Vermouth: See the Complex Classic in a New Light

The recent craft cocktail revolution has caused many bartenders to reach up and dust-off bottles of long-ignored ingredients. One traditional liquor that has been enjoying a moment in the spotlight is vermouth. Next time you’re out looking for the best craft cocktails in Waterford Lakes, FL, a classic vermouth concoction may be the answer to your quest.

A fortified wine first produced during the 18th century, vermouth was initially imbibed for medicinal purposes. A distilled liquor, brandy or neutral grape spirit, is added to wine. Plant material, including roots, seeds, flowers, bark, herbs and spices is added to the mixture to steep. Each vermouth distillery produces a unique blend, with many adding sugar before barrel aging.

Vermouth moved quickly from the pharmacy to the bar, where it became a popular apéritif. Once familiar to diners across the continent vermouth began appearing in cocktails, many of which are still popular today.

Dry, or "French," vermouth is light, bright, and has overtones of citrus. Less sweet than its red counterpart, it's used in crisp cocktails like the Martini, the Gibson, and the Rob Roy.

Sweet or "Italian, vermouth is weighty, warm and full of spice. It augments cocktails such as the Boulevardier, the Negroni and the Manhattan.

Vermouth’s Classic Culture

Bartenders have experimented with vermouth for centuries and it is the backbone of the cocktail canon, especially the proliferation of drinks created after Prohibition.

Traditional Vermouth Cocktails

• The Negroni: Potent blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth
• The Martini: Iconic mix of dry vermouth and gin
• The Manhattan: Classic cocktail comprised of sweet vermouth, rye whiskey, and bitters
• Americano: Bitterly sweet blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, soda, citrus twist
• The Adonis: Elegant blend of sherry, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters

Vermouth’s Recent Renaissance

Long considered an unfashionable mixer, Vermouth, like many other craft beverages, is being produced by a growing number of small, independent American firms. Mixologists rely heavily on the flavorful, aromatic blend as an ingredient in modern cocktails.

Modern Vermouth Cocktails

• American Royalty: Refreshing mix of Aperol, dry vermouth, sparkling rosé and rhubarb bitters
• Marconi Wireless: Luxurious blend of sweet vermouth, Applejack, Angostura and orange bitters
• Agavoni: Silver Tequila paired with sweet vermouth, Campari, and orange bitters
• The Copywriter: Silky combination of Irish whiskey, vermouth, honey syrup and lemon
• The Contessa: Modern mix of Aperol, dry vermouth, gin, and lemon

Fortified wines like vermouth, sherry, and port should be stored in a cool place. Because they are based on wine they, once opened, should be stored in a refrigerator and used within a few months.

The range of flavorful, aromatic sweet vermouths will warm your evenings while the zesty, bright, dry vermouths will bring light to your favorite drink. Whether your taste is classic or open to new things, you’ll find vermouth an intriguing, pleasing ingredient in the best craft cocktails in Waterford Lakes, FL.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.