Broken Spur Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use fresh ice and chill your glass beforehand; proper dilution from stirring is key to balancing the sweetness of port and vermouth.
• Measure the triple sec precisely—at 1/4 tsp it's a subtle accent; too much overpowers the delicate fortified wine profile.
• Stir slowly and deliberately rather than vigorously to preserve the wine's aromatics and avoid over-dilution.

Substitutions

• Port → Madeira (use same volume; drier profile, good for less-sweet preference)
• Sweet Vermouth → Dry Vermouth (1:1 swap; shifts drink toward brighter, less herbaceous character)
• Old Mr. Boston Triple Sec → Cointreau or generic triple sec (same volume; minimal impact on flavor due to small quantity)

Storage & make-ahead

Mix fresh to order; pre-batched versions keep chilled in a sealed bottle for up to 4 hours.

Equipment

barspoon or mixing spoon · jigger for measuring · cocktail glass or coupe

What type of port should I use in a Broken Spur?

Ruby or tawny port both work well; ruby offers more fruit-forward notes while tawny brings oxidized complexity. Use a quality bottling as it's a featured ingredient.

Should I stir or shake a Broken Spur cocktail?

Stir gently with ice for 15-20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly; this preserves the delicate character of fortified wines better than shaking.

What glassware is best for serving?

Serve in a coupe, Nick & Nora, or small cocktail glass; strain into the glass and serve up (no ice) or over a single large cube.

Can I batch this cocktail ahead?

Yes—combine all ingredients in a pitcher, chill for up to 4 hours, and serve by the glass. Stir before serving to redistribute.

What's a substitute if I don't have Old Mr. Boston Triple Sec?

Any dry triple sec or curaçao works; reduce or skip if unavailable, as the 1/4 tsp is a small accent dose.