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Frozen Hugo

The Ultimate Summer Cocktail for Profitable Foodservice Venues - The Frozen Hugo is a sophisticated, frozen reinterpretation of the classic Hugo Spritz—ideal for high-volume service in outdoor venues, summer bars, and anywhere guests can enjoy a frosty, delicious cocktail. This recipe combines the floral elegance of elderflower with the crispness of mint and the effervescence of prosecco, delivering a refreshing, low-alcohol option perfect for warm-weather menus. Prepared using Crathco commercial frozen beverage machines, the Frozen Hugo ensures consistent texture, optimal freezing performance, and fast service—making it a smart addition to any commercial beverage program.

Machine(s)

Ingredient(s)

Water 3600gr

Prosecco or Still white wine 1700gr

Elderflower Syrup 1300gr

Soda 2200gr

Preparation

01.

Pre-Mix: In a sanitized container, combine elderflower syrup, prosecco (or still white wine) and water.

02.

Load the Machine: Pour the mixture into the Crathco frozen beverage machine tank. Set to the appropriate freezing cycle.

03.

Serve: Dispense into wine or tumbler glasses. Garnish with fresh mint and a lime wheel for a premium presentation.

Behind the Drink: The Story of the Hugo

The Hugo was created in 2005 in South Tyrol, Italy, by bartender Roland Gruber as a lighter, more floral alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Originally made with lemon balm, it evolved into a refreshing blend of elderflower, mint, and prosecco—quickly becoming a European summer staple.

The name “Hugo” was chosen simply for its catchy sound. Today, the Frozen Hugo offers a modern, high-margin twist that fits perfectly into American beverage programs seeking innovation and seasonal appeal.

Operator Insights: Frozen Hugo FAQs

Can I use a different syrup instead of elderflower?
Yes. While elderflower defines the classic Hugo profile, you can experiment with lemon balm, lavender, or orange blossom syrups to create signature variations tailored to your venue’s concept.
Can I offer a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely. Substitute prosecco with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or white grape juice to create a zero-proof Frozen Hugo. This is a great option for family-friendly venues and to provide mocktails to guests looking for an alcohol-free choice.
Is this recipe scalable for high-volume service?
Yes. The Frozen Hugo is designed for batch preparation and works seamlessly with Crathco machines, making it ideal for events, poolside service, and fast-paced high-demand environments.

Made with the same product

More choices, more delight: Don’t limit yourself to just one experience. Make the most of your ingredients by exploring our other cocktail recipes that share the same base products.