Wilfred's Bittersweet Aperitivo
Wilfred's Bittersweet is a non-alcoholic aperitif made in Britain from distilled and extracted natural botanicals, with rosemary, bitter orange, rhubarb and clove at its core. The combination gives it the bright citrus and gentle bitterness of a classic aperitivo, but the rosemary takes it somewhere distinctly more herbal and savory.
Bitter orange brings the citrusy backbone, rosemary adds fresh aromatics, rhubarb gives it an earthy tartness, and clove adds a subtle warmth underneath. It's bittersweet without becoming syrupy, botanical without tasting medicinal, and has enough character to hold its own with a very simple mixer.
Why We Love It
Wilfred's has a personality all its own. The rosemary is what sets it apart for us, giving the bitter orange a savory, aromatic edge that makes it feel more complex than a straightforward orange aperitivo. It brings sophistication and interest to a cocktail, with enough character to make even a simple serve feel considered.
How to Drink Wilfred's Bittersweet
For an easy serve, pour 2 oz Wilfred's Bittersweet over plenty of ice, top with premium tonic and garnish with a fresh orange slice. Simple, crisp and bittersweet, and a great way to let the botanicals shine.
Cheeky & Dry Signature Serve — Strawberry Rhubarb Sour: 2 oz Wilfred's Bittersweet, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz strawberry syrup, and 1 egg white. Dry shake vigorously, add ice and shake again until very cold. Double strain into a coupe and garnish with a thin strawberry slice.
Pair it with: whipped goat cheese crostini, prosciutto with melon, grilled prawns with citrus, or salty Marcona almonds.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Fresh rosemary, bitter orange peel, and a hint of warm clove
- Palate: Bright citrus bitterness, earthy rhubarb tartness, and savory herbal aromatics
- Finish: Gently warming and dry — bittersweet without being syrupy
- Body: Light to medium — botanical and crisp, with more savory complexity than a classic orange aperitivo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilfred's Bittersweet non-alcoholic?
Yes. Wilfred's Bittersweet is a non-alcoholic aperitif made from distilled and extracted natural botanicals. It contains no alcohol.
What does Wilfred's Bittersweet taste like?
It's bittersweet, citrusy, and herbal — bitter orange and rosemary up front, with earthy rhubarb tartness and a subtle warmth from clove. It's more savory and aromatic than a classic orange aperitivo, without being medicinal or overly sweet.
How do I serve Wilfred's Bittersweet?
The easiest serve is 2 oz over ice topped with premium tonic and an orange slice. For something more interesting, try the Strawberry Rhubarb Sour: Wilfred's Bittersweet, fresh lemon juice, strawberry syrup, and egg white, shaken and double-strained into a coupe.
Where is Wilfred's Bittersweet made?
Wilfred's is made in Britain using distilled and extracted natural botanicals. It's one of the original non-alcoholic aperitifs from the UK's growing no-and-low movement.
What size is this bottle?
This listing is for the standard 500 ml bottle of Wilfred's Bittersweet.
How is Wilfred's Bittersweet different from Aperol?
Wilfred's is non-alcoholic and has a more complex, savory botanical profile than Aperol. Where Aperol is sweet and straightforwardly orange, Wilfred's brings rosemary, rhubarb, and clove into the mix for a more herbal, aromatic bitterness — and zero alcohol.
Can I use Wilfred's Bittersweet in cocktails?
Absolutely. Its bittersweet, botanical profile makes it a versatile base for non-alcoholic spritzes, sours, and aperitivo-style drinks. It has enough character to stand up to mixers and works especially well in egg white sours and citrus-forward builds.
