15 Vermouth Cocktails for Sophisticated Sipping
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Vermouth cocktails are making a big splash in the drinkscape, and this exciting renaissance is the result of a few fun trends converging. The low-ABV movement loves a fortified aperitif moment because it adds complexity without packing too heavy a punch, while the resurgence of classic drinks like the Negroni and Manhattan has also ushered this ‘old-timey’ ingredient back into the spotlight.
Add to this the enduring legacy of vermouth brands like Cinzano that has been reimagined for a new cocktail-loving generation, and it makes complete sense that this unique aromatised wine has been getting plenty of props.
All in all, vermouth cocktails are riding a wave of nostalgia, flavour, and versatility, making them a must-try for adventurous palates. Here are 15 amazing cocktails to try if you want to see what all the hullabaloo is about:
1. Classic Martini
Dry vermouth cocktails do not get any more iconic than the Martini. Associated with sophistication, class, and the dashing James Bond, of course, the Martini has cemented itself as a time-honoured clinker.
In fact, with so many Martini variations doing the rounds, some bars now have whole menus dedicated to them, featuring a dazzling array of dry, wet, sweet, spicy, and even single-sip options. However, to set your standards suitably high, we recommend you start with our go-to Classic Martini recipe.
You might also like: Best Gin for a Martini (Classic, Dry & Dirty)
2. Gibson
The Gibson made its way back onto everyone’s lips thanks to its cameo in the multi-award-winning Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit in 2020. Combining Bulldog Gin, Cinzano Vermouth Bianco, and the delightful acrid bite of a pickled cocktail onion, this drink is an acquired taste, but a true classic. It’s definitely a cocktail with dry vermouth that is worth a try if you’re in the mood for something different.
Get schooled: What is the Difference Between a Gibson and Martini Drink?
3. Manhattan
The Manhattan is another famous cocktail that uses vermouth and has become an integral part of the mixologist canon over the years. Featured on the IBA’s Unforgettable list, it’s an easy cocktail to master, consisting of just three familiar parts; whiskey, sweet vermouth (we love 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso), and bitters. Spirit-forward, sure, but also smooth, sweet, and delightfully sippable.
Discover next: Manhattan vs Old Fashioned Cocktail: What is the Difference?
4. Bronx
Our list of the best vermouth cocktails wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the inimitable Bronx. This gutsy cocktail is a dapper riff on the Martini, adding sweet vermouth, orange juice, and bitters to the mix. Yes, that’s right—two kinds of vermouth, because if one is good, two is better! It makes for a very interesting flavour combo that flits between sweet and herbaceous in the most inspiring way.
5. French Rose
If you like daintier cocktails made with vermouth and adore a kiss of cherry, the French Rose is going to be right up your alley. The great thing about this three-ingredient cocktail is that it tastes exceptional but takes very little effort to make. With only two to make, this cocktail is great for when you want to spend the better part of the evening catching up with your friends.
Take a deep dive: Everything You Need to Know About Vermouth
6. Negroni
The timeless Negroni cocktail is over a hundred years old, and this vermouth drink is just as classy, complex, and compelling as it’s always been. The genius of the Negroni lies in the equal-parts ratio of bitter Campari, zesty gin, and Cinzano Vermouth Rosso. When stirred over ice, the Negroni brings the best out of each element in a swirling, spiral dance. The result is a cocktail that’s a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, floral, fruity, spicy, and green-tinged flavours.
Read next:20 Negroni Variations for Negroni Week 2024
7. Negroni Sbagliato
These days, there are many amazing Negroni variations, but none quite as bubbly as the Sbagliato. Its origin is a classic happy accident tale of Prosecco being poured into a Negroni instead of gin. Lucky for us, the mistaken bartender tasted it before throwing it out, and the rest is effervescent history. The bubbles breathe life into the cocktail, while the combination of Prosecco, Campari, and vermouth creates a light and refreshing fruit cocktail flavour.
8. Aperol Negroni
Considered by many to be the equally entrancing little brother of the Classic Negroni, the Aperol Negroni is a delicious and approachable drink with vermouth. It comes to the party with the bittersweet orange flavour or Aperol, underpinned by lingering herbal undertones. When mixed with the botanical flavours of gin and the floral layers of sweet vermouth, it creates a bright, zesty, and easy-drinking cocktail.
