Broken Spur Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glassware before serving to keep the drink cold longer and minimize melting ice.
• Stir gently with ice for 10–15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly without over-aerating the fortified wines.
• Use fresh, quality port and vermouth; their flavors dominate this simple drink and cannot be masked.

Substitutions

• Port Wine → Ruby or Tawny Port (Ruby is fruitier; Tawny adds oak complexity)
• Old Mr. Boston Curaçao → Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur (similar citrus profile, slightly different sweetness)
• Italian Vermouth → Dry Vermouth (creates a drier, less sweet drink)

What type of vermouth should I use for a Broken Spur?

Use Italian (sweet) vermouth as specified. Dry vermouth will shift the drink's balance toward dryness and reduce the intended sweetness.

Can I make this cocktail without curaçao?

Curaçao adds citrus notes and sweetness. Omitting it will thin the drink's flavor; consider a dash of orange liqueur or triple sec instead.

Should the Broken Spur be served cold or at room temperature?

Serve chilled. Stir with ice and strain into a coupe or cocktail glass, or serve over a single large ice cube for a slower dilution.

How long will a Broken Spur keep once made?

Consume immediately after mixing. As a cocktail, it does not improve with time and will dilute as ice melts.

What glassware works best?

A coupe glass or small cocktail glass suits this aperitif-style drink. A rocks glass with one large ice cube also works well.