In this article, you will learn what Ruby Port is and how to make Port Martini, Port Negroni, Port Old-Fashioned, Port Lemonade and Port and Coke.
Port wine is a surprisingly versatile drink that can be mixed to make all kinds of delicious cocktails.
So, whether you are a Port aficionado looking to switch things up or simply want to use up that bottle leftover from Christmas, there are lots of great Port recipes to choose from!
Contents
What is Port wine?
Port wine is a fortified wine, which means that additional alcohol (grape spirit) is added to fermented grape juice to produce an alcoholic sweet wine.
It is made from black grapes grown in the upper Douro in Portugal. The majority of Port wine is red, but it is also made in white and rosé styles.
Port wine flavors
Ruby Port is a sweet, full-bodied and deeply colored wine. It is a vibrant ruby color.
The flavors of Ruby Port develop and change as it ages. Young Ruby Port has primary fruit flavors such as red and black berries, as well as chocolate and spices like cinnamon.
Wines that have aged for longer develop tertiary flavors, such as cooked fruit, prune and leather notes.
Tawny Port is sweet, full-bodied and ranges from tawny (more brown than red) to brown (no redness) in color. The longer the wine is oxidatively aged, the browner the color will be. Only the oldest Tawny wines are completely brown in color.
As Tawny Ports age the fruit flavors fade and transform into dried fruit flavors, such as raisins and prunes. Tawny Ports also have notes of walnut, chocolate, coffee and caramel.
See our article on Port wine to learn more about how Port wine is made.
Ruby Port cocktail recipes
Note: 1 oz has been rounded down from 28.4 ml to 25 ml (standard small British pour) for simplicity for those who prefer to measure in ml.
Port Martini
Port Martini is a smooth, slightly sweet take on the classic martini.
Combining the richness of Port wine with vodka, it delivers a balanced blend of flavors.
The rich sweetness, ripe berries and chocolate notes of the Port are balanced out by the vodka.
The cranberry juice brings a tart citrus element to the overall flavor.
The perfect cocktail for an elegant and sophisticated evening!
Port Martini recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 2 oz Ruby Port 50 ml
- 1 oz vodka 25 ml
- .5 oz cranberry juice 12.5 ml
- Olives
Instructions
- Pour ingredients into an ice-filled shaker.
- Shake and strain to a chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with olives.
Port Negroni
The Port Negroni is a twist on the traditional Negroni, swapping out the vermouth for Port.
This creates a slightly sweeter, more rounded drink while still retaining the bitter edge from the Campari and the botanical notes of gin.
The result is a rich, complex cocktail with dark fruit, chocolate and citrus notes, and a hint of bitterness.
Port Negroni recipe
Equipment
- 1 jug or other container for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 oz Ruby Port 25 ml
- 1 oz Gin 25 ml
- 1 oz Campari 25 ml
- Orange zest or peel
- Ice
Instructions
- Add a handful of ice to a jug.
- Pour the Port, gin and Campari over the ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass over some ice.
- Garnish with orange zest/peel.
Port Old-Fashioned
A Port Old-Fashioned is a tasty variation of the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail, blending the sweetness of Port with the warmth of whiskey.
The Port adds sweet, rich flavors of dried fruit, coffee and caramel that are balanced with the complexity of a good bourbon.
It’s a smooth, slightly sweet cocktail with layers of depth that is perfect for sipping.
Port Old-Fashioned recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 oz Ruby Port 25 ml
- 1 oz Bourbon or rum 25 ml
- 2 tsp sugar syrup
- Splash of soda water
- Orange zest/peel
Instructions
- Add the Port, Bourbon and sugar syrup to a shaker and shake.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Strain the liquid from the shaker into the glass.
- Add the soda water and stir.
- Garnish with orange zest/peel.
Port Lemonade
Port Lemonade is a refreshing and fruity cocktail, ideal for warm days.
The Port wine provides rich berry and chocolate flavors that pair perfectly with the bright citrus notes of lemonade. The vodka helps to create a balanced drink that isn’t too sweet.
This easy-to-drink mix is light, sweet, and tangy, making it a perfect choice for casual evenings.
Port Lemonade cocktail recipe
Equipment
- No equipment required
Ingredients
- 1 oz Port wine 25 ml
- 1.5 oz vodka 37.5 ml
- 2 oz lemonade 50 ml
- 1 lemon slice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the ingredients and stir well.
- Garnish with lemon slice.
Port and Coke
Port and Coke is a simple yet surprisingly tasty combination.
The sweet, fruity richness of the Port wine blends well with the caramel and vanilla notes of Coca-Cola.
The result is a smooth, slightly fizzy cocktail with deep flavors, great for when you want something easy and laid-back.
Port and Coke recipe
Equipment
- No equipment required
Ingredients
- 3 oz Port wine 75 ml
- 6 oz Coke or cola of choice 225 ml
- Ice cubes
- Slice of lemon
Instructions
- Add ice to a glass.
- Pour over the Port and Coke.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Read with confidence: I am a certified wine expert (WSET L3).