More where that came from! 20 Aperol Cocktails Perfect For Any Occasion
9. Blood and Sand
Dating back to the 1930s, this vermouth mixed drink definitely deserves a roaring comeback. The Blood and Sand cocktail is a delightfully sweet and refreshing whisky-based drink with hints of spice thanks to the addition of sweet vermouth. This, in combination with the zesty orange juice, tames the spirit into a smooth-drinking cocktail, making for a stylish aperitif.
You might also like: What is an Aperitif and When is it Served
10. Rob Roy
The rollicking Rob Roy is a classic vermouth-based cocktail laced with Scotch whisky and aromatic bitters. This smoky sipper is one that every whisky lover should try. Chances are you’ll love it at first clink and make it again and again.
11. El Presidente
As its name suggests, the El Presidente cocktail was first stirred up in honor of a statesman, likely José Miguel Gómez, who was the leader of Cuba between 1909 and 1913. This interesting drink takes the road less travelled, veering from a classically sour profile to the sweet, boozy end of the flavour spectrum, putting a delightful spin on the classic Manhattan vermouth drink.
12. Matador
The Matador cocktail, or el Matador if you’re feeling fancy, is a classic sipping cocktail that’s as complex as a bullfighter’s footwork. Featuring reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, and Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth as ingredients, this timeless drink has plenty of depth and character.
13. Old Pal
The Old Pal is a complex and robust twist on the Negroni format. Using the classic equal parts ratio, the gin and sweet vermouth are swapped out for rye whiskey and dry vermouth. This creates an entirely new flavour profile that’s vastly different yet somehow familiar. The rye whiskey is bold yet tempered by the bitter Campari and a clean vermouth finish.
14. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier cocktail recipe is a classic from the roaring 20s, when indulgence was the order of the day. It sprang from the mind of a well-to-do socialite who whiled away his time in the smoky bars of Paris, featuring a deep well of vanilla, caramel, and oak flavours balanced by the bittersweet bite of Campari that leaves you wanting more with every sip.
15. Rosita
The Rosita is a drink that proves that if you push the boundaries far enough, you’ll strike gold. It’s a blend of reposado tequila, Campari, both sweet and dry vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters, and it’s exactly as bold as it sounds. It’s a one-of-a-kind cocktail that’s packed with everything from earthy, spicy, and wooded notes to fruity, floral, and citrus flavours.
Top tips from Tris
Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared some valuable insights for those who want to know more about the magic of vermouth:
The impact of botanicals on vermouth flavour
Vermouth’s distinct flavour profile is primarily defined by its key botanical: wormwood. In fact, the term “vermouth” is derived from the Germanic word for wormwood. Due to its origins in the Savoy region, which spans parts of France and Italy, the French pronunciation of vermouth became prevalent when marketed as a bottled product in the 1780s.
In addition to wormwood, traditional botanicals like cassia, gentian, and juniper are essential. However, vanilla plays a pivotal role in enhancing vermouth’s complexity. Historically, during the 1780s, vermouth was referred to as “Vini di Lusso,” meaning “wines of luxury”. Importing exotic ingredients like vanilla, which did not grow locally, added a touch of luxury to the blend.
Today, vanilla is commonly featured in modern vermouth production, especially with the trend toward premiumisation. Its inclusion, alongside traditional botanicals, adds a unique dimension to vermouth, making it a standout ingredient in cocktails.
Balancing vermouth in cocktails
Start with templates of the classics. Cocktails like the Martini, Manhattan, Negroni, and even variations such as the Sherry Cobbler or Blood and Sand showcase how vermouth fits into a drink structurally. By examining these established recipes, you can adapt that same approach to your own creations.
If you find yourself leaning towards more intense flavours, consider how different vermouths are produced. Some vermouths have a more pronounced flavour profile, while others are more subtle. The key is moderating the amount you use in your cocktail to ensure a balanced combination that enhances rather than overwhelms the other ingredients.
The most amazing thing is that this is just the tip of the iceberg, friends – there are plenty of other completely captivating vermouth cocktails to explore! Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.
