Broken Spur Cocktail

Pro tips

• Stir rather than shake this cocktail to maintain the silky texture of the fortified wines and avoid over-aerating.
• Chill your glass beforehand by filling it with ice while you prepare the drink; discard the ice before straining.
• Measure the triple sec carefully—it's a small amount that should complement, not overpower, the wine flavors.
• Use fresh ice and stir for at least 20 seconds to properly dilute and chill the drink without bruising the spirits.

Substitutions

• Sweet vermouth → dry vermouth (creates a drier, less sweet version)
• Port → Madeira wine (similar fortified profile with slightly different flavor complexity)
• Triple sec → Curaçao (adds a different citrus note and slightly more body)

Storage & make-ahead

Batch Broken Spur cocktails can be stored in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; serve chilled over ice.

Equipment

cocktail mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger

What type of port wine should I use?

Use a standard ruby or tawny port. Ruby port is fruitier and younger; tawny is slightly drier and oxidized. Either works depending on your preference for sweetness and body.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can batch the Broken Spur in a bottle and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well with ice and strain into glasses when ready to serve.

What glassware is best for serving?

Serve in a coupe glass or small cocktail glass. A rocks glass with one large ice cube also works for a slower-sipping version.

Is this cocktail sweet or dry?

It leans sweet due to the port and sweet vermouth, balanced by the dry edge of triple sec. The triple sec prevents it from being cloying.

What's the best way to chill this drink?

Stir ingredients with ice for 20–30 seconds, then strain into a pre-chilled glass. Stirring is preferred over shaking for fortified wine cocktails to preserve smoothness.