Vermouth
Vermouth is a quintessential European aperitif. This sweetened and fortified wine is aromatized with various botanicals, and it is usually classified as red (sweet) or white (dry). The origin of vermouth is ancient and closely connected to wormwood wine, but the first official vermouth was produced in Turin by Antonio Benedetto Carpano.
He aromatized his wine with various herbs and spices and started selling his red vermouth in 1786. The drink became an instant success among the locals and has since only grown in popularity. In the years that followed, Joseph Noilly introduced the new French-style vermouth that is now mostly known as white or dry vermouth.
With the development of the spice trade, both styles were further popularized. Internationally, vermouth became known as a cocktail ingredient—it is used in some of the classics such as Martini, Manhattan, Negroni, and Americano—but in Europe, it is still mainly served as an aperitif.
It can be enjoyed neat or over ice, and it is often mixed with soda or tonic water. Vermouth is still a staple in Italy and France, but it has also become one of the most popular aperitifs in Spain after it was introduced in the 19th century.
Types of Vermouth
Part of
Dirty Martini
Dirty Martini is a Martini variety made with gin and vermouth, with an additional dash of olive juice, brine, or even olive oil, giving&... Read more
Martini
Martini is a sophisticated mix of gin and vermouth. The components are combined in a mixing glass and stirred before being poured into a martini glass that ... Read more
Yolanda
Yolanda is a Prohibition-era cocktail that combines gin, brandy, vermouth, grenadine, and absinthe. The original recipe used one part gin and one part brandy,... Read more
Vermuttino
Vermuttino is a simple mix of soda water and Italian vermouth. Just like vermouth, this cocktail is closely connected to Torino. When vermouth was popularized,... Read more
Serve with
Biltong
Biltong is a traditional beef snack that is cured in a unique way. The word comes from the Dutch bil, meaning hind quarter, and tong, meaning ... Read more
Tapas
Popularly known as Spain's greatest food invention, these small finger foods are usually accompanied by a few drinks at lunchtime or in the early evening, led by ... Read more
Best Vermouth
Speciality Brands
Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino
Distilleria Sibona
Civico 10 Vermouth Di Torino Rosso Superiore
Maison Eugène René
Monte Carlo Vermouth Rosso
Dibaldo Spirits
Un Bitter
Bordiga
Vermouth Bianco
Maison Eugène René
Monte Carlo Vermouth's Bianco
