6 Places in Virginia Serving the Drink Everyone’s Ordering This Summer

Every year, it seems a new cocktail rises in the ranks to become the drink of summer. While sangritas, frozen margaritas, and bittersweet Aperol Spritzes have been the cornerstones of summer sippings past, this year, the Hugo Spritz is here to offer a refreshingly light and daintily sweet alternative to otherwise super-sugary bar picks. As someone who has been regularly ordering (and concocting) the beverage since 2023— after first trying (and falling head over heels for) it in France with my BFF, where it’s been popular for years—I’m a Hugo pro, and I know where to go. Ahead, read up on where to find a Hugo Spritz in Virginia.

Screwtop Wine Bar — Arlington

Screwtop Wine Bar is one of the best places to grab summer drinks in Virginia because, in addition to seemingly endless wine options, the menu features a variety of cocktails served up, on the rocks, and even frozen. Whether you want to sip on a classic Hugo on the rocks or opt for an even more refreshing frozen version, Screwtop Wine Bar is ready to wow you—and that’s before even considering the mouth-watering cheese plates that make for the perfect Hugo pairing. Grab a spot at the bar, ask for a table, or post up on the patio to sip and savor your Screwtop Wine Bar Hugo Spritz experience.

Trattoria Villagio — Clifton

One of my personal favorite places to order a Hugo Spritz in Virginia is at Trattoria Villagio in Clifton. The quaint Italian restaurant is tucked amongst the tiny town’s main street and features a hidden courtyard patio that looks plucked out of Florence. It’s where my fiance and I had our first real date, and even though Hugos aren’t always on the menu, they can always whip them up with a request. Pro Tip: The Stracciatella Dip and Cavatelli Arrabbiata are divine.

Josephine — Old Town Alexandria

While many restaurants can whip up Hugo Spritzes these days, most places that feature the popular cocktail front and center on the menu are Italian or French. Speaking of, Josephine is a fantastic place to order a Hugo Spritz in Old Town Alexandria. The beautifully designed French brasserie has a distinct Parisian feel that evokes memories of my first Hugo experiences—in other words, it’s sure to leave an impression whether you go for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Corso Italian Restaurant & Market — Shirlington

If homemade pasta, reasonable prices, and ever-flowing spritzes sound like your idea of the perfect date night, make your way over to Corso Italian Restaurant & Market in Shirlington. On “Macaroni Monday,” guests can enjoy a variety of homemade pastas for just $15 per heaping plate, and on Thursdays, the Italian eatery offers its That’s Amore Date Night for 2 prix fixe menu, featuring a shared starter, individual entrees, a shared dessert, and one signature cocktail each (including Hugos) for $79 total. (Psst: Corso goes the extra mile for spritzes. They serve Hugo Spritzes, Aperol Spritzes, Primavera Spritzes, Tuscan Spritzes, Limoncello Spritzes, and Colada Spritzes. You might just want to make a flight of it.)

Mia’s Italian Kitchen — Old Town Alexandria

I’m a pizza and pasta lover through and through, and my other personal favorite Italian restaurant in Virginia is Mia’s in Old Town, where Hugos can be crafted upon request (FYI: They sometimes don’t have mint available, but it still quenches the craving). The large King Street gem is mere blocks from the water, making it the perfect place to brunch, lunch, or have dinner before or after strolling along the Potomac and peeking into all of Old Town’s precious shops. As for what to order, you can’t go wrong with a slice of the Diavola pizza or the Chicken Parmesan with vodka sauce subbed in. 

Carbonara — Arlington

A final NoVa-must for a Hugo Spritz is Carbonara in Arlington. The TikTok-famous restaurant is known for its insane Chicken Parmesan Alla Vodka, in which the mozzarella-covered sauce is poured over the giant crispy chicken cutlet tableside. It’s a spectacle (don’t be surprised if fellow diners film their meals) and an absolute delight for the senses. Pro Tip: Order one and share so that you can enjoy what else the menu has to offer, from arancini balls and mozzarella carrozza to mussels, Italian peppers, and meatballs—and wash it all down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz (or a few).

Other Places to Grab a Hugo Spritz in Virginia

Nowadays, many, if not most, restaurants are hopping on the spritz bandwagon. While Aperol is nearly as common as Tito’s in most of the best bars, finding St. Germain can sometimes be a bit trickier. With that in mind, whether you’re traveling into the country or down to the beach, Lost Barrel Brewing in Middleburg, The Perch at Virginia Guesthouse in Charlottesville, HobNob RVA and Uliveto in Richmond, and Steinhilber’s and The Hampton Social in Virginia Beach all have Hugo Spritzes on the menu.

As delicious as Hugos are, don’t write a restaurant off solely because they don’t have one on the menu. Even if it’s not listed, it’s easy to whip up so long as the restaurant or bar has elderflower liqueur, dry prosecco, soda water, mint, and lemon or lime. A word to the wise, though: If the refreshing cocktail isn’t on the menu, be sure to tell your server or bartender how to make it. Otherwise, you risk getting a hefty pour of elderflower-infused, sweet sparkling wine without the oh-so-necessary mint and citrus trimmings. (Trust me, it’s a fate I’ve faced enough times to have learned my lesson.)