The Ultimate Guide to Port Wine Cocktails

Spicing Up Your Summer with Port Wine Cocktails

The world of cocktails is vast. With cocktail bars popping up everywhere, not only in the big cities, you can find highly skilled bartenders and mixologists creating classic cocktails such as Moscow Mules, Gin Tonics, Old Fashioned’s, and Negronis almost everywhere nowadays. Especially during the summer, we all get into that celebration mode, spending a lot of our time enjoying and sipping elixirs that will give your taste buds a ride, where ice-cold drinks serve our need to cool down during hot summers.

History of the cocktails of portwine

In the last 10 years, we have seen an increased focus on blending port wines into cocktail ingredients.

Port wine cocktails have been around for more than 150 years, being written about in a book called ‘1929 The Bon Vivant's Companion or How to Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas’. However, in the last decade, especially since the introduction of pink port wines, we are seeing that port wine-based cocktails are gaining traction, not only in the port wine capital of the world, Porto, but also in other countries. This trend is mainly due to the fact that port wine sales are on a downward slope, unfortunately, and blending the wines into cocktails or mixed drinks is a way of boosting those sales.

Another reason is the increasing number of tourists from all over the world visiting Porto and discovering the versatile blending options of port wines. The famous port house - Porto Cruz - has even established a rooftop cocktail bar in the center of the port wine industry, Vila Nova de Gaia.

Portonic, Pink port’s and tasty Tawny’s.

The drink that is creating the biggest buzz around the world is the famous Portonic. This mix of white port wine (dry) and tonic water is the absolute winner when it comes to refreshing summer drinks.

We have been serving this incredibly simple yet super tasty and fun-to-drink mix since 2013, and oh my, do we get smiles on everybody’s faces. Whether you are chilling before or after dinner, sitting outside in the sun after a hard day’s work, or just want to celebrate a party with friends, a P&T (G&T is used for the Gin and Tonic variant) will be the perfect summer drink for any occasion.

Ingredients for the best portonic experience

We've tested many different variations and highlighted our top 3 Portonic cocktail mixes:

1. Dry White Port 1/3 + Tonic Water 2/3 + Mint Leaves + 2 Ice Cubes

2. White Port + Tonic Water + Lime + Mint Leaves + Crushed Ice

3. White Port 2/5 + Tonic Water 3/5 + Orange Peel + Crushed Ice

Choose any of these 3 options, and you will experience the best summer cocktail of your life! It beats any Aperol Spritz, anytime!

Because there are more port wine styles, such as ruby, tawny, and recently the pink port style, we can also start to make cocktails with those base ingredients.

Exploring Other Port Wine Styles in Cocktails

While the Portonic is a standout, other styles of Port wine also offer exciting possibilities for cocktails. Let’s explore how Ruby, Tawny, White and Pink Ports can be used to create unique and flavorful drinks.

Cockburn’s (Symington Family Estates) gave us the ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ to create tasty cocktails!

Ruby Port Cocktails

Ruby Port is known for its rich, fruity flavor and vibrant color. This style of Port is perfect for creating bold, full-bodied cocktails. Some popular Ruby Port cocktails include:

1. Ruby Negroni: A twist on the classic Negroni, replacing sweet vermouth with Ruby Port.

2. Port Sangria: Mixing Ruby Port with red wine, fresh fruits, and a splash of brandy for a rich and refreshing sangria.

3. Ruby Port Manhattan: Swapping the traditional sweet vermouth in a Manhattan with Ruby Port for a richer, more complex flavor.

Tawny Port Cocktails

Tawny Port, with its nutty, caramelized flavors, brings a different dimension to cocktails. The aging process of Tawny Port results in a wine that is less fruity but more mature, with hints of dried fruits and spices. Here are a few Tawny Port cocktails to try:

1. Tawny Old Fashioned: Tawny Port, bourbon, a dash of bitters, and a twist of orange peel create a smooth, sophisticated drink.

2. Tawny Flip: Tawny Port, an egg yolk, simple syrup, and nutmeg make for a creamy, rich cocktail with a dessert-like quality.

3. Tawny Espresso Martini: Tawny Port, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso combine for a luxurious, after-dinner drink.

Pink Port Cocktails

Pink Port is a relatively new addition to the Port wine family, offering a lighter, more floral alternative to traditional Port wines. Its bright, fruity character makes it a fantastic base for refreshing summer cocktails. Some creative Pink Port cocktails include:

1. Pink Port Spritz: Pink Port, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with a slice of orange.

2. Pink Port Fizz: Pink Port, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a bubbly, refreshing cocktail.

3. Berry Pink Port: Pink Port mixed with muddled berries and mint, topped with tonic water.

Want to try one of our cocktails? We are active on events in The Netherlands. Check our current events here:

The Rise of Port Wine Cocktails

As the world of mixology continues to evolve, Port wine cocktails are becoming a popular choice for those looking to explore new flavors. Whether you prefer the boldness of Ruby Port, the maturity of Tawny, the lightness of Pink, or the crispness of White Port, there’s a Port wine cocktail to suit every taste.

As the landscape of mixology continues to evolve, the allure of Port wine cocktails is capturing the attention of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Traditionally enjoyed as a standalone dessert wine, Port has found new life as a versatile and dynamic ingredient in modern cocktails. Whether you’re drawn to the bold flavors of Ruby Port, the complex maturity of Tawny, the refreshing lightness of Pink Port, or the crisp, clean notes of White Port, there is a Port wine cocktail that will tantalize your taste buds.

The Evolution of Port Wine in Cocktails

Port wine, a fortified wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Traditionally, Port was enjoyed neat, often as a dessert wine or paired with cheese. However, in recent years, innovative mixologists have begun experimenting with this versatile wine, discovering its potential to enhance the complexity and depth of cocktails.

The recent resurgence of interest in Port wine cocktails can be attributed to several factors:

1. The Global Cocktail Renaissance: Over the past decade, there has been a global renaissance in cocktail culture, with bartenders and enthusiasts exploring new ingredients and techniques. Port wine, with its rich flavors and diverse styles, has become a popular choice for those looking to create unique and memorable cocktails.

2. Introduction of Pink Port: The introduction of Pink Port, a lighter and more floral variant of traditional Port, has opened up new possibilities for cocktail creation. Its bright, fruity character makes it an ideal ingredient for refreshing summer cocktails, appealing to a broader audience.

3. Increased Tourism and Exposure: As more tourists visit Porto and the Douro Valley, they are introduced to the region’s rich Port wine culture. Many visitors return home with a newfound appreciation for Port wine, eager to recreate the cocktails they enjoyed during their travels.

4. Versatility of Port Styles: The versatility of Port wine, available in various styles including Ruby, Tawny, Pink, and White, offers endless possibilities for cocktail creation. Each style of Port brings its own unique flavor profile, allowing mixologists to experiment and craft cocktails that cater to a wide range of tastes.

The Future of Port Wine Cocktails

As Port wine cocktails continue to gain popularity, we can expect to see even more creative and innovative uses of this versatile wine. Bartenders around the world are experimenting with different styles of Port, combining them with a wide range of ingredients to create cocktails that are both delicious and visually stunning.

In addition, the growing interest in mixology and craft cocktails means that more people are becoming adventurous in their drink choices, seeking out unique flavors and experiences. Port wine, with its rich history and diverse styles, offers an exciting opportunity for mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts to explore new horizons in the world of cocktails.

Let’s keep mixing it up in the world of port wine and find amazing recipes, show people Portonics and make the world of port wine a bigger one!