Copycat Aldi’s Hugo Spritz Recipe

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Recently, I stumbled across Aldi’s Hugo Spritz, a delightful ready-made take on the Italian classic. While the bottled version is perfect for convenience, there’s something extra satisfying about recreating the magic yourself at home. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll have your very own bespoke Hugo Spritz to rival even the fanciest cocktail bars, all made with affordable ingredients you can pick up at Aldi!

How to make Aldi’s Hugo Spritz

Aldi Hugo Spritz is a ready-made alcoholic drink sold by Aldi, based on the classic Hugo Spritz cocktail.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for one glass of your Aldi’s Hugo Spritz (but feel free to scale up for sharing!):

• 75ml Prosecco – Aldi’s Belletti Prosecco is a budget-friendly, bubbly choice.
• 50ml elderflower cordial – Aldi’s Specially Selected Elderflower Pressé works a treat.
• 25ml soda water: Any sparkling water will do, but Aldi’s Balco Sparkling Water is a reliable option.
• Fresh mint leaves: Pick up a fresh bunch from Aldi or grow your own for that extra touch.
• Ice cubes – Enough to fill your glass generously.
• Slice of lime (optional) – To garnish and add a citrusy tang.

Instructions

Making the Aldi’s Hugo Spritz couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps:

1. Begin with your glass – Grab a large wine glass or a tall cocktail glass to show off the drink’s sparkle. Fill it with plenty of ice—this ensures your cocktail stays chilled and refreshing.
2. Add the elderflower cordial: Pour 50ml of elderflower cordial directly into the glass for that floral sweetness.
3. Top up with fizz: Next, pour in 75ml of Prosecco followed by 25ml of soda water. Be gentle when pouring so you don’t lose the bubbles!
4. Add the finishing touches – Pop in a few fresh mint leaves and give them a gentle press against the glass with a spoon to release their aroma. If you’re using lime, add a slice or a twist for extra zest.
5. Stir and enjoy: Give the drink a light stir (avoid overmixing to preserve the fizz), then sit back, sip, and bask in its refreshing glory.

Top Tips for a Perfect Aldi Hugo Spritz

• Chill your ingredients: To make your Hugo Spritz truly refreshing, keep your Prosecco and soda water chilled in the fridge before use.
• Use quality ice – Clear ice cubes look visually stunning and melt slower. If you want to go all-out, freeze mint or lime slices into your ice cubes for added flair.
• Experiment with garnishes: If mint isn’t your thing, try swapping it for basil or rosemary for a unique twist on the drink.
• Batch preparation: If you’re hosting guests, scale up this recipe and serve from a pitcher rather than individual glasses. Just mix carefully to avoid losing the fizz!
• Go alcohol-free: Fancy a non-alcoholic version? Swap the Prosecco for Aldi’s Nature’s Pick White Grape Sparkling Juice. Keep everything else the same for the same clean, citrusy taste.

What to serve with

The Aldi’s Hugo Spritz is a light, refreshing cocktail with delicate flavours of elderflower, mint, and fizz. Its sweet, floral notes and crisp finish pair beautifully with a variety of savoury and sweet bites.

1. Light, Fresh Nibbles

Aldi’s Hugo Spritz’s gentle flavours are complemented by fresh, seasonal nibbles that aren’t overpowering. Consider these options:

• Bruschetta: Top crisp slices of ciabatta with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The light, herby flavours won’t detract from the Aldi’s Hugo Spritz.
• Crostini with Soft Cheese & Honey: Spread Aldi’s Specially Selected Soft Goats’ Cheese over toasted bread and drizzle with a touch of honey for a sweet-savoury pairing.
• Mediterranean Olives: A bowl of Aldi’s Specially Selected Marinated Olives is perfect for easy grazing and offers a salty contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail.
• Fresh Crudités with Dip: Crunchy carrots, cucumber, radishes, and sugar snap peas served alongside hummus, tzatziki, or Aldi’s own Reduced-Fat Red Pepper Houmous.

