White Port and Tonic

Sometimes the most spectacular cocktails are actually the most simple. A classic aperitif throughout Portugal, this drink features the country’s lesser-known white port. 

While white port, a fortified wine made from white grapes in Portugal’s Douro Valley, can range from dry to sweet, this cocktail leans on the crisp, fruity, and light-bodied dry style as a counterpoint to bittersweet tonic water. Lime and fresh mint add clean, bright aromas and an eye-catching look. 

White Port can be easily found online and is carried at many liquor stores. We like Taylor’s Chip Dry White Port since it is very affordable (a 750-milliliter bottle is often less than $20) and has a lovely balance of flavors and aromas like lemon peel, tangerine, and yellow apple.  

Why the white port and tonic works

This drink is a highball cocktail, which means it has an alcoholic base with a carbonated mixer. In this case, the mixer isn’t just for lengthening the drink and making it lower-ABV (alcohol by volume); tonic water brings out both the bitter and sweet notes in the white port itself. 

While this is one of the most delicious ways to drink white port, it can also be enjoyed on its own: Serve it neat, chilled, or over ice.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Fever-Tree makes many flavors of tonic water, such as elderflower and lemon, so feel free to experiment with one to make this drink your own.