Most people associate port with a traditional evening get-together over an after-dinner drink or a selection of cheeses. However, the legendary family-run winery W. & J. Graham’s proves that port can transcend its traditional boundaries and shine in modern bar concepts. The result of their work is the innovative Graham’s Blend Series – the very first port wines created specifically for mixology.
Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to classic spirits or want to enhance your summer spritz menu, Graham’s blends, combined with premium non-alcoholic mixers from Thomas Henry, are the perfect choice for any food and drink enthusiast.
A story from the famous Douro Valley
All the grapes for the Blend Series come from Portugal’s renowned Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The producer, Symington Family Estates, draws on a five-generation family tradition while adapting it to the needs of modern bartenders.
Today’s guests demand lighter drinks, artisanal origins, authenticity, and complex flavour experiences. Furthermore, the alcohol content of port (around 19% ABV) naturally aligns with the global trend for low-alcohol cocktails (low-ABV).
The Graham’s brand is also B Corp certified, which guarantees a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach throughout the entire production process.
The two faces of the Blend Series: Blend N°5 & Blend N°12
The range consists of two distinct yet complementary editions:
Graham’s Blend N°5 White Port
The first white port designed specifically for mixing. It is lighter, fresher, and more aromatic than traditional white ports. Its profile is dominated by notes of white peach, apricot, citrus zest, and delicate orange blossom. It is particularly well suited to refreshing highballs and aperitif spritzes.
Graham’s Blend N°12 Ruby Port
A reinterpretation of classic ruby port. The grapes are harvested during cooler nights at higher altitudes, which lends the wine an extraordinary fruity freshness. It offers intense aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries, a hint of spice, and notes of cocoa. In drinks, it adds depth without feeling heavy.
4 recipes for summer cocktails from the Graham’s Blend Series
1. Classic Port and Tonic
The iconic Portuguese aperitif in its purest form. The combination of the tonic’s subtle bitterness and aromatic white port makes for the perfect refreshment.
- Ingredients:
- 50 ml Graham’s Blend N°5 White Port
- Thomas Henry Tonic Water (to top up)
- Fresh mint and a slice of lemon
- Ice
- Method: Fill a glass (highball or wine glass) to the brim with ice. Pour in Graham’s Blend N°5, top up with Thomas Henry Tonic Water, and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a twist of lemon or a slice of lemon.
2. Port Spritz
A floral and elegant spritz combining fresh white port with the effervescence of Spanish Cava.
- Ingredients:
- 40 ml Graham’s Blend N°5
- 10 ml elderflower syrup (e.g. Giffard)
- Codorníu Cava Cuvée Clássico Brut sparkling wine (to top up)
- Fresh mint
- Ice
- Method: Fill a wine glass with ice, add the Blend N°5 and elderflower syrup, then top up with chilled Cava. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint.
3. Ruby Blossom
An intense fruity-floral cocktail based on the ruby-coloured Blend N°12 and flavoured tonic water.
- Ingredients:
- 40 ml Graham’s Blend N°12 Ruby
- 10 ml lychee liqueur (e.g. Giffard)
- Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic (to top up)
- Ice
- Method: Pour the Blend N°12 Ruby port and lychee liqueur into a wine glass filled with ice. Carefully top up with Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic to create a delicate frothy effect and a fresh, fruity flavour.
4. Midnight Spritz
A vibrant evening aperitif served in a large wine glass, which brings out notes of forest fruits.
- Ingredients:
- 40 ml Graham’s Blend N°12 Ruby
- Codorníu Cava Cuvée Clássico Brut sparkling wine (approx. 60 ml)
- Fresh strawberries and a slice of orange
- Ice
- Method: Pour the Blend N°12 into a glass filled with ice and add the dry sparkling wine. Add slices of fresh strawberry and orange to bring out the natural aroma of ripe fruit in the drink.
Tip for bartenders and home mixologists
When preparing drinks from the Blend Series, always use plenty of ice. A high-quality non-alcoholic base, such as Thomas Henry’s premium non-alcoholic mixers, will highlight the natural texture and fruitiness of the port wine without overpowering its original character.
Graham’s Blend Series represents exactly the kind of innovation the modern gastronomy and bar scenes have long been waiting for. Combining a rich family heritage with a spirit of experimentation opens the door to creating original signature drinks that appeal to both discerning connoisseurs and guests seeking lighter, more refreshing alternatives to classic spirits. Furthermore, the low alcohol content combined with a distinctive flavour fits perfectly with the ever-growing trend towards responsible and experiential drinking.
For restaurants, luxury hotels, and modern cocktail bars, this range therefore offers a fantastic opportunity to revitalise both their summer offerings and their regular drinks menus. Whether you opt for a refreshing Port and Tonic with a premium Thomas Henry mixer or go for a sophisticated spritz, the story of the Douro Valley hidden within every bottle will add an authentic artisanal dimension to your menu and provide your guests with an unforgettable experience.
