What is the difference between Aperol and Hugo Spritz?

While both are Italian spritzes, they have distinct flavor profiles. An Aperol spritz features the bittersweet, orange-based Aperol liqueur, while a Hugo Spritz uses St. Germain elderflower liqueur for a lighter, floral taste. The Hugo is also unique with its addition of fresh mint, creating a more delicate and aromatic cocktail.

Is Hugo Spritz the same as St Germain Spritz?

Yes, these are two names for the same cocktail. The Hugo Spritz was created in 2005 by Roland Gruber, a bartender in northern Italy. While sometimes called a St Germain spritz since this elderflower liqueur is its key ingredient, its original and proper name is Hugo Spritz.

What kind of liquor is St Germain?

St. Germain is a French liqueur made from fresh elderflower blossoms. Each bottle contains up to 1,000 handpicked elderflower blossoms, giving it a delicate floral sweetness with hints of pear, lychee, and grapefruit. At 20% alcohol by volume, it's considered a relatively light liqueur.

Summer Recipes

Summer holidays always seem to revolve around good food, a little sun, and a grill that never really cools off. Our table usually includes something smoky, spicy, or ice-cold, and these recipes lean into those same easygoing flavors.

Burgers are a big part of our summer cooking, from the Classic Texas Burger and Bacon Blue Cheese Burger to our Caramelized Onion Mushroom Swiss Turkey Burger and Hatch Green Chile Cheeseburger. When we want something grilled but a little lighter, our Grilled Pork and Peach Salad fits the mood for warm-weather evenings.

For starters, Grilled Avocado Guacamole, Green Chile Salsa, and Habanero Mango Salsa are an easy option.

Cold sides and make-ahead dishes are always a must have for summer BBQs. BLT Pasta Salad, Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad, Southwest Pasta Salad, and Creamy Southern Coleslaw all hold up well for picnics, pool days, and backyard spreads.

If you’re in a dessert mood, Blueberry Turnovers and Cast Iron Blueberry Peach Cobbler feel right at home in the summer heat (don’t forget to add a scoop of ice cream).

And since warm days call for cold drinks, we keep a rotation going. You have to try one of our Frozen Aperol Spritz or Frozen Berry Sangria.

These recipes are made for warm weather, easy hosting, and long afternoons outside. The kind where the grill stays hot, the cooler stays full, and dinner never feels complicated.