Cheeky Vimto
The Cheeky Vimto is a cultural phenomenon in the United Kingdom's pub and club scene. It is a simple two-ingredient drink combining the rich, fruity notes of ruby port with the sweet, mixed-fruit flavor of Blue WKD, an alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage. The result is a surprisingly potent, very sweet drink that mimics the taste of the popular cordial 'Vimto'. Its deep purple hue and straightforward preparation make it a go-to choice for a fun, uncomplicated night out.
Preparation
Preparation time: 1 minute
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Cheeky Vimto is best classified as a simple mixed drink or an alcopop cocktail. It falls into a contemporary category of drinks that became popular in the UK in the early 2000s, characterized by their sweetness and ease of preparation. It's not a classic cocktail but rather a popular pub creation.
Serving
Serve this cold drink in a simple highball or pint glass, with or without ice. Its alcohol content is relatively low, comparable to a strong beer.
Serving size
Approximately 325 ml / 11 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 5-6% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Pint glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The exact origin of the Cheeky Vimto is murky, as is common with many popular pub concoctions. It is widely believed to have been created in the early 2000s in the UK, a time when alcopops like WKD were at the peak of their popularity. The legend suggests a bartender or patron was attempting to create an alcoholic version of the soft drink Vimto, leading to the combination of port and blue WKD which surprisingly hit the mark.
Origin
United Kingdom, circa early 2000s.
Cheeky Vimto
The drink is most commonly known as the "Cheeky Vimto," a name derived from its flavor, which is said to resemble the British soft drink Vimto. It is often shortened to "Cheeky V" in casual conversation, especially when ordering in a loud pub or club.
Original name
Cheeky Vimto
Alternative name
Cheeky V
Characteristics overview
The Cheeky Vimto is overwhelmingly sweet and fruity in both aroma and flavor, with a light sparkle from the WKD. It presents as an opaque, deep purple liquid, offering a thin and bubbly texture best enjoyed cold.
Flavor
Sweet, Fruity, Berry, Grape, Mixed-fruit
Aroma
Sweet, Fruity, Berry
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Sweet, Short
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Deep purple, Opaque
Texture
Thin, Bubbly
Seasonality
All-season, Refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
This drink is defined by its extreme sweetness and fruitiness, with very low alcohol presence and a gentle carbonation. It has virtually no sour, bitter, or salty notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This is a simple two-ingredient cocktail, requiring a measure of ruby port and a full bottle of the alcopop WKD Blue.
- Ruby Port50 ml / 1.75 ozA young, fruity port is best. To ensure the drink is vegan, check for a port that is explicitly marked as vegan-friendly, as some use animal-based fining agents.
- WKD Blue275 ml / 9.3 oz (one bottle)This is a specific brand of caffeinated alcoholic mixed drink popular in the UK. Substituting with another blue-colored alcopop may alter the taste.
Ice type
- Cubed (optional)
Mixing equipments
No special bar equipment is needed; this drink is built directly in the serving glass.
- None
Instructions
Preparation is incredibly simple: just pour the shot of port into a glass and top it with a bottle of WKD Blue. Ice is optional but recommended.
1. If using, fill a highball or pint glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the 50ml shot of ruby port into the glass.
3. Top up the glass with the entire bottle of chilled WKD Blue.
4. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The Cheeky Vimto is characteristically served without any garnish; its vibrant color is its main visual appeal.
- None
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine from the WKD Blue. It is typically dairy, egg, soy, nut, and gluten-free. While vegetarian, it may not be vegan due to the fining agents used in some port wines.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This drink is high in calories, primarily from its very high sugar and carbohydrate content derived from both the port and the WKD.
Calories
Averagely 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 35-40 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 35-40 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for casual social gatherings, student parties, and nights out at a lively pub or club. Its sweet taste and simple recipe make it an accessible choice for those who prefer less complex or spirit-forward cocktails.
- Party
- Casual Drink
- Night Out
Pairing suggestions
Due to its intense sweetness, the Cheeky Vimto pairs best with savory and salty foods. It's a popular accompaniment to casual fare like crisps, pizza, or other fast food, where the saltiness can help balance the drink's sugary profile.
- Salty snacks (crisps, nuts)
- Pizza
- Late-night takeaway food
The Cheeky Vimto: A Sweet British Phenomenon
The Cheeky Vimto is a simple, two-ingredient mixed drink that holds a notable place in modern British pub culture. Combining ruby port and WKD Blue, it's celebrated for its uncanny resemblance to the soft drink Vimto. While not a sophisticated cocktail, its appeal lies in its straightforward sweetness, fruity flavor, and ease of making. It's an unpretentious, fun, and vibrant drink perfect for casual parties and social nights out.
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