Asbach Beauty - Brandy, Port, Vermouth & Mint Cocktail

The Asbach Beauty combines brandy, sweet vermouth, orange juice, a dash of green crème de menthe, and a Port float. There is no broadly recognized canonical specification for this drink, but the current proportions are coherent: brandy leads, vermouth and Port add wine-based richness, and mint stays firmly in the background.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Brandy - provides the warm grape-spirit backbone.
• Sweet Vermouth - adds herbal sweetness and wine-like depth.
• Green Crème de Menthe - contributes a very small cooling mint accent.
• Orange Juice - adds soft citrus and light acidity.
• Port - supplies the rich sweet-wine float and final layer.

Cognac can replace brandy. Ruby Port gives the clearest fruit-forward float, while Tawny Port creates a nuttier variation. White crème de menthe can replace green without changing the mint flavor significantly.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Bar spoon
• Cocktail Glass

Keep the Mint in the Background

A single dash of crème de menthe is enough to register against the brandy and fortified wines. The Port float then adds a sweeter, darker finish as it gradually integrates into the drink.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use Cognac for a more specific grape-brandy profile.
• Use Tawny Port for nuttier dried-fruit notes.
• Use white crème de menthe for the same mint flavor without green color.
• Add a small squeeze of lemon for a sharper variation if the orange juice is especially sweet.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the serving glass before shaking.
• Keep the crème de menthe tightly measured.
• Use fresh orange juice.
• Pour the Port slowly over the back of a spoon.
• Serve immediately so the float remains visible at first.