Porter's Perfect

The Porter's Perfect is a mythical cocktail. Its name supposedly refers to the accomplished bartender who perfected the recipe. Although the true identity of 'Porter' remains shrouded in mystery, his or her legacy lives on through this delicious drink.

Porter's Perfect originated during Prohibition in the United States, when inventive bartenders crafted ingenious mixes to mask the harsh taste of moonshine.

Porter's Perfect is popular for its balanced blend of sweet and sour notes. The combination of fruitiness and acidity flatters the palate and makes it an absolute favorite among cocktail lovers.

Porter's Perfect recipe

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 12 cl gin
• 3 cl Cointreau or Triple Sec (alternative: orange liqueur)
• 3 cl red vermouth
• 3 cl White Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitter (optional)
• 2 lemon zests or maraschino cherries

Preparation:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Add all liquid ingredients. Add a dash of Angostura Bitter if desired.
3. Stir well for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain into two chilled martini glasses or tumblers filled with ice cubes. Garnish each with lemon zest or maraschino cherry.

Pro Tip: Make your Porter's Perfect a fizzy treat by adding some sparkling water or champagne. The result is a sparkling version of this timeless classic.

Porter's Perfect - the secret ingredient

The original recipe for the cocktail contains a secret ingredient that is closely guarded by the mixologists. Of course, only the professionals know which ingredient adds the finishing touch to Porter's Perfect. However, various sources suggest the following possibilities:

• Rinsing with absinthe: Some recipes recommend rinsing the cocktail glass with a small amount of absinthe before pouring. This gives the drink a subtle aniseed and herbal note and adds to its complexity.
• Herbal liqueur: In some variations, a dash of herbal liqueur is added to give the cocktail more depth - and perfectly complement the profile of the drink.