3 of the Hottest Cocktails in Portland... and How You Can Make Them at Home

In this leg of our travel series we do what we always do: find the bars a city can’t stop talking about, drink diligently in the name of research, and bring back the recipes so you can skip the plane ticket. Our next stop: Portland, home of some of the best damn food in the country… and the cocktails to go with it.

Inigo Montoya When Victoria opened its doors roughly a year ago, millennials couldn’t have been more excited. After all, the entire cocktail menu is named after characters or plot devices featured in one of the most beloved movies from millennial childhood: The Princess Bride. Lovers of the film can order up a Storming the Castle or The Six-Fingered Man, but we recommend the Inigo Montoya. The tequila-and-lime cocktail gets an updated twist, thanks to the addition of wine-based spirit Cardamaro (similar to earthy Cynar, but lighter) and the spicy yet citrusy notes of cardamom bitters. See recipe

Green Muse Despite its place in American history, we don’t often see pisco featured on many U.S. cocktails menus. So when we stumbled upon the Green Muse at mussel bar La Moule, we knew we’d found something special. Bartender Tommy Klus (formerly of the Multnomah Whiskey Library) expertly pairs the South American brandy with lime juice and anise-flavored pastis for a combo that’s fruity, herbal, and fresh. The addition of sparkling wine makes this a bright and refreshing drink that’s perfect for afternoon sipping. Order one up (or make one at home), served alongside Pacific Northwest mussels. See recipe

Vieux Carr é Named 2015 Portland Restaurant of the Year, it’s no surprise that Imperial has a food menu that doesn’t disappoint. Equally impressive, however, is its cocktail list that focuses on complex and potent concoctions. We’re particularly big fans of their take on the Vieux Carré, a classic New Orleans recipe with whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine. At most bars, a Vieux Carré will set you back roughly 12 bucks, but at Imperial this cocktail is served on tap for a mere $8. Even better? Head to the location for happy hour, when the Vieux Carré is an unheard-of $5. See recipe

Portland’s cocktail scene rewards adventurous drinkers, and you don’t have to live there to enjoy it. From pisco drinks to Princess Bride-themed menus, these recipes prove that great cocktails start with creative combinations — browse more unexpected pairings on Cocktail Builder and find your next favorite drink.

Last modified on July 3, 2026