The Port Wine Sangaree Cocktail

Refreshing and flavorful, this classic is delightful any time of the year

So how’s the weather? Hot or cold, it doesn’t matter. This drink will thrill whatever the temperature.

We favor the chilled version of this cocktail. But serve it warm if you need some cold-weather cheer. It’s an all-season pleaser.

No matter where in the world you happen to be, it’s the perfect time for a Port Wine Sangaree (and that even rhymes).

Recipe: Port Wine Sangaree Cocktail

The sangaree is an old drink, dating from the 18th century (or even earlier). We make sangaree with port wine, but back in the day it often featured sherry, brandy, gin, ale, or porter.

Our version of the drink contains port wine, lemon, simple syrup, and (sometimes) nutmeg. That ingredient list (and the name of the drink) may remind you of Spanish wine-based sangria. In fact, sangaree may have been the inspiration for sangria.

We like to make this drink with ruby port. You don’t need an expensive one – something in the range of $15 to $20 per bottle will work fine.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and serves one.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces ruby port
• a couple lemon slices (or about ¼ ounce of lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup (or to taste)
• sprinkling of nutmeg or a lemon peel or wheel for garnish (optional)

Procedure

1. Add all the ingredients (except garnish) to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake until well chilled (about 20 seconds).
2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks (Old-Fashioned) glass. Garnish, if you wish, and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute granulated sugar for simple syrup if you wish. But you’ll have to shake longer to make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Some versions of this drink omit the lemon, but we think a small amount adds depth of flavor.
• We’ve seen recipes for this drink that add a bit of brandy to the mix. Interesting, but we prefer a simpler version.
• We’ve also seen hot versions of the drink that add grenadine (or pomegranate juice) and bitters. We haven’t tried those yet, though you might want to.
• Nutmeg is the traditional garnish for this drink. But we usually prefer a lemon wheel.
• Port is fortified wine, with an alcohol content of about 18%. Once opened, it will eventually oxidize and the flavor will become less bright. To prolong its life, we always refrigerate port after opening.

Kangaroos, Koalas, and Komodos

“Refreshing!” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “And after all the heat and humidity we experienced on vacation, we can use a thirst quencher like this.”

“It was hot down under,” I said. “And the closer we got to the equator, the more humid it got.”

“Swell trip, though,” said Mrs K R. “I loved New Zealand. What a gorgeous place!”

“Australia too,” I said. “Sailing into Sydney harbor was spectacular.”

“And visiting the Sydney Opera House was magic,” said Mrs K R. “Especially for an operaholic like myself.”

“Brisbane was lots of fun, too,” I said. “And Darwin had a great botanical garden.”

“I loved seeing kangaroos and koala bears in Australia,” said Mrs K R. “The koalas are adorable!”

“And don’t forget the dragons we saw on Komodo Island,” I said.

“They were fascinating,” said Mrs K R. “But definitely not adorable.”

“And how about the visit to Bali?” I said. “Amazing Hindu temples.”

“I loved the Barong dance and the gamelan music,” said Mrs K R.

“But then we had to head home, flying back through Dubai,” I said.

“Around the world by air and sea,” said Mrs K R. “With a surfeit of airport time.”

“Shall I make us another sangaree to help with our jet lag?” I said.

“Yes, but just one,” said Mrs K R. “Any more than that would be terminal.”

You may also enjoy reading about:
Betsy Ross Cocktail
Leap Year Cocktail
Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Hot Toddy Cocktail
Homemade Grenadine
Simple Syrup
Cabaret Cocktail
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more