Best port wine Cocktails for Christmas 2024

Port wine and Christmas go hand in hand—both are warm, cozy, and full of character. These two cocktails, one with a bold ruby reserve port and the other with a smooth, indulgent 10-year-old tawny, perfectly embody the festive season. Whether you're hosting friends or relaxing by the fire, these drinks are guaranteed to add a touch of holiday magic.

Ruby Reserve Smoking Bishop

A vibrant and fruity cocktail that captures the warmth of a traditional Christmas hearth, blending the rich flavors of ruby port with holiday spices.

Smoking Bishop. A king amongst Port Wine Cocktails

Ingredients:

(10-12 serves)

• 6 Oranges rinsed and dried

• 750 ml Ruby Reserve Port

• 750ml Sweet Red Wine

• 100g Demarara sugar

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• Whole spices such as Cardamom, star anise,

• Garnish: grated nutmeg and orange peel

• 30 whole gloves

Recipe:

1. Preheat over to 165 degrees, stud the whole citrus with gloves so that each one has an equal amount . Roast in the over for 1 hr, then transfer to a glass bowl. Add sugar and red wine to bowl, cover and let it stand for 12 hrs at room temp.

2. Cut the fruits in half and juice them through strainer back into the bowl with the wine and sugar. Mix, then strain into medium saucepan and discard solids. Add the port wine, cinnamon, and other whole spices. Heat on low until vapor rise (the smoking part of the cocktail) but dont allow it to fully boil. remove any of the solid spices grate a few scrapes of nutmeg over the top and serve into punch cups. Serve warm and garnish with some orange peel

The Ruby Reserve Christmas Smash is inspired by the vibrant gatherings of family and friends during the holiday season. The bold fruitiness of ruby port is complemented by the zesty brightness of orange and the warm hug of cinnamon. The rosemary garnish adds a wintry aroma, evoking the smell of Christmas trees. It's the perfect cocktail for clinking glasses by the fire after a day of gift wrapping.

2. Tawny Port New York Sour

A sophisticated take on a New York Sour, with the nutty, caramel depth of 10-year-old tawny port floating above a base of rich whiskey and citrus.

A Whiskey sour is always a good idea

Ingredients:

• 50 ml (1¾ oz) bourbon or rye whiskey

• 25 ml (¾ oz) fresh lemon juice

• 22,5 ml (½ oz) simple syrup

• 20 ml (⅔ oz) 10-Year-Old Tawny Port

• 1 Eggwhite

• Garnish: Lemon wheel and freshly grated nutmeg

Recipe:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.

2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, egg white and simple syrup.

3. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.

4. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.

5. Gently pour the tawny port over the back of a spoon to create a floating layer on top.

6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg for a festive finish.

The Tawny Port New York Sour is an ode to the elegance of Christmas Eve. The smooth warmth of whiskey represents the comfort of holiday traditions, while the tawny port’s velvety sweetness echoes the indulgence of Christmas desserts. The floating layer symbolizes the blending of old and new—just like the holidays, where timeless traditions meet modern joys. Sipping this cocktail feels like unwrapping a luxurious gift.