Douro bridges inspire Angel's Share's first signature cocktail menu

Eight bridges give their name to the eight signature cocktails at the WOW bar in Vila Nova de Gaia. From the busy Arrábida and D. Luiz I Bridges in Porto to the disused Pocinho railway bridge, Angel's Share's new proposals cross the Douro and time.

The 28th of September 2023 - The inspiration for Angel's Share's signature cocktail menu is there for all to see when they visit the WOW bar: The Douro and the D. Luiz I bridge are an integral part of the landscape that frames the entire interior and exterior of the space.

The D. Luíz I Bridge was therefore the obvious choice for the menu. Almost as well-known as the bridge is the combination of melon and ham flavours in the D. Luíz I cocktail (13€). Just like the view, the cocktail has the ability to surprise with its spicy base, brought by the Mexican liqueur Ancho Reyes, fused with the herbal touch of the French liqueur Chartreuse. Finally, a dark chocolate truffle appears at the top of the glass, on a stick that spans it like a bridge.

The journey proposed by Angel's Share extends to the Arrábida cocktail (11€). The tall, slender glass is reminiscent of the imposing structure of the bridge, while the interior brings together the waters of the Douro, represented by Taylor's Chip Dry white Port, and the Atlantic. Salicornia, ulva (an edible seaweed that decorates the cocktail) and a few drops of spirulina convey the maritime side of the composition, which also has strong notes of peach.

Like a "Bridge" between present and past, the menu at Angel's Share goes back to the disused Pocinho railway bridge, in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with a cocktail that brings it back to life. Gin Raw and a splash of vinegar create the refreshing and slightly acidic base of the Pocinho cocktail (12€), which is distinguished by the basil and tomato tile, made from pickles prepared in the bar itself.

The next proposal linvites you to imagine a more exotic side of the Douro, with the tropicality of the region's grape varieties translated into tropical ingredients with great aromatic richness. Coconut, fermented banana and passion fruit turn the Pinhão cocktail (€11) into a sweet, citrusy proposition, which is also coloured by the seven-year-old Santissima Trainidade rum.

Going down to the Régua railway bridge, the "toastiness" of the Port wine barrels is the great inspiration. The Palo Santo smoke that comes out of the Régua cocktail (12€), when served, is very present on the nose and palate. At first glance, it may seem as transparent as water, but the composition takes shape with three diluted alcoholic bases: Montelobos mezcal and the Italian liqueurs Italicus and Maraschino Luxardo, the latter produced with marasca cherries.

Seen from afar, the height and length of the Ermida bridge are so great that you can imagine crossing to the other side of the Atlantic. The result is a lightcocktail with guaraná, cachaça capucana and white chocolate. Orange oils add a final sweetness to the Ermida cocktail (€11).

Mosteirô (12€) is easily recognisable by the small, slender carrot floating in the glass. When you taste it, it's also easy to recognise. There's kombucha and an infusion of lemon grass on the palate, which is quickly surprised by the Maker's Mark bourbon base, making this as hot as the temperatures in the Alto Douro Wine Region.

The arrival in Porto is marked by the intense pink of the Dona Maria Pia cocktail (12€). The colour comes from the pitahaya, while the great strength of the cocktail comes from the Curado Cupreata tequila. In the glass, a basil foam stands out, strongin consistency and smooth in flavour.

Until now, Angel's Share has served some signature cocktails, but this is the first time that a complete menu has been created with proposals that complement each other.

"Angel's Share is very wine orientated and we don't want to let go of that part, not least because we're in WOW, a real 'world of wine'. However, we also want to assert the bar's role as a cocktail bar, through cocktails with a great diversity of ingredients and flavours. The richness of the journey along the Douro River was the way we conveyed this," explains Fábio Miranda, WOW's Head Bartender and one of the people responsible for creating the menu.

All cocktails are available at Angel's Share daily between 5pm and 1am. To accompany them, the menu also has snacks such as gyosas, toast and cheese and sausage boards to share, as well as the wide selection of wines and Ports by the glass and bottle, always available at the WOW bar.

Angel’s Share:

Location: WOW Porto, Rua do Choupelo 39,4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening times:Everyday, 5pm – 1am

Reservations:220 121 227 or online

Full menu: Available online