The summertime brings on its own set of cocktails to enjoy al fresco. In recent years, we have seen drinks completely take over the summer scene, such as Rose and the Aperol Spritz. This year, it has been the Hugo Spritz. This drink is still a spritz in nature, meaning it’s an Italian cocktail consisting of an aperitif, sparkling wine, and sparkling water, like its ‘cousin’ the Aperol Spritz. But, the Hugo Spritz has a lighter, sweeter, and less bitter taste with the use of elderflower liqueur and mint leaves. Because the term ‘Hugo Spritz’ has just begun to rise in popularity here in the States, most local restaurants have a very similar drink listed called the St. Germain Spritz. The only difference between the two is the addition of mint and lime to the Hugo Spritz. We rounded up spots in Hoboken and Jersey City with Hugo or St. Germain spritz listed on their menus, however with the rise in popularity (and the simple ingredients), head into your favorite bar to ask for the drink of the summer and they just might have it.
Ainsworth Hoboken | 310 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Count on this waterfront location for a Hugo Spritz, especially on Sundays when all spritzs are four for $45 all day long.
Read More: The Best Cocktail Bars in Hoboken for a Self-Guided Cocktail Crawl
The Brass Rail | 135 Washington Street, Hoboken
The Summer Spritz menu is in full swing at The Brass Rail. While the Hugo Spritz isn’t directly on the menu, fun new spins on this classic drink, such as the Elderpear Spritz, which has elderflower and pear nectar, can be found.
Chickie’s Jersey City | 236 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City
While the Hugo may be disguised as the St. Germain Spritz on the menu, the taste is just as good.
Court Street | 61 Sixth Street, Hoboken
Among a lengthy cocktail menu is an option between an Aperol or elderflower spritz, perfect to pair with one of Court Street’s daily specials.
Lokal Eatery + Bar | 2 2nd Street, Jersey City
Although not formally listed, Lokal has all the trappings for a classic Hugo Spritz on the menu, so feel free to ask.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street, Hoboken
Join this Hoboken staple for happy hour during the week to enjoy an $8 spritz menu complete with Aperol Spritz, Fiore Spritz, Capri Spritz, and Hugo Spritz.
See More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preference
Union Hall Hoboken | 306 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
The Hugo Spritz can be found on the menu here along with a list of summer spritzes, including classic Aperol and lychee.
Jersey City’s Milk Sugar Love Expanding to Asbury Park
Milk Sugar Love, the beloved Jersey City-based ice cream shop known for its handcrafted treats, is expanding to the Jersey Shore. In June 2025 the artisanal creamery will open a new location in Asbury Park, New Jersey, bringing its signature small-batch ice cream to the beach. The woman-owned ice cream parlor — founded by chef-owner Emma Taylor — is known for using high-quality, all-natural, and organic ingredients to create classic and seasonal flavors. The Asbury Park location promises to be a sweet addition to the seaside scene this summer. Read on to learn more about Milk Sugar Love’s new location opening in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
The Details
Milk Sugar Love is set to open at 1319 Memorial Drive in Asbury Park, New Jersey in June 2025. The new shop will feature an expanded production kitchen, walk-up window, and café-style seating for 12, including a few coveted counter seats where guests can watch their sundaes, affogatos, and ice cream specialties being expertly prepared.
Read More: The Cafe at Journal Squared: Jersey City’s Newest Coffee Shop
The Asbury Park location's expanded menu will showcase house-made ice cream available by the scoop, artisanal soft serve, specialty coffee drinks such as affogatos and cold brew floats, and a full take-home menu including ice cream sandwiches, celebration ice cream cakes, and fresh-baked treats. Milk Sugar Love’s ice cream flavor options span from standards like strawberry and vanilla to one-of-a-kind tastes such as lemon olive oil and guava cream cheese.
The Monmouth County expansion marks an exciting milestone for the brand, which has been delighting dessert lovers at its storefront in Jersey City since 2014. The announcement of the future Jersey Shore location was made in tandem with a reflection and celebration of its tenth year in business.
“It’s been 10 years of Milk Sugar Love and I still deeply believe in what we’re doing – making inventive and delicious ice cream from scratch using locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. You help me continue to live this ice cream dream of mine with every post you share, with every pint you bring home for the family, with every friend you bring to visit the shop. I am excited for another year of making ice cream for you in Jersey City and soon, in Asbury Park too!” founder Emma Taylor announced on the Milk Sugar Love Instagram.
The new location in Asbury Park is fitting because, like most Jersey girls, Emma spent her summers down the shore where her love of ice cream blossomed.
"I moved to Asbury Park a few years back and have been inspired by the city’s live music scene, its close-knit small business community and of course, all its delicious food," Emma shared in the official press release. "I'm thrilled for Milk Sugar Love to join this creative community.”
The flagship Milk Sugar Love location is at 19 McWilliams Place in the Hamilton Park neighborhood of Jersey City. Previously, Milk Sugar Love operated a second location in the Jersey City Heights neighborhood at 394 Palisade Avenue, however, this location closed in 2022. Fans can expect the same dedication to quality and creativity that has made Milk Sugar Love a local favorite in Jersey City down at the shore.
Emma and the Milk Sugar Love team will be popping by Berg’s Smoked Meat + Poutine in Belmar, New Jersey on Saturday, January 25th from 12PM-2PM to celebrate the two businesses’ collaboration. The team will be scooping up the limited edition flavor, Caraway Crunch, serving up free samples. Pints will be available for purchase to enjoy at home. Berg’s Smoked Meat is known for its Montreal-style smoked meat and poutine. The Berg’s team worked with Milk Sugar Love to create the flavor, which is sweetened with brown sugar and crunchy-, all-butter smoked meat toffee pieces mixed in.
Be sure to follow @milksugarlovejc on Instagram for updates on the new Asbury Park, New Jersey location.
See More: New Businesses Coming to Montclair + Essex County in 2025
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