Sandeman Porto Cocktails

Porto is the beverage of Gods. I remember tasting my first vintage Porto (1977 – which happens to be my birth year – now you can all guess at my age). It was complex, flavorful, delicious. I received a bunch of porto cocktail recipes from Sandeman‘s Mixologist Jason Littrell to use with their Founder’s Reserve. I had never thought of using porto for cocktails, but it makes complete sense; spices, warmth, its velvety texture all make for perfect fall cocktails. I loved Sandeman Founder’s Reserve on its own, and I really enjoyed it in recipes. When we asked Jason about his choice in cocktails with Sandeman he said ”I love working with Sandeman because there’s so much possibility for surprising cocktail combinations with such a rich, elegant porto. The Founders Reserve works well for a number of cocktails because it is extremely mixable–it can be used in simple or complex cocktails and is even delicious on the rocks.”

Hope you’re ready for some killer recipes.

Sandeman Harvest Sour
3/4 parts raspberry syrup*
3/4 parts fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 parts Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto
1/2 part apple brandy
Top with 2-3 parts dry apple cider

Pour all ingredients in a shaker, except cider. Shake quickly and strain into a Collins glass. Top with cider, garnish with raspberries and dust with nutmeg.

Directions: In a medium saucepan combine 4 cups sugar and 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. In another saucepan, muddle a small container of raspberries (about 6 ounces), and combine the syrup and raspberries. Let rest for a day, then strain. Keeps for about a month.

Mixologist Jason Littrell on the Sandeman Harvest Sour: “As a bartender, it’s always exciting to re-imagine a classic beverage using an unexpected juxtaposition, which is why I decided to pair this porto with cider and brandy. The sweet notes of the Sandeman are balanced by the crisp, unconventional cider, making it a cocktail that’s complex only in taste, but also easy to create and enjoy at home.”

Sandeman’s Sour
¾ oz. Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
1¼ oz. Wild Turkey 101 proof Rye Whiskey
¾ oz. Fresh squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)

Directions: Prepare the cocktail like a Collins. Pour whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup into a mixing glass. Add ice and shake briefly. Strain over ice into a rocks or old-fashioned glass. Float the Sandeman Founders Reserve Port on top and garnish with an orange and a brandied cherry

Sandeman Mulled Port Wine
1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
6 oz. Martell VS Cognac
½ cup of Sugar
2 sticks of cinnamon
6 cloves
1 orange cut in small slices
4 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a medium size sauce pan and bring to heat but not boil.  Serve hot in traditional mulled wine glasses.

Sandeman Coffee Flip
1½ oz. Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
1 oz. Martell VS Cognac
¾ oz. simple syrup
1 whole egg

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass. Shake vigorously for at least 45 seconds. Strain into a brandy snifter and garnish with grated nutmeg.

Sandeman Diavlo
1 oz. Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
1 ½ oz. Tequila Tezón Blanco
½ oz. fresh lime juice
¼ oz. simple syrup
ginger beer

Directions: In a tall Collins glass pour tequila, lime juice and simple syrup. Add ice. Top off with ginger beer up to 1/2 inch from top of the glass. Float Sandeman Founders Reserve Port on top and garnish with a lime wheel.

Sandeman Ginger Rogers
1½ oz. Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
1½ oz. Martell VS Cognac
¼ oz. Orgeat (almond syrup)
3 dashes of orange bitters

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a rocks or old-fashioned glass over ice and stir gently. Garnish with an orange half wheel.