A twist on a Hugo Spritz

I have to admit that until I read Kendra Vaculin’s treatise on the Hugo Spritz in last week’s New York Times, I was blissfully unaware of its charms. It’s true that I don’t spend much time in bars, or even drink very much, but I do enjoy a spritz in the summertime (or anytime?). I will often order an Aperol spritz, but they are almost always a bit cloying for me unless made at home with proportions I choose, which always include less Aperol and more spritz.

Anyway, the timing was perfect for this awakening, as I had penciled in “Batched Cocktail” in my editorial planning calendar. I thought we could all use a drink and might need a last-minute cocktail for the long weekend, which is also predicted to be VERY HOT here on the East Coast. We’ve been lucky so far, but here comes the sun!

I’ve made a few tweaks to the classic—which is maybe not that classic since the drink is just about 20 years old, widely attributed to an Alpine bartender named Roland Gruber. Since my herb garden is absolutely bursting, I wanted to include not just the typical mint but also shiso and basil. The flavor is subtle, so use what you have, but I had fun garnishing the drinks with different sprigs. I also found especially beautiful and juicy limes at the store yesterday, when I tested this out on my apparently spritz-loving family who had gathered for a little burger bash at our house.

I decided to try topping off the drink with Fever-Tree elderflower tonic water, which they sell at my supermarket, rather than plain sparkling water. I thought the extra sweetness might be too much, but it wasn’t. Use this delicious alternative if you can find it to up the elderflower taste and aroma. I’ve also added a little bit of gin, which is totally optional, but we loved it!

Finally, the big twist here is that I’m giving you a batch recipe, because who has time to make individual drinks when guests descend? This recipe makes one pitcher to serve eight at a time. When it’s time for refills, it’s quicker and easier to make a second batch than eight more drinks. The prosecco will keep its fizz nicely for at least an hour, so you can mix up a pitcher and keep it chilled while you wait for your friends to arrive.

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Marta Double Old-Fashioned Glasses

The Marta Double Old-Fashioned glass is perfect for this kind of informal summer drink. These thin glasses are not as fragile as they look and are a delight to drink from. Yes, occasionally they break, but at these prices, it’s OK. And they are on sale for an even better price right now! The sage green variation would be beautiful for this drink.

CB2 Trap Pitcher

This elegant pitcher is made from durable borosilicate glass and would be the perfect vessel for any batched cocktail—Hugo Spritzes included! Like the glasses, it’s also on sale for a great price right now.

Magisso Cooling Ceramics Ice Bucket

Here’s the sleek and functional ice bucket we’ve used for years. Soaking the bucket in cold water before filling it with ice keeps it cold for hours as the water evaporates. The tongs fit neatly into a slot on the lid.

Farmhouse Pottery Craft Muddler

If you don’t have a muddler among your bar supplies, you’re missing out. I love this white wood version from Farmhouse Pottery, a favorite brand of mine.

Oxo Steel Angled Jigger

I am lost without my 2-ounce plastic Oxo measuring cups, but this stainless version looks right at home on the bar and is just as easy to use.

Serena & Lily Spinnaker Tray

This summery tray is as functional as it is beautiful. The high sides and large handles wrapped in rattan will help you avoid mishaps when carrying drinks.

Meri Meri x Molly Mahon Small Napkins

I always have an assortment of napkins from Meri Meri on hand for casual gatherings. They come in the cutest patterns—plus the brand makes matching plates, cups, and decor if you want to deck out your whole table.

Small Multicolor Compostable Plates

These compostable plates are perfect for snacks and desserts, and the pastel colors look right at home on a summer tablescape.

Serves 8

St-Germain, the delicate and floral elderflower liqueur, is at the heart of this refreshing spritz. Gin is a great addition because the flavor pairs so well, but I add just a little bit to keep the alcohol content light.

• 4 ounces St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)

• 2 ounces gin

• A few sprigs of basil, mint, or shiso, or a combination, plus more for garnish

• 1 750 ml bottle dry prosecco

• About 8 ounces elderflower tonic water or sparkling water

• 8 lime slices

1. Combine the gin and St-Germain in a medium pitcher. Add a generous handful of herbs, and use the muddler to crush the leaves a bit to release their flavor. Add the prosecco (you’ll need to add it in increments to let the bubbles die down).

2. Fill 8 glasses with ice and pour the mixture into the glasses, dividing it evenly. Top each glass with some tonic or soda, and garnish with more herbs and a slice of lime.

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