When the weather gets warm in Austria, people spend as much time outside as possible. Long evenings in the garden, visits to a Heuriger, lakeside cafés, or relaxed dinners with family and friends are a huge part of Austrian summer culture — and there are two drinks you’ll see almost everywhere: Hugo and Weißer Spritzer.
When I was a child, I often helped out at local Heurigen, including the Pfarrheuriger in my village. The older children were allowed to help as waitresses and take food and drink orders, and I still remember how many adults would order either a “Weiße G’spritzte” or a “Sommerspritzer” on warm evenings.
Hugo became popular a little later, during my late teenage years. Even now, my cousin and I still enjoy the occasional bottle together when we meet up. I especially remember the affordable but surprisingly good Hugo from Hofer — the Austrian version of Aldi — which became a regular summer favourite for many people my age.
Both drinks are refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for warm summer evenings. While Hugo feels slightly more modern and floral, the Weißer Spritzer is a true Austrian classic that has been enjoyed for generations.
What is a Weißer Spritzer?
A Weißer Spritzer is one of Austria’s most popular summer drinks. It is simply dry white wine mixed with sparkling water, served cold over ice.
It is especially common at Heurigen, the traditional Austrian wine taverns, where people gather for relaxed evenings with wine and simple food. The sparkling water makes the wine lighter, crisp, and incredibly refreshing during hot weather.
In Austria, Grüner Veltliner is often used, but any dry white wine works well.
Simple Weißer Spritzer Recipe
Ingredients
UK Sourcing Tips
- 125 ml dry white wine
- 125 ml sparkling water
- ice cubes
- lemon slice (optional)
- Majestic Wine – often stocks Grüner Veltliner and Austrian Riesling
- Marks & Spencer – sometimes has Austrian Grüner Veltliner as part of seasonal wine ranges
- The Wine Society – a good option for higher quality Austrian wines
- Online wine shops
Method
Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the white wine, and top with sparkling water. Add a slice of lemon if you like and serve immediately.
What is Hugo?
Hugo became hugely popular across Austria during the 2010s and is now a summer favourite in cafés, restaurants, and garden parties.
It is a light and refreshing drink made with prosecco, elderflower cordial, mint, lime, and sparkling water. The flavour is floral, slightly sweet, and perfect for warm evenings outdoors.
Simple Hugo Recipe
Ingredients
- 150 ml prosecco
- 1–2 tbsp elderflower cordial
- splash of sparkling water
- fresh mint leaves
- lime slices
- ice cubes
Method
Fill a large glass with ice cubes, mint, and lime slices. Add the elderflower cordial and prosecco, then top with a little sparkling water. Stir gently and serve cold.
Austrian Summer Drinking Culture
In Austria, drinks like Hugo and Weißer Spritzer are less about cocktails and more about slowing down and enjoying summer evenings together.
You will often see people sitting outside for hours at a Heuriger with a Spritzer, sharing simple food and chatting late into the evening. Hugo is especially popular at summer parties and outdoor cafés, while the Weißer Spritzer remains a timeless classic across all generations.
Both drinks are easy to make at home and bring a little bit of Austrian summer feeling to any garden or balcony.
UK Ingredient Tips
For Hugo, elderflower cordial is easy to find in UK supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Marks & Spencer. Prosecco works perfectly and is widely available.
For a Weißer Spritzer, Grüner Veltliner is the most traditional option, but Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio also work well if you want something easier to find.
Whether you prefer the crisp simplicity of a Weißer Spritzer or the floral sweetness of a Hugo, both drinks are a lovely way to enjoy Austrian summer culture at home.
Serve them ice cold, sit outside if the weather allows, and enjoy a slow summer evening — Austrian style.
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