Have you ever wanted to try your hand at bartending? Having been one in the past I can tell you that half of what you believe is true, and the other half is only half true. That being said, if you do want to give bartending a try, there’s a new contest just for you, and the winner gets a trip to Portugal. The Sandeman Mix It Up Challenge wants you to create a cocktail using the Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto, take a picture and send them the recipe along with a photo. Here’s the press release I was sent:
There are few things as satisfying as creating a perfect cocktail—but sitting on a beach in Portugal has to be one of them.  With this in mind, the Sandeman Mix It Up challenge is looking for cocktail enthusiasts to create an original cocktail that includes Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto, for a chance to win a trip to Portugal and a visit to the world-renowned Sandeman Cellars.
The submissions will be judged by Sandeman representatives and Dalio Calado—an acclaimed Portuguese mixologist and cocktail expert—based on taste, creativity and originality. While port has been an aperitif and high-end bar staple for years, it is experiencing a dramatic resurgence in the world of mixology, due to its rich color and perfect flavor profile, and we are excited to see what fans of the drink come up with.
To participate, simply visit the Mix It Up tab on Facebook.com/SandemanPorto, and click “Enter Here” to  submit a recipe and a photo of the original cocktail by June 15th (11:59:59 PM EST).
Having never been to Portugal, I for one plan to try and track down a bottle of the Sandeman’s Founders Reserve Porto and see how rusty my drink making skills are. Good luck and advanced congrats to whomever wins.
