Vermouth is a versatile fortified wine that adds depth and complexity to many cocktails.
Whether you have a bottle of sweet or dry vermouth sitting in your bar cart, there are numerous classic and creative ways to use it.
From the elegant Manhattan to the refreshing Americano, vermouth cocktails offer something for every taste preference.
You can transform that dusty bottle of vermouth into sophisticated drinks that impress guests or enhance your own relaxation time.
The Italian and French versions each bring unique flavors to cocktails, pairing wonderfully with gin, whiskey, or Campari.
With just a few additional ingredients, you can craft everything from strong, spirit-forward drinks to lighter, effervescent options perfect for warm afternoons.
1. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It’s known for its perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal flavors.
For the best Negroni, quality ingredients matter.
Many bartenders recommend Beefeater gin paired with Carpano Antica Formula vermouth.
Bombay Sapphire is another excellent gin choice that adds complexity without overwhelming.
Other great vermouth options include Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Dolin Rouge, and La Quintinye Royal. Each brings different characteristics to your cocktail.
To make a Negroni, stir 1 oz each of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
2. Americano
The Americano is a classic cocktail that combines equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with soda water. It’s served over ice for a refreshing drink that’s less potent than many other cocktails.
For the best flavor, try using Cinzano Rosso vermouth, which offers great value.
If you want to splurge, Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso is an excellent upscale option.
Garnish your Americano with an orange slice or lemon twist to enhance the aromatic experience.
The bittersweet profile and fizzy texture make this cocktail perfect for sipping before dinner.
You can easily adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
3. Martini
The Martini is a classic cocktail that combines gin and dry vermouth. It’s known for its elegant simplicity and sophisticated taste.
To make a traditional Martini, you’ll need London dry gin and French dry vermouth.
The ratio varies based on preference, with modern versions often using less vermouth than older recipes.
Stir the ingredients over ice until well-chilled, then strain into a cold cocktail glass. You can garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
For variety, try a vodka Martini by substituting vodka for gin.
You can also experiment with different vermouths like Dolin Dry or Noilly Prat for subtle flavor changes.
4. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that swaps gin for whiskey in a Negroni. It combines bourbon or rye whiskey with sweet vermouth and Campari in equal parts.
Many bartenders prefer using 1.5 ounces of whiskey with 1 ounce each of Campari and sweet vermouth. This ratio lets the whiskey shine through more clearly.
You can customize your Boulevardier by experimenting with different whiskeys.
Alberta Premium pairs well with Cocchi Storico and Campari, topped with a maraschino cherry.
For a twist, try Basil Hayden’s version using Aperol instead of Campari to highlight the bourbon’s spicier notes. Some recipes also mix both dry and sweet vermouth for complexity.
5. Gibson
The Gibson cocktail is a classic variation of the martini. It swaps the traditional olive garnish for a cocktail onion, which gives it a subtle yet distinctive flavor.
To make a Gibson, mix 1 3/4 ounces of gin with 1 1/4 ounces of dry French vermouth. Plymouth gin works well as it has a less juniper-heavy profile than some other gins.
Stir the ingredients with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cocktail onion or a small skewer of onions.
For the best flavor balance, try using high-quality vermouth like La Quintinye Blanc, which adds a light fragrance to your drink.
6. Tequini
The Tequini is a creative twist on the classic martini, substituting tequila for gin. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail combines blanco tequila with dry vermouth and a dash of bitters.
To make a Tequini, mix 2-2½ ounces of blanco tequila with ½ ounce of dry vermouth. Add a dash of aromatic bitters, then stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish your Tequini with either an olive or a lemon twist, depending on your preference.
The crisp, slightly agave-forward flavor makes this an excellent choice for martini lovers looking to explore tequila’s versatility.
7. Chrysanthemum Cocktail
The Chrysanthemum Cocktail is a unique drink that lets vermouth take center stage instead of playing a supporting role. This elegant cocktail combines dry vermouth with Benedictine liqueur and a splash of absinthe.
To make this sophisticated sipper, you’ll need about 2 ounces of dry vermouth, 1 ounce of Benedictine, and a few dashes of absinthe. Some recipes also include a dash of orange or aromatic bitters for extra depth.
