Ok, so first port is an after dinner drink, then it’s an aperitif. Now we’re supposed to have it over crushed ice or mixed with tonic. The product and marketing people have been working overtime on this one. How do you increase consumption of a relatively niche dessert drink? Answer, convince people that it’s actually a cocktail mixer and generate a whole list of drinks with your brand name: Sandeman Sangria, Sandeman Fizz, Caipi Sandeman, it goes on and on. Needless to say, we were pretty skeptical of this apparent marketing sleight of hand (even though Alex does in fact like port).
But Monday, on our first full day in Porto, we went on the Sandeman cellar tour. It was really interesting, although somewhat marketing/branding oriented (as you would expect I guess) and a little cheesy at times (Alex kept whispering this during the tour). For one thing, our guide was wearing a cape and sombrero, so it was hard to take him completely seriously. But in any case, after a long afternoon wandering the streets of Porto, we sat outside Sandeman to try a couple of these so called cocktails with a (somewhat) open mind. Wow, they were really good! Now, maybe it was the brainwashing from the tour, or the wonderful weather, or the amazing view of the city across the Douro river, but we both really enjoyed our drinks. A sangria with port, sure. A caipirinha with port, why not?
So, yes, port wine cocktails, seriously!
Inside the Sandeman cellars
Meet our tour guide – The Dom
The “original” Sandeman cocktails
Port caipirinha and sangria with the newly converted Kristina
Sounds and looks awesome! But no picture of the ridiculously dressed guide?? 🙁
Good point. We didn’t really capture him in all of his glory, but the new picture gives you an idea.