Vermouth
Also known as: vermut
In short
Vermouth is wine aromatised with wormwood and botanicals: the modifier behind the martini, the manhattan and the negroni. We explain the styles from dry to rosso, the story from Turin and why the bottle belongs in the fridge.
In depth
What is vermouth?
Vermouth is fortified and aromatised wine: wormwood must be in it, plus botanicals such as herbs, barks and citrus peels. The name comes from the German word "Wermut", which over time became vermouth.
The story from Turin
Tradition has it that Antonio Benedetto Carpano created the first commercial vermouth in Turin in 1786. Turin became the vermouth city, and the aperitivo became an Italian habit that holds to this day.
The styles
- Dry: pale and dry, the partner for the martini
- Rosso: sweet and strong, the base for negroni and manhattan
- Bianco: the light middle way between the two
The pro tip
Vermouth is wine, and opened wine ages. After opening, the bottle belongs in the fridge and should be used up within weeks. Fresh vermouth is the difference between a good and a very good martini.
Classics with vermouth
Martini, manhattan and negroni. The martini is stirred: "The shaker makes texture, the mixing glass makes silk."
At our lounge
Ask us which vermouth goes into your drink, the difference is bigger than you think.