Broken Spur Cocktail

Pro tips

• Stir gently with ice rather than shaking to preserve the delicate texture and prevent over-dilution of fortified wines.
• Use fresh, high-quality vermouth and Port—these spirits are the backbone; stale vermouth will flatten the drink.
• Chill your glass before serving; fortified wine cocktails benefit from starting cold to balance the inherent sweetness.
• Strain into a coupe or small cocktail glass; the narrow rim concentrates the aromatics from the Port.

Substitutions

• Sweet Vermouth → Dry Vermouth (shifts balance toward dryness; use sparingly)
• Port Wine → Tawny Port (adds nuttiness, reduces fruit-forward notes)
• Curaçao → Orange bitters or triple sec (adjust to 2-3 dashes if using bitters)

Storage & make-ahead

Prepare fresh to order. Opened vermouth and Port keep 4-6 weeks sealed in a cool, dark place.

Equipment

cocktail jigger · mixing glass or cocktail shaker · bar spoon · cocktail strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

What type of Port wine should I use?

Ruby Port is the most common choice for cocktails, offering fruity notes and approachable sweetness. Tawny Port works too for a drier, nuttier profile.

Can I make this drink without Curaçao?

Curaçao adds subtle citrus and complexity. You can omit it, but the cocktail will taste noticeably less balanced—consider adding a dash of orange bitters instead.

Should this cocktail be served hot or cold?

The Broken Spur is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled, not hot. Stir gently with ice and strain into a coupe or small glass.

How do I balance the sweetness?

All three ingredients are naturally sweet. Use a higher-quality, less cloying vermouth and adjust Curaçao quantity to taste if it feels too syrupy.