Warm Port and Lemon
A soothing winter warmer of ruby port and hot water with lemon, clove and cinnamon — a gentle, old-fashioned alternative to the hot toddy.
Ingredients
- 100 ml ruby port
- 100 ml hot water
- 1 lemon slice
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 10 g caster sugar — to taste
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Method
- Warm the ruby port gently in a small pan with the cinnamon stick and cloves, keeping it below a simmer.
- Stir in the sugar and lemon juice until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the hot water and bring everything to around 65°C without boiling.
- Strain into a heatproof glass and drop in a fresh slice of lemon.
- Serve at once while piping hot.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Heatproof glass
- Serve temperature
- Warm, around 65°C
- Garnish
- Lemon slice
Warm port and lemon is a quiet classic of the British winter, the sort of drink once kept for chilly evenings and the first sign of a cold snap. Built on ruby port softened with hot water and brightened with lemon, it is fruitier and gentler than a spirit-based toddy, yet every bit as comforting.
A fortified-wine warmer
Port lends this drink its plush, dark-fruit character, and a young ruby is all you need. Diluted with hot water and warmed with a little spice, it becomes mellow and easy to sip. The lemon is essential, cutting through the sweetness of the wine and keeping the whole thing lively rather than heavy.
Keeping it gentle
The trick is patience over heat. Warm the port slowly with the cinnamon and cloves so the spice has time to infuse, but never let it boil, or the wine will lose its charm. Taste before serving and add only as much sugar as you need. Those who enjoy a warm port and lemon often find the same comfort in Hot Apple Gin, another gentle, spiced sipper for cold nights.
Strain into a heatproof glass, add a fresh slice of lemon and drink it while it steams.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of port should I use?
A young ruby port is ideal. It is fruity and affordable, and there is no need to reach for an aged tawny or vintage port for a warmed drink.
How is this different from a hot toddy?
A hot toddy is built on spirits such as whisky, whereas warm port and lemon uses fortified wine, giving a softer, fruitier and less fiery result.
Can I leave out the sugar?
Yes. Port is already sweet, so the sugar is optional and best added to taste, particularly if your lemon is especially sharp.
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