Aperitivo Hour: Why Vermouth Deserves a Spot in Your Glass

There is something oddly amusing about watching one’s English brother, alongside his English friends – expats in Barcelona – repeatedly order and sip vermouth. The scene holds both humour and potential. It is elegant and charming, and even a little absurd.

These are boys (now men) who were raised on British drinking culture, whose first initiation into alcohol was far less romantic than this scene. Yet here they are, turning their small draughts delicately in the Mediterranean sun, appreciating the botanical notes of a €3 aperitif as if they have just discovered alchemy for the first time.

It’s no secret that vermouth's popularity has risen in recent years. Since the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s, what was once considered relatively a niche and cutting-edge drink is now found on most menus and has trickled into the mainstream.

Known for its complex aromas and broad flavour profile, vermouth-based cocktails – featured in roughly a third of classic cocktail recipes – such as the Martini, Negroni, Manhattan, and Americano have made this bittersweet, aromatised wine a staple. Versatile in mixology, vermouth is also a strong contender as a standalone drink, either mixed with a tonic, sparkling wine or sipped neat over ice.

While it typically has a higher ABV than wine, vermouth’s relatively low alcohol content (15-22%) aligns perfectly with the growing trend toward no/low-alcohol consumption.

More appealingly, however, is vermouth’s affordability. It is budget-friendly and widely accessible, with most local supermarkets stocking household names like Martini on their shelves, the world’s largest vermouth brand, which sold upwards of 9.6 million cases in 2023.

Since the pandemic, home bartending has become a great way to enjoy cocktails in a more economical way; therefore, vermouth is arguably a must-have bottle for building a versatile at-home cocktail repertoire!

Despite the recent trademark certification of Vermouth di Torino, innovation in the category shows no signs of slowing down. Brands like The Aperitivo! Co. and Asterley Bros are embracing local botanicals native to England, showcasing the unique terroir of the UK.

More recently, quirky collaborations have also emerged, such as a limited-edition anchovy-infused vermouth created by the tinned fish brand Fishwife in partnership with Veso.

Originally launched as an April Fool’s joke, the product highlights a growing openness to innovation and bold marketing, reflecting a broader shift as savoury flavours make their way onto menus.

With a wide array of flavour options, from sweet and dry to Bianco, vermouth continues to prove itself not only as a timeless staple but also as a dynamic and evolving player in the world of drinks. Vermouth is an essential, especially during the summer-time, and whilst there are lots to choose from, here are some staple brands you should consider when starting your collection.

Vault Aperitivo, Forest Red Vermouth 

A spicy, bittersweet red vermouth from Vault Aperitivo, Forest is made using English red wine and infused with botanicals including orange peel, nettle, wormwood, pine and rosemary.

Fragrant with the essence of an English forest, it is also infused with gentian, cinchona, rhubarb, blackberry leaf and sage. Expect warm, earthy and spicy notes with hints of cinnamon and anise, as well as subtle touches of blackcurrant and cherry.

Versatile in vermouth cocktails, it can also be sipped over ice with a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon. For a smoky, sensory experience that elevates the vermouth in the glass, try briefly lighting the garnishes on fire.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.6%
Find Here: £33

The Aperitivo! Co. Rosso

Bristol-based The Aperitivo! Co. should be a staple on any bar or household shelf. A modern vermouth house launched in 2020, it aims to produce traditional-style vermouths and liqueurs, offering a range of aromatic and bitter products.

The Rosso vermouth is macerated with two types of wormwood and features notes of cola, orange, gentian, cinchona, winter spices, and black tea. It’s rich like treacle, with a glossy amber hue, offering citrus brightness and warming depth – a fabulous choice in a Negroni or Manhattan.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find Here: £24

The Aperitivo! Co. Rosé

With a uniquely perfumed and floral profile, this rosé vermouth is macerated using a raspberry eau de vie and rose water sourced from Sofia, Bulgaria. Raspberry leaf leads on the nose, followed by a delicate, floral character with subtle menthol and peppermint undertones.

Botanicals, such as orris root, chamomile and wormwood, add depth and complexity. Perfect as a gin replacement in a tonic, it also makes a delightful spritz with a wedge of lemon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17%
Find Here: £24

The Aperitivo Co. Dry

The Aperitivo! Co. Dry Vermouth is a French-inspired expression, offering a crisp and herbaceous profile with aromas of lemon zest, honeysuckle, hay and grapefruit, followed by delicate notes of elderflower, green apple, chamomile, and fennel.

