Whether you like ruby, white, tawny, or rosé, these easy port cocktails (port wine cocktails) are just what you need for summer sipping.
They each have complex flavors, and some are sweeter than others. But they’re all impossible to resist.
Port Cocktails & Drink Recipes
Port is a fortified wine from Portugal, and the most famous is deep red and quite sweet.
But there are other tasty varieties, making these port wine cocktails super versatile.
So if you usually just drink port as an after-dinner treat, give these drinks a try! They’ll quickly become your faves.
1. Port Manhattan
The port Manhattan, or Portmanteau, is a simple twist on a classic. And with only three ingredients, it couldn’t be easier to make.
Between the port and rye, it’s pretty strong. So it’s more suited to slowly sipping at the end of a long day.
The orange bitters lift the flavors with an edge of citrus. Though chocolate or plum bitters would work wonders too.
Ingredients: rye whiskey, ruby port, orange bitters
2. The Recap
Look back on fond memories and maybe even make new ones with this delicious cocktail.
The port gives it a sweet chocolate-cherry flavor, balanced flawlessly by the spicy Amaro.
Meanwhile, lemon juice brightens it up, and the mint simple syrup makes every sip cool and comforting.
I love this celebratory cocktail around the holidays. You just can’t beat that red!
Ingredients: ruby port, Amaro, lemon juice, mint simple syrup, club soda
3. Port Coffee Martini
Kick off happy hour or finish the night with this port coffee martini, and you’ll be more than satisfied.
You’ll need ruby or tawny port with chocolate notes. Plus Baileys for a wonderfully creamy finish.
As for the coffee, you can totally make a fresh shot of espresso and shake it over ice. But for a smoother finish, go for cold brew!
Ingredients: tawny port, cold brew coffee, Baileys (Irish Cream Liqueur)
4. Summer Port Cocktail
Mark my words: white port is going to be the “it” drink of summer 2023.
Slightly sweet with fruity and oaky notes, it’s best served chilled. It’s also a great addition to your home bar.
Mix it with tart grapefruit and cool mint, and you just found your signature drink for the summer.
Ingredients: white port, grapefruit juice, mint simple syrup, lime juice, club soda or sparkling water
5. Port Negroni
We’re still drinking Negronis, right? Good! Because this twist on the classic is too good to miss.
Sweet port, floral gin, and spicy Campari are a heavenly combination. And they make it dangerously easy to drink.
Served with an orange twist, the citrus oils add a lovely aroma and light flavor.
Ingredients: tawny port, gin, Campari, orange peel, ice
6. Continental Sour
The Continental Sour is a port version of a New York Sour.
So it’s got all the same bold, tart flavor but with a layer of berry-infused sweetness.
The trick is to shake everything but the port until the egg whites are nice and foamy.
Then you’ll float the wine on top to get that signature contrast in colors.
Ingredients: bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, tawny port
7. White Port and Tonic
Here’s another white port cocktail. And trust me, this drink is as refreshing as it gets.
It’s like a G&T but without the heavy botanicals. Instead, you’ll get more of a sweet wine finish with apples, stones fruits, peaches, and more.
The fruit garnish brings even more floral goodness, and the sprig of rosemary brings a herbal layer.
Ingredients: white port, tonic, ice, orange wheel & rosemary sprig (for garnish)
8. Easy Blackberry Basil White Port and Tonics
I said these drinks were summery, right? And it doesn’t get more warm-weather-friendly than blackberries and booze!
You’ll muddle the fruit with basil to release all the juices, then double strain it so you just get that flavor (and color).
Of course, this recipe can also be modified with your favorite berries. I think blueberries would be scrumptious.
Ingredients: white port, lemon juice, tonic, blackberries & basil
9. Port Cosmo
The Cosmopolitan is a popular sweet-tart drink with plenty of bright and refreshing flavor.
Though the main focus is the cranberry, which I know can be overwhelmingly sour for some.
The solution? Add port to the mix for a touch of sweetness!
If you’re looking for a signature cocktail for winter weddings, this would be a great option.
Ingredients: orange vodka, sour mix, ruby port, cranberry juice, orange slice (for garnish)
10. Port Wine Cocktail
This simple port wine cocktail is fantastic.
Each ingredient complements the other, and the flavors are wonderfully sweet and tart.
Stick to the agave if you want a natural sweetener that won’t overpower the other flavors. Or go for honey if you like that warmer taste.
Ingredients: ruby port, agave syrup, lemon juice, sparkling water
11. Raspberry Port Sparkler
Raspberry port sparklers are spectacular party cocktails you’ll turn to again and again.
They’re fun, bubbly, pretty to look at, and super tasty.
Muddled raspberries and sticky sweet port are a dynamic duo. And when you add bubbles, it’s even more delectable.
Ingredients: California port-style wine, sparkling wine, raspberries
12. Portuguese White Wine Sangria
White wine sangrias are the ideal warm weather cocktail.
Use any kind of port wine you like. White, rose, tawny, or ruby will all work and give slightly different flavors.
Either way, don’t be shy with the fruit, and add just enough sparkling water so it tingles your nose. Yum!
Ingredients: white wine, sparkling water, port, sliced peaches, oranges, and apples, cinnamon sticks, ice, mint
13. Port of Margarita
Margaritas are lovely for any occasion, but this one has something extra special.
The refreshing notes of zippy lime and smooth tequila are amped up with a stunning port wine float.
It adds just the right amount of sweetness and balance.
Ice plenty of ice and a lime twist, and they’re ready for their close-up!
Ingredients: silver tequila, lime juice, orange juice, agave, ruby port
14. Porto Flip
The Porto Flip is a strong, frothy, and unique cocktail you have to try!
Port and Cognac are a robust pairing. But the simple syrup and whole egg ensure every sip is smooth and rich.
I love the foamy top and the complex flavor. It’s like a cross between a dessert and a drink, and I know you’ll dig it.
Ingredients: Cognac, tawny port, simple syrup, whole egg, nutmeg (for serving)
15. Cheeky Vimto
Vimto is a purple soft drink from the U.K. with notes of grapes, raspberries, blackcurrants, herbs, and spices.
Think of it kinda like a fruiter Dr. Pepper.
Oddly though, this Cheeky Vimto doesn’t actually contain the fun, purple soda. Instead, it’s a mix of port, vodka, and Blue WKD.
It’s a fave amongst the Brits. So give it a try and see what all the fuss is about!
Ingredients: vodka, ruby port, Blue WKD
16. Vaina Cocktail
Pull out the blender because this smooth and frothy cocktail is not one to miss.
Chocolatey, sweet, and nicely balanced, you’ll add a dash of cinnamon for just a hint of spice under the crème de cacao.
And yes, that’s a real egg yolk in the mix! It makes this impossibly luxurious, thick, and creamy.
Ingredients: ruby port, Cognac or brandy, crème de cacao, powdered sugar, egg yolk, crushed ice, cinnamon
17. Smoking Bishop
The Smoking Bishop is a Victorian-inspired cocktail and a Christmas classic.
Mulled wine is warm and comforting. It’s also super cozy and rich in flavor, from the citrus to the spices.
If you love red sangria, you’ll love this warmed-up winter version.
Ingredients: ruby port, sugar, red wine, ginger root, mace, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, lemons, oranges