“Wait, what?” was the reaction to this piece. A bold statement, some may say.

Now we’re not talking about the nutty, sweet Port that makes you feel all tingly and tipsy and winter-y insider. We’re talking about the bold, fresh, golden-coloured Port made from a blend of divine Portuguese white grapes, and that’s served as a well-chilled aperitif.

Topped with tonic water, an abundance of ice, and garnished with fresh mint and lemon, it’s a brilliant thirst-quencher which the Portuguese have been slurping for years. And the perfect alternative to – you guessed it – Gin & Tonic.

With a lower ABV than the classic cult-favourite that is gin, Port can be sipped in the sunshine with a few small petiscos (Portugal’s answer to tapas), olives, and lupin beans (which our continental cousins love). Bye, bye, gin hangover.

In the UK, the gin market is super saturated and we’re now on the hunt for fresh alternatives and a White Port can more or less substitute any cocktail that would ordinarily use white vermouth, as they’re both different types of fortified white wine. The plus side? You’ll also save some pennies as Port is typically cheaper than Gin – but we highly recommend a decent tonic to pair with.

If you’re a G&T lover, you’re bound to fall for a P&T.

Fancy one… right now? We sure do. Here’s our easy recipe:

Ingredients: White Port (Of course! Waitrose have quite the selection),  tonic water (Think Fever Tree or Franklin & Sons), ice, lemons, limes, orange, our Elderflower Spritz Cocktail F.I.Z.Z.

Step 1: Grab a Tom Collins and pour three or four cubes of ice in there.

Step 2: Add half a glass of Port.

Step 3: Fill up the glass with your choice of Tonic.

Step 4: Gently stir about five times to ensure a good mix in the glass.

Step 5: Add a sprig of mint.

Step 6: Drop our Elderflower Spritz in for a truly refreshing burst.

Step 7: DRINK AWAY.