Lightly savoury with a clean and bitter finish, it is perfect for a vermouth-forward Martini, a citrusy Americano twist or a refreshing tonic highball. Its balanced botanical complexity also makes it excellent when cooking, adding an aromatic lift to risottos, pasta sauces and seafood dishes. Elegant and floral, yet grounded by citrus and dry depth, this vermouth is great for cocktails and for culinary use.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find Here: £24

Cocchi Americano Bianco

Cocchi Americano Bianco’s name derives back to the late 19th-century American trend of drinking vermouth with soda (Americano) as seen in the cocktail of the same name. Made from a base of white grapes from Piedmont, the wine is fortified and infused with a blend of botanicals.

Expect aromas of pistachio and poached pear, along with notes of honey, cherry, vanilla, elderflower, and black forest fruits. On the palate, it offers glacier cherry, peach, and a green, citrus-herbal freshness, rounded out by a touch of orange peel.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find Here: £27.25

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

Cocchi Rosso is made with red wine and follows a family recipe that dates back over 100 years. Macerated with herbs and spices such as gentian, rose petals, vanilla pods, cinchona, and citrus, it offers a rich and intense profile.

Bursting with red fruit flavours and a touch of ginger spice, it has a syrupy sweetness reminiscent of rhubarb and custard, strawberries, and finishes with a lingering layer of fig and plum.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find Here: £26.75

Caprano Bianco

With a bouquet of citrus and exotic fruit, Caprano Bianco vermouth has winey, velvety tones with a semi-sweet, semi-dry profile, perfect for any occasion.

Made by the same producers as the renowned Antica Formula, another fabulous staple, it features notes of almond and cocoa, complemented by a bright citrus lift and hints of vanilla. The palate finishes with a pleasant bitterness and a lingering fruity character.

Size: 1L
ABV: 14.9%
Find Here: £19.75

El Bandarra Al Fresco

Macerated with Grenache wines and Mediterranean botanicals including liquorice, mint, rose, and citrus, this vibrant vermouth from Barcelona truly packs a punch.

Sunshine in a glass, it offers notes of orange, strawberry, and grapefruit, delivering a bittersweet balance that perfectly captures the aperitif spirit of tapas, friends, and refreshment. Whether mixed with cava or tonic, it lends itself beautifully to a longer serve, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed, sun-soaked drinking experience.

Size: 1L
ABV: 14%
Find Here: Currently £23.75 on offer.

To see more from DRINKLUSIVE Mentee Adele, including her Cognac recommendations, make sure you click here.

Which Cocktails Use Vermouth?

Vermouth is a fortified wine that has been aromatized with a variety of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and roots. Originating in Italy and France, this unique beverage has been a staple in European aperitif culture for centuries, with roots that trace back to medicinal uses – as a staggering number of amazing concoctions began!

Its name comes from the German word for wormwood, "wermut," which was historically a key ingredient in its production. Modern vermouth, however, has evolved significantly, with a diverse range of styles and flavours that make it a versatile player in the world of cocktails. Let’s dive into what we meant when say ‘vermouth’.

What are the different vermouth styles?

Vermouth began in 1700s Milan, gaining fashionable status as a drink beyond simple medicinal use. In the 19th century, thanks to Italians refining and innovating it, famous brands popped up such as Gancia, Ballor, Cinzano, and Martini. Meanwhile, across the Alps, French producers began crafting their own styles, with Noilly Prat emerging as a notable pioneer. Traditionally, Italian vermouths were red and sweet, while French vermouths were white and dry. However, contemporary innovations have blurred these lines, and today vermouth is produced worldwide, adhering to traditional methods while exploring new flavours and styles. Generally, we can categorise it like this:

Extra Dry Vermouth: Clear and pale lemon in appearance, extra dry vermouth is the driest of all, with delicate floral hints. It's ideal for extra dry martinis and is typically associated with the French style of vermouth.

Dry Vermouth: Often pale gold, dry vermouth is slightly sweeter and more herbal than extra dry. It offers a spicier and more complex profile, making it perfect for classic martinis or to be enjoyed neat over ice.

Bianco/Blanco Vermouth: This type features a medium lemon or gold colour and tastes slightly sweeter with bright citrus and floral notes. It bridges the gap between dry and sweet vermouths, often used in refreshing spritzes or simply sipped on its own.

Rosé/Rosata Vermouth: Made from white or rosé wines, this style has a beautiful pink hue and balances sweet and bitter citrus flavours with floral undertones. It’s less common but wonderfully versatile, perfect for light, summery cocktails.

Sweet Vermouth: Typically red, sweet vermouth can range from medium amber to deep red, often with caramel colouring added. It boasts a rich, sweet profile with complex botanical layers, making it the go-to for cocktails like the Manhattan and Negroni.

If a cocktail features vermouth, it will most likely be dry vermouth (French/White) or sweet vermouth (Italian/Red). Now that we’ve covered the essentials of vermouth, let’s explore eight classic cocktails that showcase its versatility and depth.

What cocktails can I make with vermouth?

