The Preserved Cocktail: A Simple Port Cocktail Recipe from THE PIG-in the South Downs
A little port, a spoonful of jam and a sprig of rosemary. Well, that’s our kind of preserve.
Sometimes, the simplest cocktails are the best. Meet the Preserved Cocktail, a clever little number from Taylor, Bar Manager at THE PIG-in the South Downs, made with just three ingredients: rosemary-infused white port, a spoonful of jam and a squeeze of lemon.
Inspired by Hotel Director Tim’s idea to create a cocktail using only fortified wine as its spirit, Taylor has come up with something that’s simple to make, easy to serve and full of flavour. We’re currently using blackcurrant jam, which brings a lovely fruity sweetness to the mix, balanced by fresh lemon juice and the gentle, fragrant notes of rosemary.
And the best bit? It’s a brilliant way to make the most of a good preserve, with plenty of room to experiment with different flavours and local jams across THE PIGs.
How to make the Preserved Cocktail
Ingredients
50ml Taylor’s Dry White Chip Port, infused with rosemary (Miss Jessopp’s Upright rosemary, to be precise!)
1 bar spoon of Perfectly Preserved blackcurrant jam
22.2ml lemon juice
Method
Shake all the ingredients hard for 8 seconds, then double strain.
To serve
Pour over a large ice cube and finish with a sprig of rosemary.
A little something from the bar
What we love about this cocktail is that it shows how a few well-chosen ingredients can go a long way. The white port brings plenty of character, the jam adds a fruity twist, and the lemon keeps everything fresh and balanced. No long list of ingredients or complicated techniques needed.
Of course, the little details matter, too. A good glass, a lovely big cube of ice and a considered garnish can turn a simple drink into something that feels a bit special.
There’s also plenty of room to make this one your own. Blackcurrant is our current preserve of choice, but imagine the possibilities with different jams and preserves from local suppliers across THE PIGs. Each hotel could put its own spin on the recipe, using what’s available close to home while keeping the same simple approach.
A clever little cocktail with a lot of potential, and one we think is well worth a shake.
Fancy giving the Preserved Cocktail a shake? Gather your three ingredients, grab your favourite jam and have a go at making Taylor’s simple little number at home. Or pop into THE PIG-in the South Downs and let the bar team mix one up for you.
Try something else...
Fancy mixing up something else? Take a look at our Negroni recipes from the bar at THE PIG-in the South Downs for three more cocktail ideas worth raising a glass to or take a peek at some of our other cocktails!
