If you love an Old Fashioned and the richness of a Tawny Port, this is for you!
I developed this delicious Anniversary Whiskey Port Cocktail in honor of our 9th anniversary of being married in a picturesque palace in Portugal (I also have a Portugal travel post in the works – so stay tuned). Tawny Ports are aged in smaller barrels, so they have a beautiful almond finish. The Orgeat helps bring that flavor forward, and I chose Cherry Bitters because almond and cherries are such a gorgeous combination.
Anniversary Whiskey Port Cocktail Recipe (1 serving)
– 2 oz Bourbon
– .75 Tawny Port
– .25 oz Orgeat (almond syrup)
– 6 Dashes Cherry Bitters
- Shake with ice vigorously until fully incorporated
- Serve in a chilled coup or over ice in a rocks glass
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or orange peel.
Products I used: Angels Envy Single Barrel Bourbon, Dow’s Fine Tawny Port, Giffard Orgeat Almond Syrup, and Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters
Orgeat Substitute:
If you don’t have Orgeat, you can easily make your own almond simple syrup. Just add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil; turn down the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp of almond extract. Stir well and store in an air-tight container in the fridge (will keep for several months).
Port Selection:
Make sure you are using a tawny port, as ruby and white ports are very different. Tawny ports are aged in smaller barrels, so they take on an amber color and a rich almond finish. Ruby ports are aged in huge barrels (like the size of a small room), so they have less contact with wood and therefore retain more of a fruity flavor.
Disclaimer: For my day job I’m a lawyer representing distilled spirits producers. The opinions I express are my own and not that of my employer. Drink Responsibly!
