Before we continue, we’ll be recommending different varieties of port for each co*cktail. Therefore, we suggest that you learn about them with our guide to the different types of port wine.
1. Suburban
Said to be named after a 19th-century horse race in Brooklyn, the Suburban is a quintessential classic co*cktail. As you can expect, it’s remarkably boozy!
You will need the following ingredients:
- 45 ml (1½ Oz) Rye Whiskey
- 15 ml (½ Oz) Dark Rum
- 15 ml (½ Oz) Ruby Port
- 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
- 1 Dash Orange Bitters
Stir all the ingredients in a co*cktail shaker with ice until it’s cold to the touch. Strain into either a co*cktail glass or a tumbler. If it’s the latter, feel free to throw in some ice, too. Afterwards, garnish with a brandied cherry, an orange slice, or even aromatic herbs.
2. White Port Tonic
This easy recipe is a great use of white port to make a pleasant summer apéritif. It’s as easy as a gin and tonic to make and offers an excellent alternative to the usual choices.
It consists of the following:
- 45 ml (1½ Oz) White Port
- 15 ml (½ Oz) Lillet Blanc (Optional)
- 120 ml (4 Oz) Tonic Water
- Orange Wedge
Add the white port to a glass filled with ice (and the Lillet Blanc if you want) and top up with the tonic water while stirring. Throw in an orange wedge as garnish and you’re done!
3. Trafalgar Punch
A heady yet refreshing punch for a sunny afternoon, here’s a great one to make when inviting guests over for a garden party. Bear in mind that it’s worth preparing it ahead of the event!
It requires the following ingredients to make:
- 360 ml (12 Oz) Tawny Port
- 240 ml (8 Oz) Armagnac
- 120 ml (4 Oz) White Rum
- Orange Slice or Lemon Peel
- 3 Lemons
- 150 g (5.3 Oz) Sugar
- 720 ml (24 Oz) Water
- Nutmeg
Peel the lemons and juice them. Reserve the juice and muddle the peels with the sugar. You can choose white sugar for a cleaner taste. However, brown sugar will add more caramelised complexity. You can also opt for a mix between the two.
Let the peels and sugar sit for an hour and then add all the ingredients and stir thoroughly. Leave the contents in a covered pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. Feel free to garnish with nutmeg, lemon slices, and aromatic herbs.
4. Valentino’s Delight co*cktail
A gourmand and boozy drink, the Valentino’s Delight is a great option for a cosy evening by the fire or as a substitute for dessert!
You’ll just need the following to make it:
- 45 ml (1½ Oz) Bourbon
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Ruby Port
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Coffee Liqueur
- 45 ml (1½ Oz) Heavy Cream
- Ground Nutmeg or Chocolate Sprinkles
Add all of the ingredients to a co*cktail shaker with ice and shake thoroughly until cold to the touch. Strain into a chilled martini glass and sprinkle in either the ground nutmeg or chocolate.
5. Coffee Martini
If you’re not overly fond of cream but love a hot espresso, this alternative beverage is a great choice for a refreshing pick-me-up.
It requires just the following:
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Espresso Shot
- 15 ml (½ Oz) Flor de Caña Spresso
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Tawny Port
- 3 Coffee Beans
Rather than a creamy coffee liqueur, we suggest Flor de Caña’s ‘Spresso as it’s black and not overly gourmand. Add all the ingredients to a co*cktail shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
6. Bar Drake Manhattan
The Bar Drake Manhattan is a Prohibition-era co*cktail that was allegedly named after a San Francisco hotel. It’s reminiscent of the Suburban but is arguably closer to the Old Fashioned.
It just requires these ingredients:
- 60 ml (2 Oz) Bourbon
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Tawny Port
- 15 ml (½ Oz) Maple Syrup
- 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
Add all of the ingredients to a co*cktail shaker and thoroughly stir with ice until cold to the touch. Strain it into a co*cktail glass and garnish with brandied cherries.
7. The Fox Hunter Martini
Here’s a very luxurious port that will satiate even the most refined palates! The Fox Hunter calls for LBV or “Late-Bottled Vintage” port rather than a regular tawny or ruby.
Therefore, bear in mind that it’ll need decanting first! Since it only needs a small amount and you’re not willing to take the plunge, opt instead for a classic tawny port.
It requires the following to make:
- 60 (2 Oz) Bourbon
- 22 ml (¾ Oz) Vermouth
- 22 ml (¾ Oz) LBV Port
- 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Lemon Twist
- Brandied Cherry
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain the ingredients into a coupe glass and garnish with the lemon and cherry.
8. Hi Ho co*cktail
Another white port co*cktail, it’s a spin on the tonic mentioned earlier. However, this time there’s no tonic but just gin and port! Therefore, it’s a great martini variation to add a spring to your step.
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 60 ml (2 Oz) Gin
- 30 ml (1 Oz) White Port
- 3 Dashes Orange Bitters
- Lemon Peel
Stir all the ingredients in a mixing glass and strain over ice into a co*cktail class. Finish with the lemon peel garnish by twisting it over the glass so it releases the oils into the drink.
9. Port Lemonade
A zesty and refreshing co*cktail perfect for a hot and sunny day, the port lemonade is easy to make and tailor to your taste.
You’ll just need the following:
- 60 ml (2 Oz) Ruby Port
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Vodka
- Lemonade (To Taste)
- Mint Leaves
- Lemon Wedge
Simply add the port and vodka to a tall glass filled with crushed ice and top up with the lemonade until you’ve added enough. Stir while you add the lemonade to ensure that the drink it fully mixed. Garnish with the mint and lemon wedge. Feel free to skip the vodka if you don’t want it to be so strong.
10. Porto Negroni
Since the Negroni is all the rage, why not do it a little differently and opt for port instead of vermouth? It’s easy to make and the port’s complexity will add a new dimension to the classic beverage.
You’ll need the following:
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Tawny Port
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Gin
- 30 ml (1 Oz) Campari
- Orange Zest
Sir all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and then strain into a tumbler over fresh ice cubes. Garnish with the orange zest but be sure to twist it over the drink so that it releases its oils.
Bonus: Cheeky Vimto
Included in this list not because of its quality but rather it’s infamy, the Cheeky Vimto has been referred to as a “Satanic Creation” by those who remember it. Well-known among Britain’s younger nightclub scene, the Cheeky Vimto is named after a popular fruit-flavoured carbonated drink.
However, its name refers only to the dark red hue as it instead uses WKD Blue, a notorious “mixed-fruit” flavour alcopop. For those interested, an equivalent available in the USA would be Smirnoff Ice.
It consists of just the following ingredients:
- 60 ml (2 Oz) Ruby Port
- 270 ml (9 Oz) Blue WKD
Simply toss the ruby port into a tall glass, top it up with the alcopop, and “enjoy”!
What Next?
Now that you have read about the best port co*cktails, why don’t you check out some of our related spirit guides?
- What Is Port Wine?
- How to Serve Port
- Best Port Brands
- Different Types Of Port
- How Port Is Made
- How To Store Port
- Alcoholic Spirit Homepage
