The Cheeky Vimto has earned its place as a beloved drink in British pub culture.
This vibrant purple cocktail packs a surprising punch despite its sweet taste. Want to bring a bit of British nightlife to your home bar?
This guide covers everything you need to know about making the perfect Cheeky Vimto.
What Is a Cheeky Vimto?
A Cheeky Vimto is a popular British cocktail that looks similar to the soft drink Vimto but contains alcohol.
The drink combines port wine and blue WKD (a blue-colored alcopop), creating a purple mixture that resembles Vimto, a well-known British soft drink.
Cheeky Vimto Ingredients
To make a classic Cheeky Vimto, you need:
- 50ml port wine (ruby port works best)
- 275ml blue WKD (a vodka-based alcopop)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Lemon slice for garnish
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. You only need two main alcoholic ingredients to create this popular drink.
How to Make a Cheeky Vimto
Making a Cheeky Vimto is straightforward:
- Fill a pint glass halfway with ice cubes
- Pour in 50ml of ruby port
- Top up with a full bottle of Blue WKD (275ml)
- Stir gently to combine
- Add a lemon slice as garnish if desired
This drink comes together in under a minute, making it perfect for parties or quick serving at home.
Substitute Ingredients for Cheeky Vimto
Can’t find the traditional ingredients? Try these substitutes:
- Blue WKD alternatives: Any blue-colored vodka-based alcopop can work. Smirnoff Ice mixed with blue food coloring or a splash of blue curaçao can serve as a replacement.
- Port alternatives: While ruby port gives the authentic flavor, you can use tawny port or even a sweet red wine in a pinch.
- Non-alcoholic version: Mix grape juice with blue sports drink and a splash of lemon juice for a virgin version that mimics the color and sweet-tart flavor profile.
Remember that substitutes will change the flavor profile slightly, but can still capture the essence of the drink.
Why Cheeky Vimto Stands Out
What makes this cocktail special:
- The dramatic color change when the ingredients mix
- The deceptively sweet taste that masks its high alcohol content
- The nostalgic connection to the Vimto soft drink for British drinkers
- The simplicity of preparation
The contrast between the sweet, fruity flavor and the strong alcohol kick creates a memorable drinking experience.
The Story Behind Cheeky Vimto
The Cheeky Vimto emerged in British pub culture around the early 2000s. The name comes from its visual similarity to Vimto, a popular British cordial created in Manchester in 1908.
The “cheeky” prefix refers to the sneaky strength of the drink, which tastes much sweeter and more innocent than its alcohol content suggests. This cocktail gained popularity during the rise of alcopops in the UK, particularly among younger drinkers.
The drink became a staple in university bars and clubs across Britain, known for delivering a potent punch while tasting like candy. Its affordability and simple recipe helped spread its popularity throughout the country.
Flavor Profile
When you take a sip of Cheeky Vimto, you’ll notice:
- A sweet, fruity first impression
- Berry and grape notes from the port
- Citrus undertones from the Blue WKD
- A warming finish from the port’s higher alcohol content
The drink manages to be both refreshing and warming, with a complex flavor that belies its simple ingredient list.
How to Serve Cheeky Vimto
For the best Cheeky Vimto experience:
- Serve in a pint glass or large tumbler
- Always use plenty of ice to keep it cold
- Serve immediately after mixing
- Add a lemon slice or berries for a fresh garnish
- Consider serving with a straw for easy drinking
The drink works well both as a party starter or as a relaxed evening cocktail.
Food Pairings That Work With Cheeky Vimto
The sweet and fruity profile of this cocktail pairs well with:
- Savory snacks like salted nuts or chips to balance the sweetness
- Spicy appetizers such as buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers
- British pub classics like sausage rolls or scotch eggs
- Cheese boards featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie
- Chocolate desserts for an indulgent sweet-on-sweet combination
The cocktail’s sweetness makes it work especially well with salty or spicy foods that provide contrast.
Alcohol Content
The Cheeky Vimto packs more of a punch than you might expect:
- Blue WKD typically contains 4-5% ABV
- Ruby port contains around 20% ABV
- The combined Cheeky Vimto typically has an ABV of approximately 8-10%
This makes it significantly stronger than beer or wine alone, despite its sweet taste. The deceiving sweetness often masks the alcohol strength, which has contributed to its reputation as a “cheeky” drink.
Nutritional Information
A standard Cheeky Vimto contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g (mostly from sugars)
- Alcohol: 20-25g
- Zero protein or fat
This cocktail is high in sugar and calories, making it an occasional treat rather than a regular choice for those watching their intake.
Tips for Enjoying Cheeky Vimto Responsibly
- The sweet taste can mask the high alcohol content, so pace yourself
- Alternate with water to stay hydrated
- Have with food to slow alcohol absorption
- Consider a half portion if you’re sensitive to alcohol
Final Thoughts
The Cheeky Vimto offers a taste of British drinking culture in a glass. Its vibrant color, sweet flavor, and surprising kick make it a conversation starter at any gathering.
Want to impress your friends with something different? This simple yet effective cocktail proves that sometimes the best drinks come from unexpected combinations.
Have you tried a Cheeky Vimto? What’s your favorite way to serve this purple concoction?
Drink responsibly and be aware that the sweet taste of a Cheeky Vimto can mask its alcohol strength.
