COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH By Jess B of The Library Oxton
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HUGO SPRITZ BRAMBLE
COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH By Jess B of The Library Oxton
Hugo Spritz :
Everyone has heard of the Aperol Spritz , the original Italian spritz to gain widespread popularity . However , there is a new Aperitif on the scene which is slowly rising to fame with the help of social media platforms . Even viral Italian bartenders have stated that you should be swapping your punchy Aperol Spritz with the sweet and refreshing Hugo . “ Nobody drinks Aperol Spritz anymore , its all about the Hugo .”
Whilst visiting Rome a few years ago , I stumbled upon this cocktail after asking one of the local bartenders if there was an alternative to the typical spritz everyone else was ordering , including my family . The Hugo was what he suggested . It was the perfect blend of floral elderflower , crisp mint , combined with a dry Italian Prosecco . So , this summer , why not swap out your Aperol Spritz and kick off your Appertivo hour in style with a Hugo ?
Pronounced oo-go in Italian , the Hugo spritz was said to be invented by bartender Roland Gruber in 2005 in the small Italian town of Naturno . It was created as an alternative to the spritz cocktails available at the time and its popularity soon spread through South Tyrol and further to Austria and Germany . Whilst you may not find this on many bar menus in the UK , you can make it at home this summer and transport yourself to sunny evening on the Amalfi Coast .
Ingredients :
• 30ml elderflower cordial
• 25ml gin ( optional )
• 5 mint leaves
• Top with Prosecco
• Splash of soda
Method : Pour ice into a large wine glass and add the gin and elderflower cordial . Stir until blended together . Next , grab your mint leaves and smack them in your hand to release the flavour and drop into your drink . Leave the mint leaves to infuse for around one minute to enhance the mint flavour . Then , fill with a dry Prosecco and finally top with a splash of soda . Serve with a mint sprig and wedge of lime .
Bramble :
We have explored cocktails that have originated from all round the world , but the Bramble is a perfect taste of British summer time in a glass . It ’ s creator , Dick Bradsell , whose resume includes the wonderful espresso martini , had this is mind in 1984 when creating possibly one of the most famous British cocktails there is .
Working at Fred ’ s Club in London , they had been given a new batch of liquors and Dick began experimenting . With fond memories of his childhood in Isle of Man picking blackberries , Dick attempted to create that nostalgic and very classic taste in a classic British cocktail .
He landed on the blend of London dry gin , sugar syrup , lemon juice and crème de mure , although any blackberry liquor will be fine , such as Chambord , which is more widely available in supermarkets today . As Fred ’ s Club had an excess of lowball “ Mai Tai ” style glasses , these were used and filled with crushed ice to dilute the sweetness of the drink .
Ingredients :
• 40ml gin
• 20ml lemon juice
• 15ml sugar syrup
• 20ml creme de mure ( or Chambord )
Method : Fill a Boston shaker half with ice , then add the gin , lemon juice and sugar syrup and shake . Fine strain and pour into a lowball glass over crushed ice . Next slowly pour your creme de mure over the top and serve with a blackberry .
This cocktail is featured in our classics section all year around and is the perfect summer drink . So if you don ’ t fancy making it at home , come down to The Library and let us make one for you !
You will catch this drink on our specials menu at The Library Oxton over the coming weeks as we step into spritz season but until then why not try it for yourself at home .
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