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
Contents
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: 2 oz(60ml)
- Brandy: 1 oz(30ml)
- Egg yolk: 1
- Fine sugar: 0.5 tsp
- Freshly grated nutmeg: 1 pinch
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
- Combine the port wine, brandy, egg yolk, and sugar in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- 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.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
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.
More similar recipes to Porto!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Coffee Cocktail
The Coffee Cocktail has a rich, velvety texture with a subtle sweetness and a hint of fruity notes from the port wine. The cognac adds warmth and depth to the flavor, while the egg gives it a creamy, frothy consistency.
Port Flip
The Port Flip has a rich, velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The port wine provides a fruity, complex base, while the egg and sugar create a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The nutmeg adds a hint of spice, making this cocktail a delightful treat for the senses.
Port Wine Cobbler
The Port Wine Cobbler has a rich, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The combination of port wine, orange, and lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Bourbon Flip
The Bourbon Flip has a rich, creamy, and smooth taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup. The bourbon adds a warm, oaky, and slightly spicy flavor, while the egg gives the drink a frothy and velvety texture.
Lido
The Lido cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It has a refreshing citrus taste, with a hint of floral notes from the elderflower liqueur. The gin adds a subtle juniper taste, while the vermouth brings a touch of herbal complexity.
Midnight
The Midnight cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a warming sensation from the alcohol. The taste is complex, yet well-balanced, making it a delightful and intriguing drink.
Porto Flip
The Porto Flip is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness. The flavors of the port wine and brandy blend beautifully, while the egg adds a creamy texture. The cocktail is well-balanced, with a warming finish.
Royal Fizz
The Royal Fizz is a well-balanced cocktail with a creamy, frothy texture. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, with notes of citrus from the lemon juice and a hint of botanicals from the gin. The egg yolk adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Prairie Oyster
The Prairie Oyster cocktail is a savory, rich, and slightly spicy drink with a unique texture. The combination of the raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a velvety and bold flavor profile that is both satisfying and invigorating.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Brandy Sour
The Brandy Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a pleasant sweetness, followed by a refreshing sourness from the lemon juice, and a subtle warmth from the brandy. The drink is neither too strong nor too light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Brandy Crusta
The Brandy Crusta has a balanced, complex taste with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The brandy provides a rich, warming base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The orange liqueur and maraschino liqueur contribute a subtle sweetness, and the aromatic bitters bring a hint of spice.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Bumbo
Bumbo has a sweet and spicy taste, with a hint of warmth from the rum. It is smooth and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.