Vermouth Essentials: How to Drink, Store, and Enjoy It Properly

Why Is Vermouth Misunderstood?

Vermouth gets a bad reputation because most people haven’t had it served or stored properly. Bars often mishandle it, letting it spoil by avoiding refrigeration, which ruins its taste. When vermouth is treated the way it should be—a wine with botanicals and an added kick of alcohol—it becomes a game-changer.

What Is Vermouth?

Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine.

Aromatized means botanicals have been added for flavor and aroma.
Fortified means extra alcohol (e.g., brandy or neutral grain spirit) has been added to increase its strength.

At its core, vermouth is wine, infused with unique flavors, and it can be sipped solo or used as a major player in cocktails.

How Many Types of Vermouth Are There?

There are two major types of vermouth and one niche style worth mentioning.

Dry Vermouth: Light, crisp, often with grassy and citrus notes. Key ingredient in martinis.
Sweet Vermouth (aka Rosso Vermouth): Dark, sweet, bold flavors like chocolate, figs, or herbs. Found in Manhattans and Negronis.
White Vermouth: Similar to dry vermouth but with fruity undertones on the back, a lighter, more esoteric style.

Why Should Vermouth Be Refrigerated?

Vermouth is like wine—it spoils if not stored correctly! Once it’s opened, refrigeration is key to maintaining its flavor. It has a slightly longer shelf life because of the higher alcohol content but will turn rancid if left at room temperature.

Here’s what to do:

Buy smaller bottles (375 ml) to keep it fresher.
Refrigerate it immediately after opening.
Use it quickly to avoid oxidation.

What’s Wrong With Vermouth Stored at Bars?

Most bars leave vermouth on the speed rail instead of refrigerating it post-service. This neglect often leaves it tasting stale or off, giving first-timers a bad impression. And yes, even some fancy bars make this mistake!

How Do You Properly Taste Vermouth?

To appreciate vermouth’s layers, here’s a quick guide to tasting it properly:

Appearance: Against a white background, it has a pale straw or clear golden hue.
Nose: Smell for brightness. Notes could include citrus, sweet fruits like kiwi, or a hint of herbs or sherry-like oxidation.
Palate (Taste):
- Dry Vermouth often has citrus, honeydew, and kiwi notes.
- Sweet Vermouth leans into dark fruits, chocolate, butterscotch, and spices.

Sip it on its own, with soda, or in a cocktail to fully appreciate its charm.

What Are Some Iconic Vermouth Cocktails?

Classic cocktails use vermouth as a key component to elevate flavor profiles. Here are staples you can revisit with fresh vermouth:

Martini (dry vermouth)
Manhattan (sweet vermouth and whiskey)
Negroni (sweet vermouth, gin, Campari)

Feeling adventurous? Try these ideas with vermouth as the base spirit, extended with soda or other mixers for a refreshing low-ABV experience.

Can Vermouth Be a Base Spirit?

Yes! Vermouth is ideal for base-spirit drinks because of its low ABV and wine-like complexity. A simple two ounces of vermouth topped with soda and a lemon twist is not only delicious but also low-calorie and versatile for any occasion.

Why Should You Give Vermouth Another Chance?

Unlike many "acquired tastes," vermouth is inherently delicious when fresh. It doesn’t require years of refined palate training to enjoy. With its balance of sweetness and savory depth, it’s approachable even for those who might usually reach for something like hard seltzers or premixed cocktails.

What Should You Look for When Buying Vermouth?

Pick a small bottle that matches your intended use and drink it fresh. Here are two great examples to consider:

Dolin Dry Vermouth: Bright and grassy with hints of citrus and kiwi, ideal in martinis or with soda.
Carpano Classico Sweet Vermouth: Rich notes of caramel, dark fruits, herbs, and just the right sweetness for Manhattans or Negronis.

How Can Vermouth Elevate Your Cocktails?

Using quality vermouth instantly upgrades your cocktail game. Incorporate it into classic recipes, or even better, experiment with low-ABV drinks. For example, Dolin or Carpano with soda creates a refreshing, lighter alternative to traditional cocktails.

How Is Vermouth Trending in Modern Menus?

The rise of the low-ABV cocktail movement has made vermouth even more popular. Drinks that pair lighter alcohol with soda are gaining traction for being easy to drink, health-conscious, and full of flavor. Vermouth is perfect for this trend, making it a must-have on any menu.

Final Thought: Should You Give Vermouth a Chance?

Absolutely! Whether you’re sipping it solo, serving it with soda, or revamping classic cocktails, vermouth has depth and charm that deserve your attention. And who knows? The next time you’re at the bar and order a vermouth-based drink, you might just be the trendsetter everyone notices.

Cheers to rediscovering vermouth—your new favorite secret weapon in the world of drinks!