{"id":3625,"date":"2022-09-30T08:35:49","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T12:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/?p=3625"},"modified":"2025-09-08T13:02:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T17:02:20","slug":"what-is-vermouth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/what-is-vermouth\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Vermouth? The Ultimate Guide to This Essential Cocktail Ingredient"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is vermouth, you ask?<\/span> It seems you are just starting on a wonderful journey into the intricacies of cocktail-making, friend! Let\u2019s get you sorted. In this short and sweet introduction to this fortified wine, we will look at its history, how it\u2019s made, the difference between sweet and dry vermouth, and what it is used for. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What on earth is vermouth?<\/h2>\n

\"Definition<\/p>\n

Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine that is in the process of shaking off a rather dusty reputation. Until recently, younger folks tended to think of it as something they\u2019d encounter in their grandpa\u2019s liquor cabinet. However, as with most things, the wheel has turned.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like <\/span>grandpa cocktails are back in fashion<\/span>, vermouth is also ready to reclaim its rightful spot in the popular cocktail-ingredient limelight. Essentially a fortified alcoholic aperitif<\/a> that is flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, it is made from either white or red wine, and has been produced in France and Italy since the 1700s.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Different types of vermouth and what it tastes like<\/h2>\n

There are two different types of vermouth, namely sweet vermouth and dry vermouth. Each of these fortified wines has a very distinct flavor profile.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Discover dry vermouth<\/h3>\n

\"Classic<\/p>\n

Generally clear or pale yellow in color, <\/span>dry vermouth<\/span><\/a> is light and airy, with well-integrated floral, fruity, and herbal notes. It is the popular choice for drinks like the classic <\/span>Vodka Martini<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Gin Martini<\/span><\/a> because it enhance<\/span>s<\/span> the flavors of the spirit while imparting a very subtle nuance of its own.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also enjoy it chilled as an aperitif on its own to savor its enticing aromas of white peach and freshly spice marjoram, and full, mouth-coating taste with hints of vanilla bean and cinnamon, with a persistent bittersweet finish.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: <\/strong>26 Types of Martinis Every Cocktail Lover Should Know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Explore sweet vermouth<\/h3>\n

\"Front<\/p>\n

On the other hand, <\/span>sweet vermouth<\/span><\/a> has a richer infusion of herbs and spices, which gives it a deeper amber color. It imparts heartier notes of spices like vanilla, caramel, and darker fruits to classic cocktails like the Negroni<\/a> and <\/span>Manhattan<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When sipped on its own as an aperitif, you can expect to encounter upfront caramel and black cherry aromas, and a smooth taste with a subtle hint of initial sweetness, opening to spices and complex bitterness, before ending on a strong botanical note.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might also like: <\/strong>What is an Aperitif? When Should You Drink One? Learn More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The fascinating history of vermouth<\/h2>\n

\"History<\/p>\n

But where did vermouth come from, exactly? Today, one of the most recognizable vermouth brands around the world, <\/span>Cinzano<\/span><\/a>, features a range of vermouths first created by Giovanni and Carlo Cinzano, master Italian distillers since 1757. However, the history of vermouth goes back a little further than that.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The story goes that the first person known to infuse wine with an herb called wormwood and other spices was none other than the famous physician Hippocrates himself. At the time, this infusion was used as a healing and strengthening tonic. Today, historians tell us that Antonio Benedetto Carpano, a renowned Italian distiller, made a name for himself as the official inventor of vermouth. Carpano’s claim to fame came in 1786 when he created a new type of vermouth in Turin. He combined white wine with a mixture of herbs and spices to create a unique infusion, resulting in over 30 varieties of modern vermouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, the name ‘vermouth’ is the French pronunciation of the word ‘wermut<\/em>‘, which is German for wormwood.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to store vermouth<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Contrary to popular belief, vermouth does not have a never-ending shelf life once it’s been opened. In fact, it’s best to keep it in the fridge as you would do with an opened bottle of wine. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, even when you keep your opened vermouth chilled, it will eventually start to oxidize. As such, it is recommended to only use vermouth that has been properly stored up until two months after you first cracked the cap.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Short of the long? If it’s your first time buying vermouth, rather opt for the smaller bottle. You can always get another one later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocktails with vermouth to try at home<\/h2>\n

\"Close-up<\/p>\n

Some of the most popular cocktails over the decades<\/a> have included vermouth. Here are a few of our favorites to try at home:<\/p>\n