Vermouth cocktails offer a world of flavors to explore. This fortified wine adds depth and complexity to many classic and modern drinks.

From refreshing aperitifs to bold after-dinner sippers, there’s a vermouth cocktail for every taste and occasion.

You’ll find a variety of vermouth cocktails that showcase both dry and sweet styles of this versatile ingredient. Some recipes highlight vermouth’s herbal notes, while others balance it with strong spirits or fruity mixers.

Whether you prefer gin, whiskey, or other base spirits, there’s likely a vermouth cocktail that will appeal to your palate.

1. Negroni

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that’s perfect for vermouth lovers. It’s made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

To make a Negroni, you’ll need 1 ounce each of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Mix these ingredients in a glass filled with ice and stir well.

Garnish your Negroni with an orange peel or slice. The drink has a bold, bittersweet flavor that’s both refreshing and complex.

You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Some people prefer a bit more gin for a stronger drink, while others like extra vermouth for added sweetness.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that showcases vermouth beautifully. You’ll need whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters to make this drink.

Mix two parts whiskey with one part sweet vermouth. Add a dash of bitters for depth. Stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled glass.

Garnish your Manhattan with a cherry or a twist of lemon peel. This drink is perfect for sipping on a cozy evening or serving at a sophisticated gathering.

Try different whiskeys to find your favorite version. Rye gives a spicier flavor, while bourbon makes a smoother cocktail.

3. Martini

The Martini is a classic cocktail that uses dry vermouth. To make one, mix gin and dry vermouth in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled glass.

The ratio of gin to vermouth can vary based on your taste. A 5:1 ratio is common, but you can adjust it. Some prefer it very dry with just a splash of vermouth.

Garnish your Martini with an olive or lemon twist. For a variation, try vodka instead of gin. You can also make a Dirty Martini by adding olive brine.

Martinis are strong drinks, so sip slowly and enjoy the complex flavors. The vermouth adds subtle herbal notes that complement the gin beautifully.

4. Americano

The Americano is a classic Italian cocktail that’s simple yet sophisticated. You’ll love its refreshing blend of flavors.

To make an Americano, mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of soda water.

The drink has a beautiful red color from the Campari. Its taste is bittersweet with herbal notes.

You can garnish your Americano with an orange slice or lemon peel. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day or as a pre-dinner drink.

Try an Americano next time you want something light and refreshing. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for whiskey lovers. It’s similar to a Negroni, but uses bourbon instead of gin.

To make a Boulevardier, you’ll need bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Mix these ingredients in equal parts over ice and stir well.

Serve your Boulevardier in a chilled glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist for extra flair.

This drink has a rich, complex flavor. The bourbon gives it warmth, while the Campari adds a nice bitter edge. It’s great for sipping slowly on a cool evening.

6. Vesper

The Vesper is a sophisticated cocktail made famous by James Bond. It combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth.

To make a Vesper, mix 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka, and 1/2 part Lillet Blanc in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a lemon twist for a touch of citrus aroma. The drink has a crisp, dry taste with subtle herbal notes from the gin and Lillet.

You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences. Some bartenders use dry vermouth instead of Lillet for a slightly different flavor profile.

7. Cinzano Bianco Spritz

The Cinzano Bianco Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail. You’ll love its light, crisp flavor on a warm day.

To make it, fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in 3 ounces of Cinzano Bianco vermouth. Add 2 ounces of soda water and 1 ounce of prosecco.

Gently stir to mix the ingredients. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange. The citrus adds a bright, zesty aroma.

This drink has a lower alcohol content than many cocktails. It’s perfect for sipping slowly on a relaxing afternoon.

8. Chrysanthemum

The Chrysanthemum is a unique vermouth-based cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It features dry vermouth as the star ingredient, unlike many other cocktails where vermouth plays a supporting role.

To make a Chrysanthemum, you’ll need dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and a splash of absinthe. Mix these ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into a chilled glass.

The result is a sophisticated, low-alcohol drink with a complex herbal flavor profile. The Chrysanthemum’s golden color and floral aroma make it a visually appealing choice for your next cocktail hour.

9. El Presidente

The El Presidente is a classic Cuban cocktail that blends white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine. This elegant drink was created in the early 1900s and gained popularity during Prohibition.

To make an El Presidente, you’ll need to combine 2 oz white rum, 1 oz orange curaçao, 1 oz dry vermouth, and a teaspoon of grenadine in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well to chill and dilute the cocktail.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. The result is a sophisticated, slightly sweet cocktail with a beautiful amber color. You can garnish it with an orange twist for added flair.

