Lucky Hugo Tonic

We could all use a little extra luck these days, no? For St. Patrick’s Day, I’m giving the classic Hugo Spritz a green twist with fresh cucumber juice and swapping out the bubbly for gin. It’s a slightly boozier version of a classic Italian cocktail that will hopefully leave you whistling Irish tunes into the wee hours of the night. But keep the Prosecco and ditch the gin if you want something lighter.

Watch Me Mix a Lucky Hugo Tonic

How to Make a Lucky Hugo Tonic

1. Fill a large spritz or wine glass with ice.
2. Add elderflower liqueur and gin.
3. Pour in 1–2 oz fresh cucumber juice (adjust based on how cucumber-forward you want it).
4. Add tonic water and gently stir to combine.
5. Top with a splash of soda water if you prefer a lighter finish, or additional tonic for more bitterness.
6. Lightly clap fresh mint between your hands to release its aroma and add to the glass.
7. Garnish with thin cucumber slices.

How to Make Cucumber Juice

Fresh cucumber juice is what really makes this twist on a Hugo Spritz extra lucky. It adds brightness, body, and a natural cooling quality that pairs beautifully with the botanicals of elderflower liqueur and gin. Make sure you buy the Persian cucumbers. Those are the little guys with a thin skin and basically no seeds.

You’ll need:

• 2–3 Persian cucumbers
• 1/2 cup filtered water

Instructions

1. Wash and trim the cucumbers. If using Persian cucumbers, peeling is optional, their skin is thin and mild.
2. Roughly chop into 1-inch pieces for easier blending.
3. Add cucumbers and filtered water to a high-speed blender. (<< Get 15% off if you follow that link!)
4. Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until completely smooth and liquefied.
5. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or measuring cup and pour the mixture through.
6. Use the back of a spoon to gently press and extract as much liquid as possible through the strainer.
7. Discard the pulp.

You should have a vibrant, pale green cucumber juice. Refrigerate until ready to use, but it’s best used within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

What is a Classic Hugo Spritz?

I was inspired by the classic Hugo Spritz when making my Lucky Hugo Tonic. The Hugo Spritz follows the 3:2:1 ratio of a more well-known Aperol Spritz but is a lighter, less boozy option. It’s made with 3 parts Prosecco + 2 parts Elderflower Liqueur + 1 part club soda. It’s usually garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel. For the Hugo Tonic, I mixed the ratios up a bit, added cucumber juice for the freshness and the gorgeous green color, and swapped the Prosecco out for gin. But you could easily use the traditional Prosecco or sparkling wine instead of gin if you want something lighter!