Forte Do Cego (red Blend) Recipe

Forte Do Cego (Red Blend) — Cocktail

1. 1

   Chill glass

   Place a rocks glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail so the glass is nicely chilled.

2. 2

   Combine base ingredients

   In a mixing glass, add 2 oz ruby port, 2 oz medium-bodied red wine, 0.5 oz cognac (or brandy), 0.5 tsp simple syrup, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.

3. 3

   Stir and chill

   Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full back-and-forth strokes) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.

4. 4

   Prepare serving glass

   Discard the ice water from the chilled rocks glass (if used) and add one large ice cube or several large ice cubes to the glass.

5. 5

   Strain and garnish

   Using a Hawthorne or julep strainer, strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the drink (pinch to release oils), rub the peel on the rim, and drop it in as garnish. Optionally add a dehydrated orange slice or brandied cherry on a pick.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the layered flavors of fortified wine, red wine fruit, and cognac warmth balanced with a touch of citrus and bitters.