Broken Spur Cocktail

Pro tips

• Pre-chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving to maintain the cocktail's temperature without over-dilution.
• Measure ingredients precisely by weight or jigger; small ratios like 1/4 tsp curacao are critical to balance—don't free-pour.
• Stir rather than shake to preserve the delicate aromatics of fortified wines and avoid excessive aeration.
• Use quality port and vermouth; lower-tier bottles will result in a muddy, overly sweet finish.

Substitutions

• Sweet Vermouth → Dry vermouth (creates a less sweet, more herbaceous profile)
• Port Wine → Madeira or marsala wine (similar body and sweetness)
• Curacao → Triple sec or Grand Marnier (adjusts orange character and sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after preparation. Unused vermouth and port should be stored upright in a cool, dark place; opened bottles keep 3–4 weeks refrigerated.

Equipment

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

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

Serve in a coupe glass or cocktail glass, chilled. A rocks glass works as an alternative if serving over ice.

Can I make a Broken Spur without curacao?

Yes, triple sec or another orange liqueur substitutes well; adjust quantity to taste for sweetness balance.

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

Chill the glass and serve cold, either shaken with ice or stirred and strained into a pre-chilled coupe.

What is the best port wine for this cocktail?

Use a ruby or tawny port; ruby offers deeper fruit notes while tawny adds nuttiness and oxidative complexity.

How does the Broken Spur compare to other vermouth cocktails?

Unlike martinis or negronis, the Broken Spur emphasizes sweet vermouth and port equally, creating a dessert-forward profile rather than a spirit-forward drink.