You've probably enjoyed an Aperol spritz in the past. One of the most popular Italian cocktails, it's also one of the simplest to make. Sometimes though, you just want something that hits the spot without the alcohol content. This Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz does just that. Even Wilfed's themselves couldn't quite come up with the delight we've got for you here at VE Refinery. We take a look at the story behind our exclusive Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz, the history of the drink, dream food pairings and of course, our unique recipe.
The Story Behind Our Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz
Wilfred's set out to create the best spritz in the world and believe they did so without the alcohol. Then they realised that sometimes a light tipple doesn’t hurt, so they created a low alcohol British Spritz using London Dry Gin.
Here at VE Refinery, we decided to go one better. We replaced the gin with Pentire alcohol-free spirit, so you can have a spritz with the flavour and kick of a distilled spirit without the alcohol. Pentire doesn't try to be a non-alcoholic gin. Instead, it has its own unique flavour that really adds something to this spritz.
The history of the Spritz
The spritz originated in Italy, but its origins are Austrian. In the 1800s, Italy's Veneto region formed part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Austrian soldiers stationed in Veneto found Italian wine a little too strong. They were used to the lower alcohol content of beer and set out to make their wine more palatable.
The word spritz was used to describe the splash of water Austrian soldiers were adding to a glass of wine. At that time, it was still water, so it's a far cry from the spritz we know and love today. Since then, still water has been replaced by sparkling soda and some people even use lemonade in their spritz.
As we all know the Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular drinks these days, and that's what our Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz is based on. Instead of Aperol, we use the delicious, non-alcoholic Wilfred's Aperitif. If you are looking for a spritz that stays true to the original but without the alcohol, try removing the Pentire Adrift and adding 100ml of Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay.
Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz Food Pairings
Like the celebrated Aperol Spritz, our cheeky Wilfred's Spritz pairs equally well with fish or light, fruity flavours. We would advise avoiding very strong flavours that might cause the lightly fragrant Spritz to be overlooked. Nonetheless, we are confident it can pair with any course if chosen carefully.
Starters
- Salmon cured with citrus flavours
- Baked figs with mild soft cheese such as brie sliced on top
- Platter of cured meats, cheeses and fruit
Mains
- Courgette and lemon risotto
- Spinach and ricotta ravioli
- Spaghetti with tomato and herb sauce
Desserts
- Cheese and biscuits with fruit - not a dessert as such, but very popular for after dinner when you're not in the mood for something sweet
- Passionfruit and peach cheesecake
- Lemon tart
How to make a Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz
Cheeky Wilfred's Spritz is super quick and simple to make and tastes delicious. Whilst it's ideal for a dinner party, it would work equally well as a welcome drink at a get-together. Pour one as required, or line up a table of them for guests to grab as they enter.
Ingredients
- 25 ml - Pentire Adrift
- 50 ml - Wilfred’s Aperitif
- 100 ml - Premium Tonic Water
Method
- Add ice to a large wine glass
- Pour in Pentire Adrift and Wilfred’s Aperitif
- Top with tonic water
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary to serve
Comments