Vermouth

Vermouth is a particular type of wine fortified with additional alcohol and infused with a blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals. Its fascinating history dates back to the late 18th century and is now a critical ingredient in some of the most famous cocktails like the Martini and Negroni. What's great about vermouth is its versatility. You can sip it on its own as a light aperitif or as a mix-in to add a unique depth of flavor to mixed drinks. Vermouth's rich history and varied taste profiles have made vermouth a favorite in cocktail culture for generations. What is vermouth made of? Vermouth is a type of wine that is fortified and infused with a blend of botanicals, herbs, and spices. It is commonly used as a key ingredient in cocktails, such as martinis and negronis. To make vermouth, a base wine is first aromatized with botanicals and then fortified with distilled alcohol, usually brandy. Is vermouth dry or sweet? Vermouth offers an intricate flavor that combines sweet, bitter, herbal, and spicy notes, with variations depending on its style. Dry vermouth has a light, crisp taste with a subtle bitterness, often accented by citrus, herbs, and spices, making it a popular choice for martinis. Sweet vermouth leans toward a richer, more complex profile, featuring caramel, vanilla, and darker spices like cinnamon and clove, with a touch of bitterness, ideal for cocktails like the Negroni and Manhattan. Blanc vermouth is a sweeter white variety with the perfect balance of dry and sweet with floral and citrus notes. Overall, vermouth's aromatic blend of herbs and spices adds depth and complexity to cocktails. What is the alcohol content of vermouth? The alcohol content of vermouth varies between 15% and 18% depending on the brand and type. Dry vermouth generally has lower alcohol content. Popular types of vermouth Vermouth is a wine that has been fortified and flavored, with three main types: dry, sweet, and blanc. Many well-known brands offer unique interpretations within these categories. Dry vermouth: Dry vermouth is a type of wine that is infused with herbal and citrus notes, which gives it a refreshing and delicate taste. It is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Martini. There are a few famous French brands of dry vermouth, including Noilly Prat and Dolin. Noilly Prat is well-known for its dry vermouth, which has a gentle and well-balanced flavor profile. Dolin, on the other hand, is recognized for its subtly aromatic dry vermouth, which is also quite popular. Sweet vermouth: Sweet vermouth has a richer, sweeter flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and darker spices like cinnamon and clove. It's used in cocktails such as the Negroni, Manhattan, and Americano. Carpano Antica Formula is a popular sweet vermouth famous for its strong and complex flavors. Carpano Antica Formula carries hints of vanilla and dried fruits. Cinzano, an Italian brand, has a collection of sweet vermouths that offer a more well-balanced sweetness and traditional botanical flavors. Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino is another beloved Italian brand, which boasts a robust and spicy profile. Blanc vermouth (also known as Bianco): Blanc vermouth is a middle ground between dry and sweet. It has a sweeter, floral profile with citrus notes. Martini & Rossi's Bianco is a top pick for blanc vermouth, offering a smooth and slightly sweet flavor. Dolin Blanc is also respected for its floral and somewhat sweet taste. These brands contribute to vermouth's versatility and popularity in a wide range of cocktails or as a standalone aperitif. Their unique flavors allow them to be enjoyed in various settings, from classic cocktail bars to relaxed gatherings.