This is the perfect time of year to impress your friends with an original, summer cocktail recipe. I have a colorful and flavorful recipe for you, that tastes like summer in a glass. Most people are familiar with Port, but view it as a drink to be enjoyed at the end of a meal. Guess what? There is so much more you can do with this special wine. Ports can absolutely be used as a base ingredient in a cocktail.   

I love to develop recipes with this type of wine. This Lavender Lemonade cocktail is made with Fonseca Siroco. It is a dry, white Port that never disappoints. When paired with the following ingredients, a Port transformed into a delicious and unexpected summer cocktail. 

Authors: Tonja Brown & Christian Koepke





Lavender Lemonade
Makes 1 drink

2 ½ oz. Fonseca Siroco Dry White Port 
1 oz. sparkling lemonade
1 ¼ oz. lavender simple syrup
1 Lemon
Edible flowers or fresh mint (optional garnish)

Lavender Simple Syrup
Makes 1 cup syrup

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons dried lavender blossoms





Prepare simple syrup

1. Combine water, sugar, and lavender blossoms in a small saucepan. 
2. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer on low heat for 1 minute. 
3. Remove from heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes.
4. Strain syrup through mesh strainer into jar. Let cool. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Prepare cocktail

1. Cut ½ lemon into wedges. Slice remaining half for garnish.
2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, crush using muddler.
3. Add Fonseca Siroco dry white port and simple syrup.
4. Add ice and cover with cocktail topper.
5. Shake well. Pour into glass. Garnish (optional). Enjoy!
6. Top off with sparkling lemonade. Garnish and enjoy.





If you are having a small party with less than 10 people, you can make 2 drinks at once in batches. For larger gatherings, this recipe can easily be multiplied: just prepare it right before your guests arrive in a pitcher. The garnish can be added after each drink is poured. Another option is to make this in a punch bowl with a big block of ice. The edible flowers will be gorgeous floating at the top!

Setting up a mini cocktail bar will make this process even more interactive and fun. Knowing that everyone will love this recipe,  make sure you have extra ingredients on hand. I personally have had to make a grocery store run in the middle of my own party. So, stock up in advance and make sure everyone drinks responsibly and books a ride home.

There are also cocktail connoisseurs who will want to see and take the Port. Set out a bottle or two of those friends to try. Siroco should be served in a chilled glass. 





Now that your beverage is squared away, it’s time to complete the party preparation. I’m a big believer in keeping summer dishes simple. A few summer salads and one protein is all you need. Your friends can and should do the rest: have them bring their favorite appetizers and desserts. Everyone loves to bring a favorite!

So there you have it - you’re all set to impress and entertain. I would love to see how your cocktails turn out. Send or post your party pics and tag @christiannkoepke. Have a wonderful summer!