Hugo

For those living in London, if you haven't a chance to try our Hugo cocktail recipe that was printed on the Guardianback in August, looks like today is the day! Not exactly the most sunny day but let's face it, for October it's actually quite warm!

This really is a perfect aperitif on warmer evenings! Great alternatives to kir / pimm's etc. I have had this many times in Germany and it's really popular over there (throughout the year)! Not sure why this is not more common here.

Back in Hong Kong in August, I ordered this drink at a cocktail bar. I did not expect the bartender to know the drink, but after duly consulting with us he whipped up a pretty good cocktail for us! I asked him why this was not more common in HK ( I have not seen Hugo on any cocktail menus in HK) and the answer was that the drink is not alcoholic enough... I wondered since when the Chinese became the big drinkers!

Anyway, the ingredient list below is my interpretation and is just a guideline, generally best to just add more or less of prosecco / water / elderflower depending on your preference on alcohol content / sweetness of the drink after you have gotten the general gist of it!

Makes 1

INGREDIENTS

150ml ice-cold prosecco

20ml elderflower cordial

100ml soda water

1 sprig of mintLime juice, plus slices of lime to finishIce cubes, to taste

DIRECTION

1. Pour half a glass of prosecco (about 150ml) and top with a glug of elderflower cordial (about 20ml).

2. Add a big dash of soda water (about 100ml – but add more or less to taste) and a sprig of mint. Squeeze in a little lime juice, add a couple of ice cubes and pop in a slice of lime for decoration. Serve with a straw.