Gin Sangaree
A sweet and bitter gin cocktail ∙ Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 22.9% ABV ∙
The Gin Sangaree is a port-topped gin cocktail: Old Tom gin and sugar syrup shaken and strained, then finished with a float of tawny port and grated nutmeg.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake Old Tom gin 60 ml and Sugar syrup 10 ml with ice and strain into the chilled glass
- Slowly float Tawny port 30 ml on top
- Garnish by dusting with freshly grated nutmeg
History
The Sangaree family takes its name from the Spanish sangre, meaning blood, a reference to the deep red color of the fortified wine drinks that first bore the name. The earliest known mention is in a 1736 issue of The Gentleman's Magazine, which described a London punch-seller's new drink of strong Madeira wine called Sangre.
The gin version was codified in Jerry Thomas's 1862 guide, How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon-Vivant's Companion, which listed separate Sangarees made with port wine, sherry, brandy, gin, ale, and porter, each sweetened with sugar. The gin and brandy versions were built like a toddy, with water and ice, and topped with a float of port. This Gin Sangaree recipe skips the water: the gin and syrup are shaken with ice, and the port is still floated on top.
