Nothing says fun like a brand new wine cocktail. And boy, did I have fun last weekend with my Hugo wine cocktail – Epicurean fun that is ; )
As always, the setting and the conditions were perfect. It was a warm afternoon and we were celebrating someone’s birthday. That special someone happened to have a special birthday drink called “Hugo”. For those of you who know me, I get pretty excited at the idea of trying something new… Especially when mixing is involved. So let’s get mixing, shall we?!
INGREDIENTS
• Prosecco – Get yourself a nice bottle of Prosecco, but nothing crazy. Spend anywhere between $8 and $15 and I’m sure you’ll be happy. You can find Prosecco at your local grocery store. I used Zonin Prosecco from Trader Joe’s.
• Elderflower Syrup or Cordial – So this is when it gets interesting… Many online recipes call for elderflower syrup. I actually ended up buying cordial instead. In the UK, “cordial” generally refers to a syrup or concentrate. These were once used as medicinal beverages concocted to improve people’s health. Cordial is generally less syrupy and contains a little less sugar. However, it won’t last as long as syrup once the bottle is open (about 3 weeks). You can find Elderflower syrup online from various brands such as Monin or Teisseire. I found a bottle of cordial from a brick-and-mortar store in Beverly Hills.
• Key Lime – Key limes are named after the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie. It is also known as bartender’s lime. You will need a few of those.
• Mint leaves – Some people crush the leaves and muddle them into the drink. I prefer to put the full leaves in the drink and use some as garnish. Those come from my garden. You are more than welcome to come get some here if you’d like… For the locals ; )
SO HERE IS WHAT YOU DO…
1. Cut little cubes out of the key lime and throw about 3 to 4 of them into a wine glass or a Champagne flute.
2. Pour the elderflower syrup or cordial into the glass (1 ounce)
3. Pour the Prosecco into the glass (4-5 ounces)
4. Cut a few mint leaves ad throw them in there for taste and garnish
5. Mix slightly to make sure all the ingredients blend nicely
6. Serve and enjoy
Some people add ice in their drink to keep it cold longer. I don’t do that. It softens the drink and by the time you get to the end, it’s mostly water. Do yourself a favor and put the glass in the freezer ahead of time. That will keep your drink cold and you will enjoy it all the way to the end. So there you have it! Hugo wine cocktail – Prosecco apéritif with elderflower, key lime and mint. This refreshing cocktail should be enjoyed very cold during the hot summer days ahead. I enjoyed this wonderful drink so much that I think I might make it again tonight! And so should you… Let me know how it turns out ; )
Santé!
Do you need more wine cocktail ideas? Impress your guests with these ultra sexy cocktails:
• Glühwein – The mulled wine of Germany
• Cardinal
• Champagne Valentine
• Mimosa
• Sangria