Q: Portonic if one only has a sweeter tonic water to use?

[Otto Nieminen]

Alas, the only tonic water we have available is Schweppes which is really rather too sweet. But I'm still in the mood for a portonic. So does anyone have experiences with Taylor's Dry Chip and a sweeter style of tonic water? What proportion of each tends to work?

[Roy Hersh]

Hi Otto,

The Taylor's Chip Dry, Fonseca Siroco or the Dow's Fine White Port are both quite dry and if you don't like the way they go with the sweeter tonic, then all bets are off. Some recipes call for equal parts of Port to Tonic; while some people prefer two parts tonic and one part Port. Up to you, try 'em both. I prefer to have both garnishes of lemon twist and mint leaf, but that's just my taste. YMMV.