Port Cocktails
6 drinks with this bottle, from the easy ones up.
What goes with Port?
White port wants tonic. White port and tonic over ice with a slice of citrus is the Portuguese Porto Tónico, at about 1 part port to 2 parts tonic. Ruby port likes richer company: brandy and egg in a Porto Flip, or citrus and spice in a warm punch.
What does it taste like?
Ruby port tastes of red berries, plum and chocolate. Tawny tastes of nuts, caramel and dried fruit.
Which bottle should I buy?
Sandeman, Taylor's, Graham's and Cockburn's are the usual names. Buy ruby for mixing, tawny for sipping, and save vintage port for someone you really like.
Goes well with
A sweet fortified wine from Portugal's Douro Valley, made by adding grape spirit during fermentation to keep the sugar in. Most bottles are 19 to 22% ABV. Madeira is the closest swap, or try a sweet red vermouth in cocktails.
Questions
What do you mix port with?
Tonic water, if it's white port. Ruby port works better with brandy, egg or citrus and spice, as in a Porto Flip.
How long does port last after opening?
Ruby and basic tawny last about 4 to 6 weeks if you keep them cool and closed, and aged tawny lasts longer. White port is better within a week or two in the fridge, and vintage port should go within a few days.
What is the difference between ruby and tawny port?
Ruby is younger, red and fruity. Tawny has more contact with air as it ages in wood, so it turns amber and tastes of nuts and caramel.
One good drink, every Friday.
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