Top 7 Portuguese Cocktails to Pair with Chocolate and Cheese

Article by Rebecca Siggers © June 2020

Portugal’s drinking culture is known for its etiquette, as there is never any real impetus to get drunk. The drinks are savored with each sip; no wonder some of the best cocktail recipes come from the Portuguese. The individual wines and Ports are so robust in flavor, that they often need no additional ingredients. Therefore, many cocktails use simple additions to the string of enhancers and spices that bring out the authenticity of the multitude of flavors in Port wine.

There are exemplary fortified Port wines that have made a unique position in the world’s fine wine and liquor market. Unlike French Cognac, e.g., Remi Martin, the brandy used for fortifying Portuguese wine, (like Port, Madeira and Moscatel de Setubal) is practically unknown in the international marketplace on their own; but wines blended with brandy are top sellers. Many of them have their alcohol content rising to 20% ABV. There is a huge variety of Port wine categories, which include Tawny, Ruby, LBV, Colheita, White, Rose and Vintage Port, to name just a few. Each of them has a distinctive aromatic and flavor profile and a range from off dry to very sweet tones that makes them perfect dessert partners and aperitifs. With a slice of cheese and/or chocolates, many Portuguese cocktails can win hearts. Read along for some rich, delicious Portuguese cocktails to make in the comfort of your own home.

1. Sweater Weather

Our first cocktail contains Ruby Port which tastes extremely delectable with both chocolate and cheese. The fresh raspberry fruity flavor of the Port wine provides for the richness and texture that embraces the sweetness in milk chocolate well. Also, the warm, sharp pungency of the spices in this drink, lets it sit beautifully in the mouth along with mild savory blue cheese.

Ingredients

• Ruby Port - 6 ounces
• Water - 1 ounce
• Clove - 1 piece
• Star anise - 1 piece
• Orange peel – 1 each
• Angostura bitters - To garnish

Recipe

In a small pot heat the Ruby Port together with all the spices and a thick orange peel. Now strain the drink in a heatproof jar and add water. Top with some Angostura bitters and serve. The warmth of the drink melts chocolate and cheese for a robust flavor.

2. LBV Portini

This drink is refreshingly sweet with moderate acidity and strong tannins that come from LBV Port. Expect some strong notes of fruity flavors that emerge, as cherry tones from Campari mix flawlessly with chocolate and jam-like flavors from LBV, while Gin adds the perfect sharpness to it. Parmesan or other tangy cheese would make for a perfect partner of this cocktail. Also, any chocolate recipe or simply a slab of dark bittersweet chocolate is all you need to get your taste buds dancing with this drink. These chocolate cocktails could be used as a great chocolate gifting!

Ingredients

• LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port - 4 ounces
• Gin - 1 ounce
• Campari - 1 ounce
• Orange peel - to garnish

Recipe

Combine all the ingredients and stir them on the rocks. Pour the drink into a Champagne coupe glass and add an orange peel to garnish. Serve.

3. White Port G&T

It is one of the most beloved Portuguese cocktails, usually sipped before dinner. The mild bitterness of the tonic perfectly counterbalances the sweetness of White Port. The added Gin takes this cocktail to another level, that most wine connoisseurs will love. White Port G&T is a versatile drink that pairs well with many things. White chocolate and cream cheese add a layer of character to this smooth textured cocktail. The citrusy tones impart depth and complexity to the drink.

Ingredients

• White port - 1 ounce
• Gin - 1 ounce
• Tonic - 4 ounces
• Lemon wedge - to garnish

Recipe

Combine all the ingredients in a beaker. Stir well and transfer into a tall glass. Serve well-chilled and with a lemon garnish.

4. Shagbark’s Sangaree

This cocktail is an ideal sweet sip before dinner. The deep and nutty flavor of Madeira makes for a delicious treat. The slight addition of lemon and spices enhance the salted caramel flavor in the drink. Since it maintains moderately low alcohol, you can easily sip a glass or two. The tones of walnut and caramel make it an ultimate chocolate and cheese partner, making for a delish aperitif.

Ingredients

• Bual or Malvasia Madeira- 2 ounces
• Simple syrup - ½ ounce
• Lemon juice - ½ ounce
• Freshly grated nutmeg - to garnish

Recipe

In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients along with some ice. Shake well for about 10 to 12 seconds. Double strain the contents into a cold Coupe glass. Garnish with nutmeg and serve.

5. Morangao

This cocktail contains Portugal’s favorite and top sold liqueur, Licor Beirao. The cocktail is a jumble of herbs, botanicals and spices that deliver rich aromatics along with the freshness of luscious strawberries. This delicate sweet drink pairs beautifully with chocolates, while the cheese provides the opposite tones to the sweetness, exploding your palate with a myriad of flavors. A bar of rich milk chocolate can be a generous companion to this rustic drink. Dark chocolate can add sharpness, so anyone who loves the extra zing can go for it depending upon their preference.

Ingredients

Strawberries – 6 each

Licor Beirao - 2 ounces

Lemon juice - 1½ ounces

Recipe

Using a muddle, gently muddle the strawberries and add lemon juice to it. Next, take a shaker and pour the strawberry muddle in it. Add Licor Beirao along with some crushed ice, and vigorously shake for about six seconds. Serve in a chilled Boston style glass.

6. Port Old Fashioned

Underlying fruitiness that comes from the Tawny Port, and the rusty Bourbon is quite an opposite duo, but a delectable combo. The sweet smoky aftertaste lingers long and makes this 5* recipe. You can pair this drink with anything nutty and sweet, so think of nut-studded bars or single chocolates from Venezuela. As for the cheese pairing, this drink rocks with a light creamy brie.

Ingredients

• Bourbon - 3 ounces
• Tawny Port - 1 ounce
• Maple Syrup - ½ ounce
• Bitters to garnish

Recipe

In a glass jar, stir all the ingredients along with some ice. Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with some bitters and zest of orange. Your drink is ready to serve.

7. Nail in the Coffin

This cocktail combines the bold flavors that come from whiskey and wine, bringing forth the perfect warmth. The sharp after tones of the drink along with little sweet-spicy aromas leave a distinctive impression. The cacao in the dark chocolate will perk up with the mild spicy flavor of the drink. It is for the same reason that nearly all rich cheeses would pair spectacularly with this cocktail.

Ingredients

• Yamazaki 12-year-old Whiskey - 1½ ounces
• Dry Madeira - ¾ ounces
• Licor 43 - ½ ounce
• Fernet Branca - ¼ ounce
• Black cardamom shaving - to garnish

Recipe

Combine all the ingredients in a glass jar, add ice, and stir well. Strain it into a Coupe glass and garnish with cardamom shaves.

The Bottom Line

Most of the recipes above don’t require any fancy ingredients or difficult recipes, but their flavors are over the top. All thanks to the beautiful blend of liquors that come from age-old methods of fermenting, brewing, and wood-aged casks used in crafting the Port, whiskeys and wines. Grab a bottle of your favorite drink, and you are all set to experiment with the above recipes. With robust flavors and the right pairing, you are sure to dazzle your guests and family members. The use of chocolate and/or cheese can provide an excellent pairing or delicious counterpoint.