport. Every time you sample one of their spritzes you get a stamp on your passport. If you try all six spritzes on the menu, you’ll get a seventh for free. Their Hugo spritz is one of the best on the menu; it’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious to drink, adorned with a lime wheel and fresh mint. 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Liberty Tavern
At Liberty Tavern you can relish a cold Hugo spritz with one of the restaurant’s delicious pizzas. Be sure to grab a patio spot if it’s not too hot. 3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Sfoglina
Happy hour guests at Sfoglina can enjoy an $8 Hugo spritz at Sfoglina any day of the week from 3-7pm. They also have several food specials during happy hour to complement your beverage, including very addictive house-made potato chips. 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
William Jeffrey’s Tavern
For a fun patio vibe head to William Jeffrey’s Tavern where you can indulge in a Hugo spritz with a warm pretzel and cheese dip, fries, and oysters. 2301 Columbia Pike, Ste. 101, Arlington
Hugo Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 part (1 ounce for a single cocktail) elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain)
- 3 parts (3 ounces) sparkling wine (prosecco is the original)
- 2 parts (2 ounces) soda water
- mint
- ice
Pour the elderflower liqueur in a large wine glass, add five to10 fresh mint leaves (to your taste) and gently stir/crush/muddle the mint into the liquid. Fill the glass with ice and give it a stir, then add the sparkling wine and soda. Grab some more mint and rip off the lower leaves of a few sprigs and stick them in the glass for garnish. Cheers!
Feature photo of Stellina Pizzeria by Anastasia Markova
