The 'basic girl' cocktail that's knocked Aperol Spritz off the top spot

Engineered as the ideal tonic for a baking-hot day, the humble Aperol Spritz is universally beloved for its refreshingly bitter taste and complex blend of herbs and citrus—making it the ultimate sun-soaked statement.

The cocktail, made with three parts sharp Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda, is not only delicious but extremely accessible, with most bars and restaurants slapping the low-ABV item on their menus these days.

If you’ve been a staunch Aperol Spritz devotee for the past couple of years, then you may be in one of two camps: looking forward to your next sup, or yearning for something special to change the game for good.

Leaning toward the latter? Then it may be time to ditch your sunset orange cup for an elegant glass of good stuff instead.

Move over Aperol: this summer is all about the ‘basic girl’ cocktail, the decadent Hugo Spritz.

Actress Sophie Turner is a fan of the Hugo Spritz (St-Germain)

The latter, another Italian alcoholic aperitif, is also based on Prosecco and features a squirt of soda water or seltzer.

However, unlike Aperol, this lighter, more mature item swaps the overpowering orange flavour for delicate mint and enlivening lemon balm.

Sometimes, your Hugo Spritz may come with elderflower syrup instead of the citrus drizzle. This is usually due to ingredient constraints, but don’t worry, as both are equally delicious.

The wine cocktail, conceived in 2005 by Natruns bar manager Roland Gruber, is built for casual day drinking, hosting, toasting, and for fueling evening adventures with your loved ones.

The South Tyrol beverage has recently been hailed online by many social media users as their ‘signature summer drink’. Others are already mourning the understated drink hitting the mainstream again this year.

“God of course the new summer drink everyone wants is a Hugo Spritz,” commented one X user.

Another said: “I’m sorry call me basic but I lovee a good Lemon drop and Hugo Spritz.”

Are you team Aperol or Hugo? (Getty Stock Image)

Famous faces like Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner are also obsessed with St-Germain, publicly congratulating her for playing ‘a key role in introducing Spritz lovers’ to the Hugo.

However, not everyone is convinced that the wine-based cooler has the ability to usurp the Aperol Spritz and other sun-kissed favourites.

“A Hugo spritz is just a sparkling mojito, and more basic. I said it,” one critic posted online.

Someone else responded: “Spritz Hugo, basic girl taste.”

According to the 2024 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, the Spritz was ranked as the third most popular cocktail in the United States.

Its latest edition said that 55 percent of consumers prefer fruity drinks, while 46 percent hanker for something sweet—both of which the Hugo Spritz nails.

What’s more, last year Ocado reported a year-on-year rise of 107 percent demand for elderflower liqueur in Britain.

So if you want to get in on the hype, now really is the time.

If you don’t fancy a trip to your local beer garden, then the likes of Amazon, Aldi and Waitrose are on hand to help.

Aldi is currently selling pre-made bottles of Hugo Spritz (Aldi)

The former is currently selling a 750ml pre-mixed Hugo Spritz bottle for just £3.99.

Meanwhile Waitrose has shared a DIY recipe, featuring:

• 40ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 60ml Prosecco
• 60ml soda water
• Handful of torn mint leaves
• A lemon twist and more mint leaves to garnish

If you want to take your alcoholic drink to the next level, then why not try slipping in a dash of Sauvignon Blanc, too?

“The girls are upgrading the Hugo spritz with a crispy Sauvignon blanc and I’m so here for that!,” typed one fan via X.

And you know what? If drinking Hugo Spritz’s makes us basic, then you better call a spade a spade. We are not missing out on this one!