22 Apr APEROL JOINS FORCES WITH NUGS ON A JOYFUL FOOD AND DRINK MASHUP
Simple food and drink are having a moment. From delicious easy-to-follow recipes like Baked Feta Pasta to tasty viral hacks like Fries and Milkshake. And, in 2023, the appetite for simplicity continues to rise. With conversations around “simple recipes” up 45%[1] and searches for “comfort food” soaring by 43%[2], we’re reaching for foods that bring us joy and there’s one staple that’s achieved cult status – the humble chicken nugget.
To answer the nation’s call for simple but tasty combinations, two loves of the food and drink world are colliding in a joyful mashup. Aperol Spritz has joined forces with NUGS, the UK’s first food concept dedicated to the nugget, on a selection of delicious gourmet nugget pairings.
To perfectly complement the bittersweet flavours of the three ingredient Aperol Spritz, three Italian inspired nugget flavours have been created using simple three ingredient toppings.
The unlikely mashup celebrates the coming together of the iconic Italian aperitivo and the UK’s adored comfort food, taking early-evening Al Fresco drinking with friends to joyful new heights.
Designed to be shared and using only the finest ingredients for an unrivalled taste experience, the gourmet nugget and Aperol Spritz pairings bring a fun twist to the Italian tradition for Aperitivo – shareable food washed down with light drinks and good company. The simple and delicious nugget flavours include Life Is Butter with Garlic, Mozzar-hella Good Nugs, and Simply the Zest – a feast for the eyes (and the ‘gram), as well as the senses.
To bring food and drink lovers a taste of the unique collaboration, Aperol is bringing Italian kiosk culture to the UK – the next big thing in Al Fresco dining. The pairing and sharing menu will be available from 19th – 21st April at the Aperol Spritz X NUGS kiosk in King’s Cross and features the three mouth-watering flavours, available with a chicken or cauliflower base, as well as a vegan option. Aperol Spritz x NUGS will also be popping up at festivals throughout the Summer.
Loris Contro, Aperol UK Brand Ambassador, said: “Since its arrival in the UK from Italy in 2011, Aperol Spritz has enjoyed huge success and is now one of the most popular cocktails. So, as a drink usually served with cicchetti – small plates of local Italian cuisine – we wanted to put a new spin on the tradition and extend the conversation around unexpected food and drink pairings.
“Our collaboration with NUGS gives food and drink lovers a new way to enjoy both the simplicity and quality of an Aperol Spritz with an equally simple, universally loved comfort food – using premium ingredients and flavours to take it to the next level. Whether out socialising with friends, or hosting at home, we hope this inspires people to explore the versatility of the Aperol Spritz and pair it with simple but unexpected foods that bring them joy.”
Reis Esiroglu, founder of NUGS, said: “When we started NUGS, the trend for giving simple foods a ‘glow up’ was on the rise. There’s a lot of love for nuggets, so while we wanted to create our own premium take on them, we knew we needed to stay true to the reason for their popularity in the first place – the simplicity. Top quality ingredients and maximum flavour is at the heart of everything we do, so creating new Italian inspired flavours that pay homage to Aperol’s heritage, and taste incredible with the Aperol Spritz, was a no brainer for us. We hope people have as much fun pairing and sharing them as we had creating them.”
Gluten free and available in vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a range of portion sizes perfect for sharing with friends, the Aperol Spritz X NUGS pairing and sharing menu features:
· Life is Butter with Garlic: Chicken or Cauliflower nuggets tossed in a garlic and parsley butter and then topped with freshly grated parmesan.
· Mozzar-hella Good Nugs: Chicken or Cauliflower nuggets tossed in marinara sauce, topped with buffalo mozzarella and pepperoni.
· Simply the Zest: Chicken or Cauliflower nuggets tossed in a simple sauce of lemon, vegan butter, and capers.
Aperol X NUGS is part of Aperol Spritz Socials Presents…, an early evening experience designed to be enjoyed with friends and loved ones. It celebrates the coming together of Aperol, the iconic Italian Aperitivo, and a joyful piece of UK culture.
