A twist on tradition

LANCHESTER WINES TELLS US WHY PORT MAKES THE PERFECT ADDITION TO A COCKTAIL – A FANTASTIC INGREDIENT TO ADD DEPTH, RICHNESS, AND A TOUCH OF SWEETNESS TO AN ARRAY OF SERVES.

If we were to say ‘Port is the perfect wine cocktail’ you might think we’ve got our wines confused – surely Port is reserved for the end of a meal?

Port wine is exclusively produced in the Douro Valley region of northern Portugal, an area famed for its Mediterranean climate so, if you think about it, drinking Port as a refreshing cocktail makes perfect sense –you wouldn’t want a warming drink on a hot day.

Visitors to Portugal may have enjoyed Port served chilled as a delicious aperitif. The traditional way is to pour equal parts white Port and tonic or soda water – or lemonade for a modern twist – in a cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of citrus. Another super simple serve is to drink Port chilled straight up in a white wine glass or a short tumbler over ice. Not only do these make for refreshing drinks, ‘Port and mixer’ is a great alternative to gin and tonic. As well as being easy to make, margins are attractive, with a ‘house’ bottle of Port available at a relatively low price compared to spirit – and lower ABV.

Port can also be a fantastic ingredient in mixed drinks to add depth, richness, and a touch of sweetness. Indeed, Port is often used in cocktails for several reasons: Port has a distinct flavour profile that sets it apart from other types of wine. It is typically rich, sweet, and full-bodied with notes of ripe fruit, spices, and sometimes a hint of nuttiness. These unique flavours can add depth and complexity to cocktails, providing a rich and indulgent taste experience.

Whether it’s a robust and fruity Ruby Port or a mellow and nutty Tawny Port, the versatility of Port makes it a versatile ingredient in mixology. This variety allows bartenders to experiment and create a wide range of cocktails with different flavour profiles.

The sweetness of Port can help balance out flavours in a cocktail, especially when

Ros Port Bramble

Over crushed ice pour:

• 1 measure Rosé Port

• 1 measure gin

• ½ measure lemon juice

• ½ measure sugar syrup

• Fill with lemonade and garnish with summer fruits

The beautiful colours in this cocktail make it perfect for Instagram!

White Port And Tonic

– AKA THE CLASSIC PORTUGUESE

Aperitif

Over ice, pour:

• 2 measure White Port

• Top with tonic (around ½ bottle per glass)

• Garnish with a slice of citrus – lemon, lime, orange or a combination all work really well

If you’re not a fan of tonic, soda water or lemonade also make refreshing alternatives.

Ros Port Martini

In a cocktail shaker combine:

• 2 measures Rosé Port

• 1 measure gin

• Strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass

Add your own house twist by experimenting with white or ruby ports, or adding a dash of cranberry, rum or even mescal

Chilled White Port Over Ice

A refreshing summery drink – chilled Ruby, Tawny or Rosé port are also great!

• 2 measures of your favourite port This is a lovely and refreshing drink as it is, or top with lemonade for an extra spritz.

combined with other ingredients like citrus juices, bitters, or spirits with higher alcohol content. It adds depth and complexity without being overly cloying.

Port has a long-standing history and is often associated with sophistication and elegance. Incorporating port into a cocktail can evoke a sense of tradition and class, adding a touch of refinement to a cocktail menu. It can be a unique choice for those looking for something beyond the usual spirits.

www.lanchesterwines.co.uk