Long gone are the days that vermouth gathers dust at the back of your drinks cupboard.
Many of London’s smartest bars are serving the drink straight up over ice in response to the growing popularity of cocktail experimentation that took root in lockdown.
If you’re new to vermouth and wondering what all the fuss is about, Charlie McCarthy, certified spirits educator at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) explains. Vermouth is wine that has been “lightly fortified by adding spirit and also aromatised by the addition of wormwood (artemisia) and other botanicals.” Most will then also have some sugar added to balance the bitterness of the wormwood.
What are the different types of vermouth?
McCarthy explains that they tend to be classified into three main types:
- A sweet vermouth will typically have a red hue. “While the base wine for these vermouths used to be red wine, nowadays, most sweet vermouths are made using a white wine base, with colour being added. This style is also sometimes referred to as Italian vermouth.”
- A dry vermouth will likely be white. “As the name suggests, this is less sweetened than red vermouth, but it does still have a sweet aspect to balance the aromatic bitterness. This style is also sometimes referred to as French vermouth.”
- While the last type is Bianco, “This is a dry vermouth, but is significantly sweeter, with prominent vanilla notes to accompany the bitter botanicals.”
What should you expect from a vermouth?
“The key aromatic balance in a vermouth is between the bitter and sweet elements,” explains McCarthy, “another key consideration is whether the base wine used was particularly aromatic.”
“With an ABV anywhere between 14.5 and 22 per cent, vermouths pack a bit more of a punch than wine, and the array of botanical complexity available in the category makes for an interesting and versatile drink to enjoy on its own or as an impactful cocktail ingredient.”
Served over ice, they are regularly presented as an aperitif. The expert adds that vermouth is also a “staple of many classic cocktails. A Vermouth & Tonic highball makes for a rewarding and less alcoholic alternative to the G&T.”
If you’re not sure what vermouth to add to your favourite cocktail, McCarthy reveals, “sweet vermouth is a key ingredient in the Negroni, Manhattan and Martinez. Dry vermouth meanwhile plays an essential role in the dry martini. Somewhat confusingly, if you like more dry vermouth in your martini, let your bartender know that you’d like your martini ‘wet’.”
Scroll on for the best vermouths to buy now
Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry
Cocchi is a brand beloved by bartenders all over the world and its vermouth is made for mixology.
It’s made from a base wine of Cortese grapes and hints of coriander and lemon peel botanicals, so it’s a great addition to a classic martini or Manhattan.
With notes of fresh apple and melon, you can also taste the Piedmontese mint and lemon peel flavours, especially if enjoyed on its own over ice or with a splash of soda water.
Buy now £13.95, Master of Malt
Martini Extra Dry Vermouth
A classic vermouth for any drinks cabinet or trolley, this option is the main ingredient for a great martini cocktail (no surprise, given the name). The drink, over 100 years old, is iconic and aromatic in equal measure. First launched in the 1900s, the dry white wine has hints of raspberry, lemon and iris roots, which are sundried for three years. Add it to gin and garnish with lemon peel to enjoy a winning martini.
Buy now £11.00, Tesco
Lillet Blanc
If you can’t get to Europe this summer, bring the flavour of France to you with this white vermouth. It’s made with white Bordeaux wines and fruit brandy. You may also notice the hints of parsley, red berries and cracked black pepper and its slight smokiness as the aged in oak for a year before it’s ready to drink.
A sweet vermouth, you’ll also detect notes of white grapes and port, which are enhanced when paired with soda. The drink has a long finish, but if you want more of a kick, add some gin or vodka, or use it as a base for a French twist on the Manhattan.
Buy now £19.25, Master of Malt
Forty-Five Vermouth Radiant Rose
Famed for award-winning gins, the Spirit of Manchester Distillery also makes a selection of vermouths that are delicious over ice.
The radiant rose vermouth is floral, fruity and light. Made from English wine from the Stopham Estate vineyard in Sussex, it has summer-berry flavours (think blackberry, blueberry and raspberry) and a unique touch of hibiscus.
Add it to your favourite Manchester Gin for a dinner-party aperitif or pair with tonic for a refreshing take.
Buy now £24.54, Master of Malt
Gonzalez Byass Vermouth La Copa Blanco Extra Seco
This is a historic vermouth that’s based on the original French version of the wine that dates back to 1896.
With a Fino sherry base and added botanicals of cinnamon and clove, it has a dry and sour finish. This makes it a killer addition to a martini, whether you prefer them shaken or stirred.
Alternatively, serve as a sour aperitif before dinner.
Buy now £16.50, The Whisky Exchange
Antica Formula Carpano Vermouth
No Martinez (the grandfather of the martini) cocktail is complete without this sweet vermouth. Simply pair with gin, bitters and maraschino liqueur. With a recipe dating back to 1786, the Italian vermouth is a great way to round off any meal.
The flavour comes from the base of Italian wines, such as the Piedmontese muscatel, the vanilla bouquet and notes of anise, orange peel and dates. If a Martini isn’t your thing add it to a Manhattan or a negroni for a sweet twist.
Buy now £32.49, Amazon
Bolney Wine Estate Rosso English Vermouth
For its English vermouth, the vinters at Bolney wine estate were inspired by nature and its Sussex estate, and have included botanicals found in their gardens.
Sipping on this sweet vermouth, you’ll find sloe and blackcurrant flavours with notes of caramel and eucalyptus. While rosé and elderflower blossom give the drink a slight sweetness.
Break this out on a spring day, as the sun starts to shine. Pour it over some ice and add some tonic, plus your favourite garnish, such as lemon thyme, for an Instagram-worthy shot.
Buy now £17.00, Bolney Wine Estate
Co-op Extra Dry Vermouth
This extra-dry vermouth from everyone’s favourite convenience store certainly won’t break the bank while boasting fresh flavours thanks to a natural infusion of botanicals. A store cupboard staple.
Buy now £8.85, Co-op
La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry
La Quintinye is a French vermouth that’s crafted from a winning combination of wines and Pineau des Charentes – a regional aperitif made from 27 plants and spices – to create an extra-dry drink that’s well-balanced yet powerful with liquorice, prune and vanilla flavours. Rich and intense.
Buy now £22.94, Amazon
Denbies Orange Vermouth
Vibrant and fresh, this orange vermouth – yes, really – from Denbies wine estate in Dorking, Surrey, is made in part using the pressings from their award-winning orange wine blended with additional botanicals and herbs. A real conversation starter.
Buy now £26.00, Denbies
Contratto Rosso Vermouth
Beautiful bottle aside, Contratto Rosso Vermouth hails from a historic winery in Italy and combines white wine fortified with brandy and 30 delicately infused herbs, spices, roots and seeds. The resulting aperitif is complex but well-balanced.
Buy now £25.30, Amathus Drinks
Verdict
A vermouth for drinking on its own, before dinner, or with one of your other favourite spirits in a cocktail, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry has some interesting flavours. From apple and melon, to lemon and coriander, this new vermouth, we’re sure, will become a must-have on your cocktail shelf - ready for when you fancy a quick tipple.