2. Small Plates & Sharing Platters

For a more substantial bite, assemble small plates or sharing boards with these items:

• Charcuterie Board: Pair Aldi’s Specially Selected British Prosciutto and Chorizo Slices with crackers or a crusty baguette. Add grapes or dried apricots for a fruity touch that complements the sweetness of the Hugo Spritz.
• Cheese Platter: Opt for mild cheeses like brie, mozzarella, or creamy camembert. You can add some Aldi Specially Selected Vintage Cheddar for contrast. Throw in some almonds, walnuts, and a jar of chutney to add texture and flavour.
• Smoked Salmon Blinis: Top Aldi’s Specially Selected Smoked Salmon slices on mini blinis, with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of dill. The fish pairs wonderfully with the cocktail’s delicate fizz.
• Mini Savoury Tarts: Bake or grab pre-made tarts filled with flavours like goat’s cheese and caramelised onion or spinach and ricotta. They’re bite-sized, fuss-free, and go perfectly with the lightness of the drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making the perfect Hugo Spritz needn’t be rigid. This cocktail is impressively versatile, and you can easily tweak its ingredients to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have at home. While Aldi’s affordable selection of high-quality ingredients makes it simple to replicate the cocktail on a budget, sometimes you might want or need to make swaps.

1. Prosecco

Original Ingredient: Aldi’s Belletti Prosecco

Prosecco delivers the characteristic sparkle and subtle fruity tones to the Hugo Spritz, but there are plenty of alternatives if you run out or prefer something different:

• Other Sparkling Wines: Try Aldi’s Specially Selected Cremant de Loire or Costellore Sparkling Italian Rosé. Both deliver bubbly elegance with subtle flavor variations.
• Cava or Champagne: Cava’s dry profile or Champagne’s luxurious depth can elevate the drink for special occasions.
• Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wines: Replace Prosecco with Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Sparkling White Grape Juice or Specially Selected Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay. These options provide fizz without the alcohol.

2. Elderflower Cordial

Original Ingredient: Aldi’s Specially Selected Elderflower Presse

The floral sweetness of elderflower cordial is the heart of the Hugo Spritz. If you don’t have elderflower on hand, here’s what you can use instead:

• St. Germain Liqueur: A more luxurious substitution, this elderflower-infused liqueur adds depth and sweetness—though it’s stronger than cordial, so adjust the quantity.
• Lime Cordial or Syrups: Lime cordial offers citrusy brightness, while syrups like hibiscus or rose (available at specialty shops) create an interesting floral variation.
• Homemade Elderflower Syrup: If elderflower blossoms are available locally, you could steep them with sugar, lemon, and water to make your own syrup.

3. Soda Water

Original Ingredient: Aldi’s Balco Sparkling Water

Soda water lends a light, effervescent texture to the Hugo Spritz, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. Substitutes include:

• Tonic Water: For a slightly bitter twist, tonic water works beautifully, particularly if you enjoy drinks with a more complex edge.
• Flavoured Sparkling Water: Aldi’s range of VitaFit Flavoured Sparkling Waters (e.g., lemon or lime) can enhance sweetness and add an exciting note to the drink.
• Lemonade: If you’re feeling nostalgic—or want a sweeter variation—a splash of lemonade can replace soda water. Pair with less elderflower cordial to avoid oversweetening.

4. Mint Leaves

Original Ingredient: Fresh mint leaves from Aldi’s produce aisle

Mint is not only visually impressive but also lends a refreshing herbal aroma—though it can be swapped for other herbs that complement the drink’s summery vibe:

• Basil: It adds a slightly peppery, aromatic twist without overpowering the cocktail’s floral notes.
• Thyme: Its woody, earthy flavour pairs surprisingly well with elderflower and sparkling wine for a more sophisticated profile.
• Rosemary: A single sprig adds a fragrant touch, especially when paired with citrus slices.
• Cucumber Slices: For a cooling effect, cucumber slices can replace mint as a garnish, creating a clean flavour profile.

5. Lime

Original Ingredient: Lime slice or lime juice (optional garnish)

While lime adds a zesty brightness to the Spritz, it’s easy to swap it out for other citrus fruits to adapt the cocktail’s overall tone:

• Lemon: Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Lemons work well as lime substitutes, offering a gentler, sunny tartness to the drink.
• Grapefruit: Thin slices of grapefruit provide a slightly bitter yet fresh and modern twist.
• Oranges or Clementines: For a sweeter citrus flavour, add an orange slice or clementine segment. Blood oranges, if in season, are an especially stunning addition.
• Rhubarb Syrup: For a truly creative alternative to citrus garnishes, try a drizzle of rhubarb syrup—it pairs beautifully with elderflower.

Final Thoughts

The Aldi’s Hugo Spritz is a versatile cocktail that pairs effortlessly with a variety of dishes, from simple snacks to sophisticated small plates.

More Drink Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappe Recipe
• Copycat McDonald’s Caramel Frappe Recipe