10. Bamboo

The Bamboo is a low-alcohol cocktail that combines dry vermouth and sherry. It’s a great choice for a light aperitif before dinner.

To make a Bamboo, mix equal parts dry vermouth and dry sherry in a mixing glass with ice. Add a dash or two of orange bitters and stir well.

Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass. You can garnish it with a lemon twist or olive if you like.

The Bamboo has a delicate, complex flavor from the vermouth and sherry. It’s crisp and refreshing without being too strong.

11. Corpse Reviver #2

The Corpse Reviver #2 is a classic cocktail that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. It’s made with gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and vermouth or Lillet Blanc.

A dash of absinthe gives it an extra kick. This drink was originally meant as a hangover cure, but you can enjoy it any time of day.

The Corpse Reviver #2 has a balanced mix of sour, sweet, and herbal flavors. It’s a refreshing choice for gin lovers who want to try something new.

When you make this cocktail, remember to measure carefully. The ingredients work together in perfect harmony when mixed right.

12. Adonis

The Adonis cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the late 19th century. It’s a simple yet elegant mix of sweet vermouth and sherry, with a dash of orange bitters for added depth.

To make an Adonis, you’ll need equal parts sweet vermouth and fino sherry. Pour 1.5 ounces of each into a mixing glass filled with ice. Add a couple dashes of orange bitters.

Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients. Strain into a chilled martini glass. The Adonis is typically served without a garnish.

This low-alcohol cocktail makes a great aperitif to enjoy before a meal. Its balanced flavors will stimulate your appetite without overwhelming your palate.

13. Saratoga

The Saratoga cocktail is a classic American drink that combines whiskey, brandy, and sweet vermouth. It’s named after Saratoga Springs, New York, a popular resort town.

To make a Saratoga, you’ll need equal parts whiskey (usually rye), brandy, and sweet vermouth. Add a couple dashes of bitters for depth. Stir the ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled glass.

This cocktail has a rich, complex flavor. The whiskey and brandy provide warmth, while the vermouth adds sweetness. The bitters tie everything together with aromatic notes.

You can garnish your Saratoga with an orange peel for a citrusy touch. It’s a great drink to sip slowly and savor the blend of flavors.

History of Vermouth

Vermouth has a rich history dating back centuries. It evolved from medicinal tonics to become a key ingredient in many classic cocktails.

Origins and Development

Vermouth’s roots trace back to ancient Greece and Rome. People used herb-infused wines for health benefits. The name “vermouth” comes from the German word for wormwood, a key ingredient.

In 1786, Antonio and Beneditto Carpano created modern vermouth in Milan, Italy. They added aromatic herbs and spices to white wine. This sweet vermouth became popular.

Dry vermouth appeared later in France. It used less sugar and different botanicals. By the 1800s, vermouth was common in Europe and America.

Cultural Influence

Vermouth gained fame as an aperitif in the 19th century. People drank it on its own or with soda water. It also became a star in cocktails.

The first vermouth cocktail recipe appeared in 1869. It was simple – just chilled vermouth with lemon peel. More complex drinks soon followed.

Famous vermouth cocktails include the Martini, Manhattan, and Americano. These drinks helped spread vermouth’s popularity worldwide. Vermouth became a must-have in bars and homes.

Today, vermouth remains a key part of cocktail culture. It adds depth and complexity to many drinks.

Types of Vermouth

Vermouth comes in two main types: sweet and dry. Each has its own flavor profile and uses in cocktails.

Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth has a rich, dark color and a complex taste. It’s made with red wine and has added sugar. You’ll find notes of herbs, spices, and caramel in sweet vermouth.

It’s a key ingredient in many classic cocktails. The Manhattan and Negroni both use sweet vermouth. You can also drink it on its own over ice as an aperitif.

Sweet vermouth pairs well with whiskey and gin. Its sweetness balances out bitter flavors in drinks. Try it in a Boulevardier or a Rob Roy for a tasty mix.

Dry Vermouth

Dry vermouth is clear or pale yellow. It’s made with white wine and has less sugar than sweet vermouth.

The flavor is crisp and light with herbal notes. Dry vermouth is famous for its role in the Martini.

It adds depth to the gin without overpowering it. You can use it in other cocktails too, like the Bronx or the Bamboo.

Some people like to drink dry vermouth straight as an aperitif. It’s also good in cooking.

Use it to add flavor to sauces or seafood dishes.