Aperol spritz vs Hugo spritz: what's the difference?
An Aperol spritz is bittersweet orange and prosecco, while a Hugo spritz swaps the Aperol for elderflower and fresh mint, so it's floral, sweeter and not bitter at all.
Aperol spritz
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Bittersweet orange bubbles, the patio classic.
What does Aperol spritz taste like?Hugo spritz
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Elderflower, mint and lime bubbles, light and garden-fresh.
The real difference
Both are prosecco and soda over ice. The Aperol spritz adds Aperol, an orange aperitivo with a gentle bitter edge. The Hugo adds elderflower syrup or liqueur, fresh mint and lime, so it tastes floral and sweet with no bitterness. If you don't like bitter, the Hugo is your spritz.
Side by side
Aperol spritzHugo spritz
Flavor baseAperolElderflower, mint, lime
ColorBright orangePale, almost clear
TastesBittersweet orangeFloral, minty, sweet
Which to order
- Order an Aperol spritz if you like a little bitter with your bubbles.
- Order a Hugo if you want something floral and fresh with no bitter edge.
Quick questions
- Is a Hugo spritz sweet?
- Sweeter than an Aperol spritz, since elderflower is floral and sugary with nothing bitter to balance it. Lime and soda keep it from tasting like syrup.
- Which is lower in alcohol?
- About the same. Both are mostly prosecco and soda, and the Aperol or elderflower pour is small.