Spritz of the Summer

Step aside Aperol, Hello Hugo!

To all you Aperol Spritz-loving bitches,

Your reign is officially over—and honestly, I couldn't be happier. As someone who cannot stand the taste of Aperol, I’ve spent way too many brunches pretending to enjoy what can only be described as cat piss with bubbles. I tried. I really did. But my taste buds have standards.

Thankfully, the Italian gods have blessed us once again with something far superior (and yes, we’ll probably take credit for it): the Hugo Spritz.

Let the record show—I called this takeover years ago after my first sip in Sorrento. I knew Dallas would catch up eventually. Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all. I’ve been ordering them here for years, fighting the good fight. And it hasn’t been easy...

A shocking number of Dallas spots still don’t carry St-Germain—the key ingredient in a proper Hugo. And some that do still manage to ruin it. So here it is: your guide to the places that get it right—and the ones to avoid. Because brunch deserves better.

1. Bar Colette Bar Colette’s is technically the best—more refined and definitely the fancier pick. Super crisp, super light. It’s one of their signature cocktails, and it shows. They use Japanese mint, muddled so finely it sneaks into every sip. I’m in love with it.
   

   

   
   

2. Beverley's No, I’m not an employee of Beverley’s—and I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard fangirl either. They just keep landing at the top of my list. Do they slap? Absolutely. But I swear, I’m not obsessed... unless we’re talking about their Hugo Spritz.
   

   Because guys—this one’s chug-worthy. It’s more than just a Hugo. They put a lemon-lime spin on it that takes it to another level. Total winner.
   

   

   
   

3. Via Triozzi

   Remember that Lower Greenville rooftop bar I low-key dragged? Don’t worry—this isn’t that. Via Triozzi, the restaurant underneath, serves what I’d call a true Hugo Spritz. They keep it authentic over there. It’s solid. Classic. Consistent. If you’re after the real-deal, no-frills version.
   

   

   
   

4. Park House One of my least favorite espresso martinis—but home to a surprisingly great Hugo Spritz. They offer bottomless mimosas at brunch, which is tempting, but I skip it every time for the Hugo.
   

   It stays bubbly, they keep the recipe simple, and the champagne they use makes all the difference.
   

5. Le Bilboquet

   I actually enjoyed this one—refreshing, easy, and it got the job done. Glad it did, because this spot is perfect for a fun brunch with the girls.

Now it’s time to call out the Catfishers—starting with the mild misses and ending with the full-on flops.

1. Green Point

   Pretty disappointed—especially since it’s owned by the same team behind Beverley’s (aka the best). It was just lame. Not on the menu, to be fair, but honestly, I can make a better one at home.
   

2. Anchor Bar

   This one was a swing and a miss. I want to enjoy one on their patio, but after multiple tries, it still falls flat. No flavor, basically just champagne. Somehow, they make Chelsea Corner’s Hugo Spritz feel like a luxury.
   

3. Doce Mesa I fully own that it’s my fault for thinking I could order a Hugo Spritz here. But just in case you find yourself like me—at Doce, hungover and afraid of a margarita—don’t think the Hugo is the answer. It was AWFUL! 😂
   

4. The Charlotte Utterly disgusted. They put a Hugo Spritz on the menu—for $18—with Tito’s...? Tasted like battery acid. Sent it back without hesitation. Skip the Hugo—and honestly, skip the whole restaurant. Separate blog post on this place coming soon.