Princeton Cocktail Recipe

Port doesn't get enough play as a cocktail ingredient. This fortified wine from Portugal resides in the mixological shadow of other wines such as vermouth and sherry, but when deployed in the right drink, port can express its rich, deep character in a very satisfying way.

The Princeton Cocktail dates to the late 19th century, when New York barman George Kappeler mixed them alongside other Ivy League-named drinks at the Holland House bar. Heavy and rich, port lends not only flavor to this drink, but an elegant appearance: when poured into the cocktail glass with a steady hand, the port will settle on the bottom, creating a two-tone visual effect without all the fussy effort of a pousse café-style layered drink (and it helps the layering and the flavor if you chill the port in advance).

The Princeton is best made with a type of gin called Old Tom, which was impossible to find until just a couple of years ago. There are now two brands of Old Tom on the market domestically: Hayman's, which is relatively easy to find in well-stocked liquor stores and online shops; and Ransom, made in Oregon and with a much more limited distribution (but can also be found online). If you can't find Old Tom or don't want to trouble with buying one more style of gin, you can still give the Princeton a try by using a savory dry gin such as Plymouth, and adding a little simple syrup to approximate the sweetness of Old Tom.

Princeton Cocktail