The result is a simple yet complex herbal cocktail with a light touch. It’s perfect when you want something lower in alcohol but still full of interesting flavors.
8. Yuzu Amaro Spritz
The Yuzu Amaro Spritz is a refreshing twist on the classic spritz cocktail. This drink combines the herbal complexity of amaro with bright citrus notes.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1/2 ounce lime juice, 1/4 ounce honey syrup, 1/2 ounce dry vermouth, and 1 ounce of Amaro Nonino.
Top it with Fever Tree yuzu lime soda for a refreshing fizz.
Garnish your spritz with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon wheel. The aromatic herbs complement the floral yuzu and lime perfectly.
This citrus-forward, herbaceous drink makes an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings or as an aperitif before dinner.
9. 50-50 Gin Martini
The 50-50 Gin Martini is a balanced cocktail that uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth. Unlike traditional martinis that might be heavy on gin, this version creates a smoother, less boozy drink.
When making this cocktail, choose your gin and vermouth pairing carefully.
Tanqueray pairs well with Dolin vermouth for this equal-parts mix, while some prefer higher proof gins to stand up to the vermouth.
Adding a dash of orange bitters and a lemon twist garnish enhances the flavors.
This version is perfect if you find regular martinis too strong or dry.
You’ll appreciate how the vermouth’s herbal qualities shine through when given equal billing with the gin.
10. Funyuns Gibson
The Funyuns Gibson is a unique twist on the classic Gibson cocktail. It combines gin with Funyuns-infused vermouth for a savory flavor profile.
To make this drink, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of Funyuns-infused vermouth, and a few drops of salt water solution. Some recipes use Funyuns-infused gin instead of vermouth.
Garnish with cocktail onions for a traditional touch, or get creative with caviar, sour cream, and a Funyun on top.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy savory drinks with a hint of nostalgia.
If you’re looking for something unusual to serve at your next gathering, this cocktail will definitely spark conversation.
11. Chartreuse Martini
The Chartreuse Martini adds an herbal twist to the classic cocktail. Green Chartreuse brings a unique blend of herbs and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with gin’s botanical profile.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1½ oz gin, ½ oz Green Chartreuse, and ½ oz dry vermouth. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold.
Strain into a martini glass for a sophisticated presentation, or serve it over a cube in a rocks glass for a more casual approach.
The herbaceous notes from the Chartreuse complement the dry vermouth perfectly.
This variation creates a more complex flavor profile than a traditional martini while maintaining its elegant character.
12. Be Cool
The Be Cool cocktail is a refreshing twist on classic vermouth drinks. It combines sweet vermouth with cucumber and mint for a cool, refreshing taste.
To make this drink, muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
Add ice, sweet vermouth, and a splash of soda water. Shake gently and strain into a glass filled with ice.
This cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings.
The cucumber provides a crisp freshness while the mint adds a pleasant cooling effect. The sweet vermouth balances everything with its herbal complexity.
You can garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig for an elegant presentation.
13. Caprese
The Caprese Martini brings the beloved Italian salad into cocktail form. This creative drink combines olive oil-infused vodka with dry or bianco vermouth for a savory base.
Balsamic vinegar adds a distinctive tang, while a pinch of salt enhances all flavors. Some recipes incorporate tomato water or fresh basil to complete the caprese experience.
To make this elegant cocktail, stir 2 oz of EVOO, tomato and basil infused vodka with 1½ oz vermouth and two dashes of balsamic vinegar.
Garnish with a mini mozzarella ball for an authentic touch.
This refined cocktail offers a sophisticated way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a unique drink format.
14. Cocchi Jasmine Tea Spritz
The Cocchi Jasmine Tea Spritz is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines bitter and sweet flavors perfectly. This drink brings together Cocchi Americano vermouth with delicate jasmine tea and peach for a sophisticated sipper.
To make this spritz, you’ll need 60ml Cocchi Americano, 50ml chilled jasmine tea (brew it strong), and 15ml peach puree.
Combine these ingredients in a glass with ice.
Top with Mediterranean tonic water to complete the drink.
The floral notes from the jasmine tea complement the fruity peach while the Cocchi Americano adds a pleasant bitterness that balances everything nicely.