Dry Martini

No vermouth list is complete without the Martini. A symbol of sophistication, the Martini is simplicity at its finest. Combining dry gin (usually) and dry vermouth, this cocktail is crisp, clean, and perfect for any occasion. The interplay of botanicals between the gin and vermouth creates a beautifully balanced drink that's both refreshing and complex. There are so many Martini variations, some with subtle ratio changes and others with ingredients overhauls – even a Dry Martini will vary from bar to bar. For example, there are Reverse Martinis which focus on the vermouth and Dirty Martinis with olive brine. For more Martini variations, all of which use Vermouth, click here.

Ingredients:
60ml London Dry gin OR vodka
10ml dry vermouth
1 dash orange bitters (2 if using a smaller dasher bottle)
Lemon twist or olive (garnish)

Method:
Stir gin and vermouth with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist or an olive. Sip and enjoy the quintessential cocktail.

Manhattan

Legend goes that this popular order was first designed for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother in 1870s NYC. The Manhattan is the definition of a classic: bold, balanced, and full of character. This whiskey-based cocktail uses sweet vermouth to add a luscious, velvety layer of sweetness and complexity, complemented by a dash of bitters. It’s a drink that’s stood the test of time, with its warm, rich flavours making it perfect for cooler evenings.

Ingredients:
50ml rye whiskey/rye bourbon
25ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Brandied cherry (garnish)

Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a cherry. A simple yet sophisticated sipper.

Negroni

This Italian classic, beloved worldwide, is a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes. Combining gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni offers a bold, vibrant flavour that’s perfect for an aperitivo hour. Here, the vermouth really shines in the equal parts ratio. It brings rich spice and a herbaceous kiss, balancing the bittersweet profile on a knife edge. Its simplicity and depth have made it a mainstay on cocktail menus everywhere.

Ingredients:
25ml Gin
25ml Campari
25ml sweet vermouth
Orange twist (garnish)

Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass over ice, and garnish with an orange twist. The Negroni, in all its bitter-sweet glory.

Boulevardier

For those who prefer the richness of whiskey, the Boulevardier is the perfect Campari cocktail. A close cousin of the Negroni, it swaps out gin for bourbon, creating a warm, robust drink with a touch of sweetness. The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes blend beautifully with the bitter complexity of Campari and the rich sweetness of vermouth. It’s a sophisticated sipper that’s perfect for colder weather or an evening by the fire.

Ingredients:
25ml Campari
35ml bourbon
25ml sweet vermouth
Orange slice (garnish)

Method:
Pre-chill the glass. In a separate mixing glass, stir everything with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with an orange twist.

Americano

This evolved into the Negroni, so it’s essentially the same thing but without the gin. Instead, soda water tops up the Campari and vermouth for a lighter, more refreshing and fizzy mix. It’s simple, but there’s so much complexity in the base ingredients that it remains interesting.

Ingredients:
30ml Campari
30ml sweet vermouth
Soda water to top
Orange slice (garnish)

Method:
Pour Campari and vermouth into a glass over ice, top with soda, and garnish with an orange slice. Effortless and refreshing.

Bronx

Not just one, but two vermouths! Transport yourself to a buzzing early-1900s American cocktail bar with this Martini riff. The fruity switch up comes from fresh orange juice being included for a sweet, zesty zing, complementing the bitter botanicals of gin and complex intensity of vermouth. Perfect for a punchy brunch cocktail.

Ingredients:
30ml gin
10ml sweet vermouth
10ml dry vermouth
20ml fresh orange juice
Orange twist (garnish)

Method:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with an orange twist. A citrusy classic with a twist.

Vermouth Spritz

This Venetian-style spritz is perfect for a light, refreshing sip, and we love showcasing the often-overlooked rosé vermouth to highlight red fruit flavours, while the Aperol brings its own aromatic punch. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail with a touch of sweetness, delicate bubbles, floral hints, and herbaceous undertones, all coming together with just the right amount of zest.

Ingredients:
50ml rosé vermouth (like Regal Rogue Wild Rosé)
15ml Aperol
Prosecco to top up
Lemon and fresh mint (garnish)

Method:
Add the vermouth and Aperol to your glass with ice, top up with Prosecco and garnish with lemon and mint for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

Adonis

Named after a Broadway musical reaching its 500th show, the Adonis is a sherry-based cocktail that uses sweet vermouth to add richness and a touch of sweetness. Light, fruity and damn right tasty. There’s no ‘mixer’ but it remains fairly low alcohol for a cocktail too.

Ingredients:
45ml Fino Sherry
45ml Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Orange twist (garnish)

Method:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with an orange twist. Light, flavourful, and perfect for sipping before a meal.

These eight cocktails highlight the versatility and depth of flavour that vermouth brings to the table. Many involve Campari, soi f you’re interested in more cocktails that show what a unique drink can do, check out our Campari guide!