.png)
Cocktails such as the Martini, Negroni, and Manhattan are all common staples in the world of mixology. But, what do each of these cocktails have in common? The answer is vermouth. This post dives into all things vermouth, including what it is, what it’s made of, and its alcohol content.
What is Vermouth?
Vermouth is an aromatized and fortified wine flavored with herbs and natural extracts including basil, wormwood, thyme, citrus peel, and star anise. The flavors of vermouth can vary depending on the sweetness or dryness of the vermouth.
In fact, most dry vermouths have a lighter body and are low in tannins. They often have a more floral, fruity, herbal flavor profile with a dry finish. In contrast, sweet vermouths have a medium body with more tannins than their dry counterparts. The flavor profile of sweet vermouths typically includes spice, caramel, vanilla, cocoa, dark fruits, and herbs.
What is Vermouth Made Of?
Vermouth is made of 75% wine which is fortified and flavored with herbs and spices. Each recipe for vermouth is different, but the overall styles of vermouth remain the same – dry or sweet.
Dry vermouth is also known as white vermouth and is clear or pale yellow in color. White, or dry vermouth, contains about 5% sugar and pairs well with gin due to its floral flavor profile. This is why bartenders tend to use dry vermouth and gin in martinis.
Sweet vermouth is also known as red vermouth and includes up to 15% sugar. Despite its higher sugar content, it’s not as intense as sweet liquors. Most sweet vermouth has a vanilla aroma making them a perfect pair for dark spirits including whiskey and brandy.
Vermouth ABV: Vermouth Alcohol Content
This history of vermouth goes back to Turin, Italy in the 18th century when it was perfected by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. The European Union has strict laws in place when it comes to vermouth and what can be classified as vermouth. The United States, on the other hand, is more lenient in terms of vermouth classifications.
The European Union requires vermouth to contain an ingredient called wormwood, otherwise known as Artemesia. Aside from this, they also require 75% of the bottled product to be wine. As a result, the ABV, or alcohol bottle volume, should be between 14.5% ABV and 22% ABV.
In the United States, there is no requirement for vermouth to contain the ingredient wormwood, which is why many US vermouths do not contain such ingredients. The minimum ABV of bottled vermouth in the US must be at least 15%, but there is no specified maximum vermouth alcohol content.
5 Cocktails With Vermouth
While perfectly good on its own with some ice and a fresh cocktail garnish, vermouth is also commonly used in numerous cocktails. In fact, different types of vermouth pair well with different hard liquors creating the ideal cocktail recipe.
Here are five Cocktails that use vermouth:
1. Martini
The martini is a classic cocktail and one of the most popular ones when it comes to using vermouth as a flavor-enhancing ingredient. Regardless of whether you choose to use gin or vodka, the dry vermouth is crucial to adding body and depth.
2. Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato is a spin on the classic Negroni – containing equal parts gin, Campari, and vermouth. 40 years after the original Negroni was created came the Negroni Sbagliato containing Campari, vermouth, and sparkling wine.
Maintaining the 1:1:1 ratio for the ingredients, the Negroni Sbagliato has notes of caramel and spice which blend beautifully with the citrusy flavors from the Prosecco.
3. The Manhattan
For decades, the Manhattan cocktail has been a staple in mixology. It includes a 2:1 ratio of liquor to vermouth. Typically, the Manhattan is made with gin, vermouth, and bitters, but many mixologists may add their own spin to the recipe.
4. Gibson
If you’re a fan of the Martini, chances are you may also be a fan of a Gibson. This cocktail is a dry vermouth martini, but it is garnished with pickled onions instead of olives. For Dirty Martini fans, you can also try adding a splash of pickled onion juice to your Gibson cocktail.
5. Americano
For the sweet vermouth fans, you must try an Americano cocktail. It includes sweet vermouth, Campari, and club soda. It’s refreshing yet low-proof. The best part is that you can play around with the ratios to achieve the perfect flavor profile for your taste palette.
Vermouth can be used in numerous cocktail recipes as it provides a unique flavor. Whether you choose to use dry or sweet vermouth, there is a cocktail for you.
In this post, you’ve learned about different types of vermouth, vermouth alcohol content, and the biggest question of all – “What is vermouth?” Whether you’re a bartender, bar manager, bar owner, or simply a cocktail enthusiast, you can now consider yourself a professional when it comes to vermouth.
BinWise can help bars and restaurants manage their bar inventory process and ensure that they stay profitable. To learn more about BinWise and see if it’s the right choice for your business, book a demo today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermouth
Vermouth is an essential ingredient in numerous cocktails. Are you interested to learn more about vermouth?
Here are some commonly asked questions about vermouth:
1. What Ingredients Are in Vermouth?
Fortified wine, alcohol, sweetener, and wormwood are the main ingredients in vermouth. Wormwood is also referred to as Artemesia. Vermouth can also include other herbs and spices such as ginger, thyme, vanilla, and cloves, but wormwood is a commonly used ingredient.
2. What Are the Main Types of Vermouth?
Dry and sweet vermouth are the main types of vermouth. Dry vermouth is typically clear in color, whereas sweet vermouth is typically red in color.
3. Can You Drink Vermouth Straight?
Yes, you can drink vermouth straight; however, most people use vermouth as the main ingredient in a cocktail such as a Negroni or Martini. There are different ways to drink vermouth based on your taste preference.
If you choose to drink vermouth straight, you may consider doing so on the rocks with a fresh garnish. Like most white wines, dry vermouth tastes best at a cooler temperature.
4. Does the Origin Of the Vermouth Make a Difference?
Yes, the origin of the vermouth makes a difference in the flavor profiles of the vermouth and as a result, in your cocktail. Italian vermouth is regulated and must follow specific laws in order to be classified as a vermouth. For example, Italian vermouth must include the ingredient wormwood, otherwise, it is not classified as a vermouth. Wormwood provides a very unique flavor to the vermouth and changes the flavor profiles.
In Italy, bottled vermouth must also be 75% wine and the ABV should be between 14.5% ABV and 22% ABV to be classified as vermouth.
In the US, there are no regulations in place requiring vermouth to contain wormwood as an ingredient which affects the flavor profile of the bottle. The only regulation for vermouth in the US is that it should have a minimum ABV of 15%, but no maximum ABV is regulated.