Velvet Repose

The best nightcaps don't knock you out, they ease you down. Velvet Repose does exactly that, building on tawny port's naturally drowsy qualities with just enough cognac to add warmth without keeping you wired. What makes this work is the port-forward ratio. You get all those beautiful dried fig and caramel notes that tawny port does so well, while the cognac adds a gentle backbone. Dark crème de cacao sneaks in with barely-there chocolate richness, and the combination of Angostura and Peychaud's bitters creates this lovely spiced complexity that the grated nutmeg echoes perfectly. The orange peel brings just enough brightness to keep things interesting without being stimulating. This is for those nights when you want something contemplative in your hand, something that rewards slow sipping while you decompress. Serve it in a Nick & Nora, settle into your favorite chair, and let the day go. Sweet dreams are practically guaranteed.