Even if you’re not intimately familiar with it, you’ve definitely had vermouth—especially if you’re a fan of strong, stirred cocktails. But if you’re looking to get more acquainted with the ingredient or just want to find new ways to use up that bottle in your fridge, there are lots of classic cocktails you can make at home that call for the fortified, aromatized wine. Get to know these eight vermouth drinks and expand your cocktail knowledge.
People who order their Martinis “bone dry” aren’t real Martini drinkers. The classic recipe calls for a half-ounce of dry vermouth to add depth and a lightly sweet note to the gin (or vodka, if that’s how you roll). Take it away, and you’re just left with a coupe of chilled spirit.
The Essentials
gin
dry vermouth
orange bitters
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The Manhattan is one of the classiest of the classic cocktails. The simple mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters creates a strong, dry cocktail when made properly. Too much vermouth will make the cocktail too sweet, so make sure you order from a bartender who knows what they’re doing—or master the recipe yourself.
The Essentials
Whiskey
Sweet Vermouth
bitters
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This bittersweet drink is a point of contention for many, but the equal parts cocktail is here to stay. Simply mix gin, Campari and sweet vermouth to make the bright red drink. Pro tip: Swap the gin for whiskey, and you have a Boulevardier.
The Essentials
Gin
Campari
Sweet Vermouth
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Part hefty stirred libation, part citrusy refreshment, this whiskey cocktail is a balanced mix of rye, dry vermouth, lime juice, grenadine and orange bitters. Shake one up the next time you’re in the mood for a true palate pleaser.
The Essentials
Rye whiskey
Dry vermouth
Grenadine
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Fans of fun and all things summer will love our Frosé recipe, which is an easy-to-make mix of rosé wine, dry vermouth and homemade berry syrup. The dry vermouth helps to balance the sweetness of the freshly made raspberry and strawberry syrup, so you can sip a pitcherful in the sun without getting a sugar high.
The Essentials
Rosé
Dry Vermouth
Berry Syrup
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This New Orleans favorite may not be as popular as the Sazerac, but it’s certainly worthy of your time and attention. The bitter drink was invented at NOLA’s Hotel Monteleone in 1938 and is made with rye, Cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and two types of bitters.
The Essentials
Rye
Cognac
Sweet Vermouth
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Fernet lovers, take note: This classic bitter cocktail is the strong, stirred sipper for you. Whiskey, sweet vermouth and Fernet Branca come together for a drink that’s sure to give even the most seasoned drinker a solid buzz. Use an overproof rye like Knob Creek or Rittenhouse to stand up to the ultra-herbal amaro.
The Essentials
Whiskey
Vermouth
Fernet Branca
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Not only does this classic cocktail call for vermouth, but it also calls for both the sweet and dry variations to create it’s pleasantly sweet flavor. Gin and freshly squeezed orange juice are also in the mix, making the Bronx a refreshing libation for anytime of day, especially the afternoon hours.
The Essentials
gin
vermouth
orange juice
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