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.
