Port is a fortified wine, produced in the mountainous eastern reaches of the Douro Valley of Portugal. Arguably the most famous fortified wine with a rich history, Port is experiencing something of a resurgence.
Curious about port? Maybe a little hesitant to try it? Try a port cocktail! We’ve rounded up a few recipes that are perfect for port first timers and those well-versed in the wine.
With all of these recipes, we highly recommend Warre's Ports. Founded in 1670, Warre & Co. is the oldest and one of the most highly esteemed port shipping firms in the world.
PORT OF CALL
The Clover Club in New York City makes a delicious cocktail combining the bright, acidic notes of cranberry and lemon with the rich, warm flavors of port and cinnamon. Perfect for the upcoming season, this cocktail has all the holiday flavors you know and love with a unique twist.
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1 oz Ruby Port
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz cinnamon syrup (can be made by simmering some simple syrup with cinnamon sticks or bark)
1 spoonful of cranberry preserves
Instructions:
Shake and strain into a glass over crushed ice and garnish with a blackberry, a raspberry, and a mint sprig.
Recipe & Photo: GQ Magazine
MANHATTAN
Port can also be used in some of your favorite, best-known cocktails, like a Manhattan. Use tawny port instead of sweet vermouth and orange bitters rather than Angostura and you have a fantastic seasonal cocktail- no pumpkin spice in sight.
Ingredients:
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce port
2 dashes orange bitters
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with cracked ice until cold. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
Image: Port Cocktails, Recipe: Cocktail Enthusiast
WHITE PORT & TONIC
Gin and tonics are a perennial favorite, but if you're looking for a new classic, try a white port and tonic. Popular in Portugal, white port adds a different flavor that pairs nicely with either a lemon or lime twist.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces white port
3 ounces tonic water
Wedge of lime or lemon
Instructions:
Fill a tumbler with ice. Add white port and top with tonic. Stir briefly. Depending on your taste, squeeze a wedge of either lime or lemon over the drink and drop into the glass
Photo & Recipe: New York Times Cooking
THE ROBERT FROST COCKTAIL
Created for one of the Obamas' White House holiday parties, this aromatic cocktail also uses white port.
Ingredients:
3/4 ounce bourbon
3/4 ounce dry amontillado sherry
3/4 ounce white port
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 dash orange bitters
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients and shake with ice.
2. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with thinly sliced orange and lemon wheels.
Photo: OhSoBeautifulPaper Recipe: Punch Drink
Do you have any favorite port cocktails? Have you tried any of the above? Let us know!