Portugal’s Perfect Summer Drink

                 White Port & tonic is typically served in a tall glass filled with ice & a slice of lemon

Spring has sprung which means that summer is just around the corner.  If you’re looking for a new, super-refreshing summer aperitif, I have just the drink from you.   And, it’s easy-peasy as there are only two liquid ingredients!

                                          The view I had for my first White Port & Tonic

I had my first Port & Tonic at a famous restaurant owned by the illustrious Taylor-Fladgate Port company in the seaside town of Porto.  It was a scorching 100 degree day and the restaurant was a twenty minute walk from the only parking we could find.   Shortly after we were seated at the above table, we were served an unsolicited drink as a welcome gesture.   I was a raving fan with my first sip.  It was one of the most sublimely tasting and deliciously refreshing drinks I had ever had.  But, what in the world was it?  

I immediately called the server over and inquired.  “It’s a Port and Tonic, a classical summertime drink in my country” replied the waiter who looked as if he could use one himself as he was wearing a white tuxedo jacket…even in the air-conditioned dining room, I noted the ice in our water had already melted within a matter of minutes.

           My first Port Tonic was made of this wine, however, any available white Port will suffice

Like I said, this little jewel from Portugal is easy to make and has only two ingredients, along with an easy to remember 50/50 ratio.   The first ingredient is white Port.   It’s difficult to find in the US, but not impossible.  Also, because of supply and demand, white Port is inexpensive (<20 bucks a bottle).   Have the white Port ice cold, as once it’s poured over ice you don’t want to melt the ice and dilute this Port’s delicate flavors.  Next, pour in the same measure of chilled tonic (I always recommend Fever Tree).  Now, for the best part, drink!   

BTW:  if you’re feeling adventurous, I suggest a quick third ingredient, a lemon wedge. White Port is slightly sweet but the bitter tonic, along with the acid of a lemon, perfectly balances the drink.

 

Saǘde !

Sensational Summer Cocktails

San Diego is having an exceptionally hot and humid summer season.  (Yes, we are spoiled….anything in the 80’s or above is a deal breaker for locals who find it difficult to comprehend humidity or anything other than idyllic mid-70’s).  Here are some absolute stunners to wet-your-whistle...

Rosé Lillet with Bubbles:

Lillet is a delightful aperitif from Bordeaux.  Made from Bordeaux grapes and herbs (the recipe is a carefully guarded secret), Lillet comes in 3 types:  red, white & rosé.  I was recently in Provence at a Julia Child cooking week and one of the chefs prepared a killer drink from the rosé version.  It’s simple:  equal parts of  rosé Lillet and bubbles (the French version I had used Champagne, however, prosecco or any California dry bubbly would work).  Serve it topped with a strawberry and voila!   

Aperol Spritz:

This is one of my fave cocktails….summer or winter.  Made from Italy’s Aperol (a neon orange colored aperitif made from bitter oranges, rhubarb and a some herbs), the spritz is currently one of the most beloved cocktails in all of Italy.  The cocktails is easy to assemble:  equal parts of Aperol and Prosecco, with a splash of soda water (or to keep it authentically Italian, San Pellegrino).  Add ice and top with a slice of orange.   Ciao, a dolce vita!

White Port and Tonic:

White Port is not easy to find in local liquor stores but totally worth the search!  (Hint:  you can buy it easily on the Internet.)   White Port (make sure it’s the bone dry version) makes a perfect thirst-quenching aperitif.  If you want to score some major points with foodies-in-the-know, serve it.   Everyone will love it, and no one will have ever had it.  The recipe is easy:  equal parts of white dry port and tonic…add plenty of ice and a slice of lemon (sprig of mint optional).   Cheers!

Limoncello with Club Soda:

I’ll never forget my first sip of the cocktail, and that’s something as it’s been about 15 years ago.  I was handed this colorful libation by the hostess at a 4^th of July party in San Francisco, and I’ve been a fan ever since.   It’s easy-peasy:  fill a glass with ice, add 2/3 club soda, 1/3 limoncello.  Top with a slice of lemon, or even a strawberry is a nice color contrast.   Sante!

Stay cool wherever you are summering.