15. Soft Arms
Soft Arms is a smooth and balanced vermouth cocktail that’s perfect for relaxed sipping. This elegant drink combines dry vermouth with sweet vermouth for a perfect balance.
To make it, you’ll need equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, usually about 1.5 ounces of each.
Add a dash of orange bitters for complexity.
Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist to brighten the drink.
This cocktail showcases vermouth’s versatility and makes for a lower-alcohol option when you want something sophisticated but not too strong.
16. Hot Sloe Gin Negroni
The Hot Sloe Gin Negroni offers a warm twist on the classic cocktail. It combines sloe gin with dry vermouth and Campari for a fruity yet balanced drink.
To make this warming cocktail, mix equal parts London Dry gin, sloe gin, dry vermouth, and Campari.
Heat the mixture gently. Don’t boil it as this will reduce the alcohol content.
Serve in a heat-resistant glass with an orange twist or wedge for garnish. The sloe gin adds a fruity depth and sweetness that complements the bitter Campari.
This cocktail is perfect for cold winter evenings when you want something warming yet sophisticated.
17. Broken Spur
The Broken Spur is a sophisticated cocktail that combines gin with white port for a complex flavor profile. This unique drink also features sweet vermouth and anisette liqueur, giving it a distinctive taste.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need gin, white port, sweet vermouth, anisette (like Pernod), and an egg yolk. Some recipes also add a touch of lemon juice and sugar for balance.
The flavor has been described as similar to fennel crème brûlée. For best results, choose a gin that can stand up to the bold flavors of the vermouth and port wine.
Simply shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass for this elegant drink.
18. Asam Boi Sour
The Asam Boi Sour is a Malaysian cocktail that features preserved plum, giving it a unique sour flavor profile. Despite its sophisticated appearance, this drink is surprisingly easy to make at home.
The cocktail typically combines asam boi (preserved plum) with chili for a hint of spice. These ingredients are muddled in a shaker before adding other components.
You can customize this cocktail by adding tomato and vegetable juice with infused vodka and paprika, then shake with ice. The result is a complex yet balanced drink that offers a taste of Malaysian flavor traditions.
19. Martinez
The Martinez is often seen as the predecessor to the Martini. It combines Old Tom gin with sweet vermouth and a touch of maraschino liqueur.
Most recipes call for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, around 1.5 ounces each. Add a teaspoon of maraschino liqueur and a dash or two of orange bitters.
Some variations include using a mix of dry and sweet vermouth. Others stick with the original recipe that used more vermouth than gin.
Stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist for a perfect finishing touch.
20. Pre-bottled Dirty Martini
A pre-bottled Dirty Martini offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. This ready-to-drink cocktail combines vodka or gin with dry vermouth and olive brine for that signature savory taste.
You can find quality pre-bottled versions that save preparation time while maintaining the classic dirty martini experience. Many brands use premium ingredients, ensuring you get the perfect balance of spirits and brine.
For best results, store your pre-bottled Dirty Martini in the freezer. You can serve it immediately upon pouring, with a garnish of stuffed olives to complete the presentation.
21. Spanish Red Vermouth Spritz
The Spanish Red Vermouth Spritz is a refreshing twist on the classic spritz cocktail. It combines the rich flavors of Spanish red vermouth with bubbles for a perfect aperitivo.
Spanish vermouths like Lustau Rojo Vermut offer sweet, complex flavors that work beautifully in this drink. Made with Amontillado and Pedro Ximenez sherries, these vermouths bring unique depth.
To make this cocktail, simply combine Spanish red vermouth with soda water or sparkling wine. It’s especially popular in Spain, where drinking vermouth with soda is almost an institution.
For an authentic experience, try pairing your Spanish Red Vermouth Spritz with tapas. You can garnish with an orange slice or olive for a traditional touch.
History Of Vermouth
Vermouth has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century in Turin, Italy. It was originally created as a medicinal tonic, combining wine with herbs and spices for supposed health benefits.
The drink’s name comes from the German word “wermut,” meaning wormwood, a key ingredient in early vermouth recipes. Wormwood was believed to help with digestion and various ailments.
