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Vermouth cocktails take up space on almost every drink menu in bars and restaurants. If you work as a bartender or server, you know firsthand that vermouth drinks are best-sellers. But if you’re a hospitality business owner looking to sell more alcoholic beverages, consider adding vermouth cocktails to your menu.
After all, vermouth cocktails are among the drinks every food and beverage industry entity should sell. But which ones are the most frequently ordered? Continue reading the remainder of this blog post to find out!
What Is Vermouth?
Vermouth is a fortified wine with a complex flavor profile resulting from the infusion of herbs and juices. Bar staff often use it in various mixed drink recipes, and it’s a key ingredient in some of the most popular cocktails of all time.
7 Best Vermouth Cocktails
Vermouth in cocktails is more mainstream than you might think! In fact, vermouth is more commonly used than other types of alcohol. Take a look at the seven best vermouth cocktails below:
1. Martini
Everyone is familiar with the martini recipe. It’s a classic for many good reasons, too. It’s versatile, pairs with various dishes, and the glassware is iconic. Here’s how to make one of the most commonly ordered, easily recognizable cocktails:
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive as a cocktail garnish
It’s safe to say that martinis are the most popular vermouth cocktail. So, feel free to get creative with variations of the classic martini recipe for more cocktail menu ideas. While the best vermouth for martini recipes is the dry kind, you can get away with using sweet vermouth if you’re striving for an overall sweeter flavor profile.
2. Negroni
It should come as no surprise that the Negroni is one of the most popular Italian cocktails. Its flavor profile is strong, while emitting a balance of herbal notes from the vermouth and Campari. You’ll need the following four ingredients to make a perfect Negroni:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist for garnish
It’s important to note that the best vermouth for Negroni recipes is the sweet kind. If you want to ditch the classic recipe and make a Negroni Sbagliato instead, it’s super easy. Just swap out the gin for one of your favorite sparkling wines–preferably prosecco wine.
3. Manhattan
For those who enjoy vermouth and whiskey will surely love a Manhattan. It’s also one of the only vermouth cocktails that contain bitters. Here’s how to make it:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
The best vermouth for Manhattan recipes is sweet. The sweetness of the vermouth helps balance the strength of the whiskey. Then, the bitters add a bit more depth.
4. Americano
The Americano is one of the most popular drinks for those wanting an aperitif. It’s light, refreshing, and the soda water adds a nice touch. Here are the ingredients and measurements:
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- Soda water to top
- Orange slice or twist
Unsure of the right glass needed for this drink? Opt for a highball glass for a classic aesthetic.
5. Boulevardier
A popular name for a classic Boulevardier is the “whiskey Negroni.” That’s simply because you just substitute the gin for whiskey or bourbon. Doing this will create a warmer and richer flavor profile. Here’s the complete ingredient list here:
- 1 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel for garnish
The Boulevardier should be chilled. However, stirring it is just fine. So, just pour each ingredient over ice.
6. Gibson
Did you know that the Gibson cocktail is a variation of the classic martini? That’s right–all you have to do is swap out the olive for a pickled onion. Here are the exact measurements of everything you need:
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Pickled onion for garnish
For this recipe, you’re going to want to use dry vermouth. Mix that with the gin, and enjoy the tangy flavor from the pickled onion.
7. Vermouth and Soda
The recipe below is probably the most simple beverage one can make with vermouth. Keep in mind that it’s preferable to use sweet vermouth. All you need is that and soda water, as you can see the ingredients listed here:
- 2 oz sweet or dry vermouth
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Lemon slice, orange slice, or olive for garnish
Combining vermouth and soda water creates a light and refreshing beverage that’s ideal with food or on its own. It’s also a great aperitif.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermouth Cocktails
As you can see, vermouth cocktails are extremely versatile. The ingredient complements a wide range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, making it a staple for bartenders and mixology enthusiasts alike. If you’d like to gain some additional insight into vermouth cocktails, take a look at the FAQ section below.
What Are the Most Popular Vermouth Cocktails?
The most popular vermouth cocktails include:
- Martinis
- Negronis
- Gibsons
- Americanos
- Manhattans
- Boulevardiers
What Is a Gin and Vermouth Cocktail Called?
A gin and vermouth cocktail is called a martini. It's easily in the top three most popular cocktails all over the world, and the only other thing you’d need is a lemon twist or olive for garnish.
What’s the Best Way to Drink Vermouth?
The best way to drink vermouth is either chilled or with other ingredients to make something like a martini. A garnish, such as a lemon twist or olive can also add a nice touch to the flavor profile.
Can You Drink Vermouth Straight?
Yes, vermouth can be sipped straight, especially when chilled or on the rocks. Vermouth is often enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or with a simple garnish, like a lemon wedge.
What Does Vermouth Taste Like?
Vermouth has a very distinct flavor profile, featuring floral, herbal, and slightly spicy notes. Dry vermouth tends to be crisp, while sweet vermouth is well, sweet and rich.