Around the World in 60 Cocktails: Enchanted Moura

The rich folklore of Portugal and the northern coast of Spain is woefully underrated. The Atlantic coast boasts beautiful stories about how islands sprung from flowers dropped by an angel in Paradise, or more humorously why dogs sniff each other when they first meet. But the most famous tales are those of the mouras encantadas or enchanted moura, a supernatural woman that is under a spell promising a rich reward to anyone capable of breaking it and setting her free.

According to ancient lore, the mouras are the souls of young maidens who were left guarding the treasures that the mouros encantados (enchanted warriors) hid before heading to the Mourama. The legends describe the young maidens of great beauty with long hair (usually blondes with heads of hair “fairer than gold” but this depends on the region. Redheaded mouras are popular in Galicia). They are considered charming princesses who are “dangerously seductive”, and lure you into the supernatural world.

This signature twist on one of Portugal’s favorite drinks – white port and tonic – is both seductive and supernatural. Vinho verde is a wonderfully light and refreshing wine from northern Portugal. White port is a white fortified wine from the Douro region of Portugal, produced from a blend of different white wine grape varieties, including Esgana Cão & Malvasia Fina. The addition of it brings wonderful floral & herbaceous undertones to this cocktail.

Just don’t be too lured in by the supernatural savors of this beauty … you might never return!