By the early 1800s, Joseph Noilly produced the first dry vermouth in Marseille, France. This lightly aged blend became popular for its distinctive flavor profile.
Vermouth gained significant popularity during the late 19th century when it became a bartender’s favorite. It was essential to the cocktail scene of that era, with many iconic drinks calling for equal parts spirit and vermouth.
Famous cocktails from this period include the Martini, Manhattan, Rob Roy, and Negroni. These classics helped cement vermouth’s place in cocktail culture.
In the traditional recipe style, many cocktails used generous amounts of vermouth. For example, recipes from 1896 by Thomas often called for equal parts spirit and vermouth, unlike today’s drier preferences.
Quality matters with vermouth. Many cocktail enthusiasts find that upgrading to premium vermouths like Antica Formula can transform even simple drinks made with less expensive spirits.
Today, vermouth continues to be celebrated, with March 21st recognized as Vermouth Day in many places around the world.
Vermouth Ingredients And Flavors
Vermouth is a fortified wine infused with herbs, spices, and other botanicals that create its distinctive flavor profile. The ingredients vary between producers, but most use a wine base enhanced with a blend of aromatic plants.
White Versus Red Vermouth
White vermouth (dry vermouth) starts with white wine and has a crisp, light character. It typically contains less sugar and more herbal notes, making it perfect for martinis and other cocktails needing a subtle touch. Dry vermouth often has hints of citrus, floral elements, and a pleasant bitterness.
Red vermouth (sweet vermouth) uses red wine as its base and contains more sugar. This gives it a richer, deeper flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and warm spices. Sweet vermouth works beautifully in cocktails like Negronis, Manhattans, and Americanos where its complexity balances stronger spirits.
There’s also blanc vermouth, which falls between dry and sweet. It’s made from white wine but has more sweetness than dry vermouth, offering versatility in mixed drinks.
Botanicals And Herbs In Vermouth
The magic of vermouth lies in its botanical blend. Most vermouths contain between 20-40 different plants, herbs, roots, and spices. Wormwood is the traditional key ingredient, giving vermouth its name and characteristic bitter edge.
Common botanicals include:
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon)
- Cinnamon and cloves
- Cardamom and coriander
- Juniper berries
- Gentian root
- Chamomile
- Angelica root
Each producer guards their recipe closely, creating unique flavor profiles. Some vermouths emphasize floral notes, while others highlight spices or citrus elements. The botanicals are typically macerated in the fortified wine or distilled separately before being added.
When you taste vermouth, try to identify these complex layers of flavor. The herbal complexity makes vermouth not just a mixer but a fascinating ingredient worth exploring on its own.
Pairing Vermouth With Food
Vermouth’s complex flavor profile makes it a versatile companion for many foods. Dry vermouth works beautifully with lighter fare, while sweet vermouth complements heartier dishes.
Cheese Pairings
Dry vermouth pairs excellently with fresh, creamy cheeses. Try it with burrata or fresh goat cheese for a refreshing combination. The herbal notes in dry vermouth cut through the richness of these cheeses.
For sweet vermouth, look to aged cheeses like manchego or gouda. The caramel and vanilla notes in sweet vermouth complement the nutty flavors in these harder cheeses.
A simple pairing to try at home: serve a small glass of chilled dry vermouth alongside a plate of burrata with olive oil and sea salt. The crisp vermouth cleanses your palate between bites.
For an evening dessert, pair sweet vermouth with blue cheese and honey. The sweetness balances the cheese’s sharp flavor.
Charcuterie Pairings
Dry vermouth shines with lighter meats like prosciutto and seafood charcuterie. Serve a glass of dry vermouth with oysters or prawns for a classic Mediterranean-inspired pairing.
Sweet vermouth works wonderfully with richer meats such as duck prosciutto or spicy chorizo. The sweetness balances the fat and salt in these heartier meats.
Try this easy combination: pour a glass of sweet vermouth to accompany a board with chorizo, olives, and almonds. The herbal qualities in the vermouth complement the spices in the meat.
For special occasions, pair dry vermouth with smoked salmon and capers. The botanical elements in the vermouth enhance the fish’s delicate smokiness without overwhelming it.
