Velvet Repose cocktail in a nick & nora garnished with orange peel twist
Perfect For
Sunday, February 8, 2026

Velvet Repose

When You Need Something Gentle to End the Day

The best nightcaps don't shout. They whisper you toward sleep with just enough warmth and sweetness to make you forget whatever the day threw at you. The Velvet Repose does exactly that, leaning into ruby port's natural plushness and dark fruit flavors without any of the fuss. The cognac adds a gentle backbone, keeping things refined while the Bénédictine brings its signature honeyed spice. Those orange bitters tie everything together with a subtle citrus note that keeps the drink from feeling too heavy. It's spirit-forward but not aggressive, sweet but not cloying. Think of it as a more relaxed, approachable cousin to classics like the Vieux Carré or Sazerac. This is the drink for when you want to sit in a comfortable chair with a good book, or just stare out the window and decompress. The Nick & Nora glass keeps the pour modest, which is exactly right for something this rich. Give it a try next time you need to transition from the chaos of evening into actual rest.
other·port

Velvet Repose

Medium·nick & nora
sweetspirit-forwardfruity

Ingredients

  • 2 ozruby port
  • 0.75 ozcognac
  • 0.25 ozBénédictine
  • 2 dashesRegan's Orange Bitters No. 6

Method

  1. 1.Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
  2. 2.Stir gently for 20-25 seconds until well-chilled
  3. 3.Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass
  4. 4.Express orange peel over the drink and discard or place in glass
Garnishorange peel twist

Note: A peaceful nightcap in the style of classic after-dinner cocktails. The port brings natural sweetness and body, supported by cognac's elegance and Bénédictine's honeyed herbal complexity. Perfect for slow sipping before bed.

#occasion#relaxation#port#cocktail#recipe#craft-cocktail#winter

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