Porto Cocktail Recipe

Porto Nutrition Facts

Calories:280

Fat:5g

Protein:3g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Porto cocktail, also known as the Porto Flip, has its origins in the 19th century, when it was first mentioned in Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide. It is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of port wine and brandy, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts and those who appreciate a sophisticated drink. The Porto cocktail is often enjoyed as a dessert drink or a nightcap, and it has been a staple in high-end bars and lounges for decades.

How Porto Tastes?

The Porto cocktail is a rich, velvety, and luxurious drink with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The port wine adds a deep, fruity sweetness, while the brandy provides warmth and depth. The addition of egg yolk creates a creamy, smooth texture, and the nutmeg garnish adds a hint of spice.

Interesting facts about Porto

  • The Porto cocktail is also known as the Porto Flip, due to the flipping motion used when shaking the ingredients together.
  • Port wine, the main ingredient in this cocktail, is a fortified wine from Portugal, known for its rich, sweet flavors and high alcohol content.
  • The Porto cocktail is often served in a coupe or martini glass, giving it an elegant and sophisticated appearance.

Ingredients

Port Wine

Port wine is a sweet, fortified wine that brings a rich, fruity flavor to the cocktail. Using 2 oz offers a balanced base without overshadowing other ingredients. Less Port, and you risk a too subtle Port presence; more, and it may become overly sweet. A good alternative could be a sweet sherry, which would bring a nuttier profile to the drink.

Mary Mitkina

Brandy

Brandy adds depth and a warm kick, complementing the wine’s sweetness with its own brandy ‘hug’. 1 oz is the right measure to blend seamlessly; less might make the cocktail too wine-forward, more could overpower the mix. Cognac could be used for a smoother, more refined flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Egg Yolk

The egg yolk is the secret to the cocktail's creamy texture and rich mouthfeel. Without it, the drink loses body and smoothness. If you're egg-averse or vegan, try aquafaba to maintain that silky texture without the egg.

Alex Green

Fine Sugar

Sweetness needs precision, and 0.5 tsp is enough to balance out the flavors without turning it into a sugar bomb. More sugar might bury the nuanced flavors; less could leave the drink too boozy. Honey could be an interesting twist, adding floral notes to the mix.

Mary Mitkina

Freshly Grated Nutmeg

This pinch of spice creates an aromatic complexity that feels like the sprinkle of magic on top. Omit it, and you’ll miss that festive touch. Cinnamon could stand in, but you’ll trade a perfumed zest for a warmer, familiar spice.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Porto Drink

  1. Combine the port wine, brandy, egg yolk, and sugar in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until well chilled and frothy.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
  4. Garnish with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure the egg yolk is fully incorporated.
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a cooler and more refreshing cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese & Charcuterie

  • Stilton: The boldness of Stilton cheese pairs wonderfully with the rich, sweet notes of Port in the cocktail.
  • Chorizo: The spicy kick of chorizo offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Prosciutto: The saltiness of the prosciutto complements the sweetness of the Port base.

Desserts

  • Chocolate Torte: The richness of chocolate is a match made in heaven with the Porto cocktail.
  • Almond Biscotti: The nuttiness of the biscotti will enhance the flavor profile of the nutmeg in the drink.

Seasonal Fruits

  • Ripe Figs: Their lush sweetness will mirror the depth of the Port.
  • Blackberries: They offer a tart balance to the sweet and potent cocktail.

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What you could change in Porto

  • Brandy can be substituted with cognac or armagnac.
  • Port wine can be replaced with a sweet red wine, though this will change the flavor profile.
  • If you're out of egg yolk, you can use a whole egg to add a similar texture.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Espresso Porto

  • Add a shot of espresso to the cocktail shaker
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but pour in the espresso with the other ingredients. Shake it up.
  • Flavor Change: Expect a rich and robust coffee flavor in the mix, a delight for coffee-lovers!

Chocolate & Orange Porto

  • Introduce 0.5 oz of chocolate liqueur and a few dashes of orange bitters
  • Recipe: Combine Port, brandy, egg yolk, sugar, chocolate liqueur, and orange bitters. Shake and serve with an orange twist.
  • Flavor Change: The cocktail becomes a choco-orange sensation, vibrant in taste and appearance.

Portônica

  • Replace brandy with tonic water
  • Recipe: Mixed Port and tonic over ice in a wine glass, skipping the egg and sugar. Top with grated nutmeg.
  • Flavor Change: A lighter, more refreshing twist on the original, perfect for a hot day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Porto

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Porto

What kind of glassware is best for enjoying cocktails?

Cocktails can be served in a variety of glassware depending on the type of drink. Highball, Collins, old fashioned (or rocks), martini, and coupe glasses are some of the common ones used.

What are some similar cocktails to the Porto cocktail?

Cocktails such as Manhattan, Negroni, and Old Fashioned may appeal to fans of the Porto cocktail due to their rich and complex flavors.

What is the proper way to hold a cocktail glass?

Most cocktail glasses should be held by the stem to prevent warming the drink with your hand. However, stemless glasses like the old fashioned glass should be held around the rim.

What does 'shaking' a cocktail do?

Shaking a cocktail helps mix the ingredients efficiently, chill the drink instantly and often creates a bit of frothiness in the cocktail.

What is 'flipping' in cocktail terms?

'Flipping' refers to a method of mixing ingredients by shaking them vigorously. It is also a name for a group of drinks that contain egg, which adds to the smooth texture.

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