South Tyrolean Aperitifs: The Taste of the Mountains in a Glass
Whether you’re surrounded by the magic of the Dolomites or simply want to recreate the South Tyrolean atmosphere at home, these traditional aperitifs will transport you straight to the Alpine landscapes and local traditions. Fresh ingredients, wild herbs and mountain fruits come together in aromatic, refreshing drinks — perfect for any occasion.
Classic Aperitifs
Hugo – The Symbolic Aperitif of South Tyrol
Perhaps the most iconic of all South Tyrolean aperitifs, the Hugo was born right here. It’s a refreshing mix of prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water and mint leaves — perfect for hot summer days and now loved all across Europe.
Discover the Recipe
Ingredients (for about 1 litre):
- 600 ml Prosecco
- 150 ml elderflower syrup
- 250 ml sparkling water or soda
- A handful of fresh mint (about 20 leaves)
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Fill a large jug with plenty of ice and add the mint leaves. Then pour in the elderflower syrup, followed by Prosecco and sparkling water, stirring gently to keep the bubbles. Serve immediately with a few mint leaves and a slice of lime.
Tip: For a stronger aroma, lightly crush the mint before adding it!
Today there are many creative variations of this aperitif, including versions with ginger, berries, apple, or exotic fruits like passion fruit and mango — blending tradition with innovation.
Veneziano – The South Tyrolean Spritz
A local take on the classic Spritz, often made with South Tyrolean white wine or prosecco, a splash of soda, and Aperol or a local bitter. The result is a lighter, less sweet aperitif.
Discover the Recipe
Ingredients (for about 1 litre):
- 600 ml Prosecco
- 400 ml Aperol or South Tyrolean bitter (e.g. “Veneziano” by Roner Distillery)
- 200 ml sparkling water or soda
- 1 orange, sliced
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Fill a large jug with plenty of ice and pour in the Aperol or local bitter. Add the Prosecco, stirring gently to preserve the fizz, then top up with sparkling water or soda. Garnish with orange slices.
Tip: For a more bitter, less sweet taste, replace part of the Aperol with a stronger local amaro.
FORST Beer: South Tyrolean Excellence
FORST Beer is one of South Tyrol’s icons, brewed since 1857 in the historic brewery of Lagundo near Merano. Made with pure mountain water and selected ingredients, FORST beers are known for their high quality — perfect to enjoy with typical South Tyrolean dishes or as a refreshing aperitif.
South Tyrolean Cider: The Tradition of Fermented Apples
With its vast apple orchards, South Tyrol is also home to artisanal cider. Known as “Apfelwein” or “Südtiroler Cider”, it’s made from local apple varieties such as Golden Delicious, Jonagold and Gravensteiner, without added sugar or artificial ingredients.
This South Tyrolean cider is natural, lightly sparkling and fruity — perfect as a refreshing aperitif or paired with cheese and speck.
Winter Warmers: Mulled Wine and Apfelglühmix
During winter in South Tyrol, Glühwein (Mulled Wine) and Apfelglühmix (Hot Apple Punch) are the most popular drinks to warm up chilly mountain days — especially at Christmas markets or in alpine huts.
Vin Brûlé: The Winter Classic
Mulled wine is a hot drink made with red wine, sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cloves and star anise, plus orange zest. It’s gently heated (never boiled) to preserve the aroma and served steaming — the perfect companion for winter evenings.
Apfelglühmix: The Sweetness of Apples
Apfelglühmix is made with South Tyrolean apple juice infused with cinnamon and cloves. Served hot, it’s often enriched with Stroh 80 rum or Amaretto Di Saronno — though it’s just as delicious in its non-alcoholic version.
Non-Alcoholic Aperitifs
Alcohol-Free Hugo:
A refreshing drink made with elderflower syrup, sparkling water and mint. Fragrant and thirst-quenching.
South Tyrolean Apple Juice:
100% natural apple juice, served chilled or with sparkling water for a lighter version.
Sportwasser: The Drink for Hikers — a typical South Tyrolean beverage loved by athletes and mountain walkers. It’s a refreshing mix of sparkling water, lemon juice and elderflower or raspberry syrup — perfect for rehydration on hot summer days.
Thanks to its lightness and lack of alcohol, Sportwasser is a natural, refreshing alternative to sugary soft drinks, often served in mountain huts or made at home with fresh ingredients.
South Tyrolean Syrups: Tradition and Creativity in Every Glass
In South Tyrol, the production of homemade syrups is a long-standing tradition passed down through generations. Alongside the classics like elderflower, raspberry and mint, many farms and alpine huts create unique variations using local ingredients such as mountain pine, lemon balm, blackcurrant and dandelion.
These syrups are not only used for refreshing non-alcoholic drinks but also form the base for creative aperitifs. From the alcohol-free twist on the Hugo to innovative mixes like mountain pine syrup with Prosecco or lavender syrup with gin, South Tyrolean syrups offer endless opportunities for experimentation — blending tradition with creativity.