This restaurant's cocktails are portals to the rest of the world

May 3, 2018 // By Michelle da Silva Richmond

By Michelle da Silva Richmond
May 3, 2018

Here's to wistful drinking Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Here's to wistful drinking

Visitors to Portugal’s trendy Rib Beef and Wine Restaurant, located in the luxe Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel, can sip their way around the world without leaving the comfort of their barstools, thanks to the "Around the World" cocktail menu. Award-winning head mixologist, Tiago Moreira and his team developed the "travel portfolio" with 13 signature cocktails, which teases the palate while transporting patrons on a drinkable culinary journey to specific countries, served in a presentation unique to each destination.

Let this menu be your passport Photo courtesy of Michelle da Silva Richmond

Let this menu be your passport

The concept took more than a year to develop, test and decide which countries would make the cut. "I created this menu because I work in a hotel and my clients come from all over the world," explains Moreira. "Combining my work and my passion for travel, I decided it would be fun to create a menu with this concept. Some travel and knowledge shared by our customers made it easier to do this."

Where cocktails and travel meet Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Where cocktails and travel meet

Moreira adds that he sees this cocktail portfolio as the perfect combination of three variants: customers, travel and gastronomy. "The goal is to have the client travel to a specific country and taste typical flavors of the destination," Moreira says. "The aim is to show that cocktails are not only served inside a simple glass, but that it’s possible to offer a unique experience to the client from the drink, the smell and the presentation."

Pastel de Nata - Portugal Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Pastel de Nata - Portugal

Leading the list on this imaginative liquid journey is Portugal, represented by the yummy Pastel de Nata (typically known as a custard tart). It's a mixture of tawny Port, brandy, egg, cinnamon and pastel de nata-flavored foam. Served in a blue and white cup, it’s presented on a traditional Portuguese tile, accompanied by a mini tart and ceramic swallows (also emblematic of the country). It’s the perfect sweet finale to any meal.

Al Capone - United States Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Al Capone - United States

Representing the U.S., the Al Capone is fortified with Buffalo Trace bourbon, amaretto, Benedictine and vanilla – a drink strong enough to bring out the gangster in all of us. Moreira explains that the smoke you see coming out of the Capone-style hat complementing the drink "represents the mystery inside American bars in the dry law era." The accompanying playing cards denote the "power that Capone had in his day."

Spanish Soul - Spain Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Spanish Soul - Spain

Spanish Soul comes in both liquid and solid form and represents Spain with a blend of Stolichnaya, Cynar, Lillet, chopped tomatoes, onions and vinegar. It's dished up like Gazpacho (a Spanish soup) with a wooden spoon and two pots.

Bossa Nova - Brazil Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Bossa Nova - Brazil

If you’d prefer to blame any possible hangover on the "Bossa Nova," Brazil is highlighted in a mix of Capucana (a form of cachaça), grapefruit limoncello, guava, lime, coconut and honey water – all tucked into a tiny hammock. "It’s a tropical cocktail served on a beach bed. We unite typical Brazilian flavors and the sunset does the final work," explains Moreira.

Cappadocia - Turkey Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Cappadocia - Turkey

Gray Goose, Pekmez, sage, lemongrass and bitter cider launch the Cappadocia. Created as a tribute to Turkey’s mountainous area and its hot air balloons, it’s served inside a light bulb, suitably anchored by a colorful balloon to replicate the popular activity.

Japanese Garden - Japan Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Japanese Garden - Japan

The Japanese Garden reflects some of Japan’s typical flavors, combining Jinzu, sake, lemon vinegar, jasmine, sushi sauce and matcha tea. Served on a small bed of grass, it embodies a typical royal garden.

Mamma Mia - Italy Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Mamma Mia - Italy

Feel like sampling the flavors of Italy without all of the calories? Go for the Mamma Mia, a blend of low-alcohol Grappa infused with bitters alongside pizza-flavored gelato served in a cone. It's guaranteed to evoke thoughts of cozy trattorias and la dolce vita.

Tortuga - Paradisiac Islands Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Tortuga - Paradisiac Islands

The sunny vibe of a tropical island can be felt in the Tortuga, a rich blend of smoky rum, milk and punch. The small flask tucked into an appealing treasure chest – complete with the essential treasure map, sand and shells – recalls legends and lore of pirates of the Caribbean.

City of Love - France Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

City of Love - France

The City of Love, as you might suspect, represents the je ne sais quoi of France. Served inside a metal and glass box signifying Paris’ sleek architecture, the cocktail is made with G Vine Floraison, passion fruit vinegar, roses and hibiscus. "Paris is a romantic city with neoclassical architecture," says Moreira. "When you open the box to remove the cocktail, you feel the intense fragrance, the perfume of a city that breathes passion."

African Vibe - Africa Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

African Vibe - Africa

Complemented by a mini tree dotted with soft, spiced cotton candy leaves, the African Vibe evokes memories of the African savanna and is served as an aperitif. Beefeater 24, chermoula, Chartreuse liqueur and spices are used to create the zesty illusion.

Midnight Tea - UK Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Midnight Tea - UK

For 'teetotalers,' Midnight Tea comes with a small porcelain teapot with matching teacup and freshly baked biscuits, all set atop a crocheted doily. You’ll easily be able to convince yourself (and perhaps others) that the tangy blend of Tanqueray, Red of Africa tea, lemon tree leaf and grapefruit is actually a proper high tea.

Paros - Greece Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Paros - Greece

If Greece stirs your soul, then the Paros (named for the Greek island) is calling you with its blend of Gin Mare, vermouth, seaweed, fennel and sea salt. Moreira says this one is like a "dirty Martini with sea flavor." The small glass fish submerged in a petite 'aquarium' includes the requisite white seashells representing the Mediterranean Sea.

Mexican Roots - Mexico Photo courtesy of Rib Beef & Wine and Pestana Vintage Porto

Mexican Roots - Mexico

If you’re drawn to Mexico – and the slightly macabre – the fiery Mexican Roots unites Don Julio, guacamole, rosemary, citrus and jalapeños, and it's served in a black coffin to represent the famous Day of the Dead. Moreira recalls a specific customer who, after experiencing a special moment in his life while in Mexico, decided to try the drink. "Shortly after tasting it, he stopped, looked at us with an incredulous expression. He said the cocktail helped him travel to Mexico and he felt happy, like he did when he was there. It’s very gratifying for us to know that we’ve created such unique experiences for our clients."

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About Michelle da Silva Richmond

Michelle da Silva Richmond is an award-winning travel editor and member of the Society of American Travel Writers and other journalism organizations. She has written hundreds of articles for newspapers, consumer and trade magazines and in-flight publications. In addition, she has co- authored and contributed to many guide books and was a weekly travel columnist for a metropolitan Connecticut daily newspaper. Growing up abroad, combined with a colorful career as a Pan Am flight attendant fueled her wanderlust and passion for travel. She lived in Mexico City for nearly 20 years and has visited nearly 100 countries. Her bags are always packed.

Read more about Michelle da Silva Richmond here.