What is Sweet Vermouth?
Sweet vermouth is a fortified, aromatised wine infused with a blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals, delivering a subtly sweet yet complex flavour profile. It plays a crucial role in mixology, adding depth, balance, and sophistication to classic cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious beginner, MARTINI sweet vermouth can elevate your drinking experience.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to enjoy sweet vermouth on its own, the best mixers to pair it with, and the top sweet vermouth cocktails spanning gin, whiskey, rum, and vodka-based drinks.
ITALIAN LEGACY
MARTINI stands as a symbol of Italian excellence, deeply rooted in the vermouth traditions of Turin. With over 160 years of expertise, its blend reflects a masterful balance of botanicals and wine, showcasing the artistry behind this beloved beverage.
Sweet vermouth isn’t just a drink – it’s a cultural ritual, embodying Italy’s deep appreciation for flavour and finesse. More than an aperitif, MARTINI Sweet Vermouth invites you to embrace the rhythm of Italian life – unhurried and full of character. Whether enjoyed in a historic café in Venice or a lively piazza in Rome, it transforms any gathering into a moment of effortless indulgence. Its complexity and warmth make it a staple of Italy’s vibrant social culture, from leisurely afternoons to elegant evenings.
FLAVOR PROFILE
Sweet vermouth offers a balance of sweetness and herbal richness, making it a dynamic and versatile ingredient. Its aromatic complexity comes from various infused botanicals, creating a rich, layered experience. Common tasting notes include vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and herbal nuances such as roman chamomile, summer savoury and wormwood.
Common botanicals:
- Wormwood (Artemisia) – A historic ingredient contributing a mild bitterness, mandatory to define a drink “vermouth”.
- Citrus Peels – Orange, lemon, and bergamot peels add refreshing zest.
- Herbs & Spices – Often includes cinnamon, chamomile, cardamom, coriander, and cloves.
HOW IS SWEET VERMOUTH MADE?
Sweet vermouth is crafted through a meticulous process that begins with selecting a base wine, typically a white wine that provides a neutral foundation for botanical infusion. To enhance its stability and alcohol content, neutral spirits or concentrated wines are then added in a fortification process. The distinctive flavours of sweet vermouth emerge through the infusion of various herbs and spices, which are either macerated in alcoholic solutions or distilled to extract their essence. Finally, caramel can be introduced, imparting its rich amber hue.
HOW TO STORE SWEET VERMOUTH
Unopened Bottles: Store in a cool, dark place to maintain quality.
After Opening: Refrigeration is recommended to slow oxidation; consume within one month for optimal flavor.
HOW TO DRINK SWEET VERMOUTH
SWEET VERMOUTH AS AN APERITIF
A staple in European drinking culture, sweet vermouth is traditionally sipped before meals to enhance the appetite. It pairs beautifully with salty snacks such as olives, nuts, and cheese.
NEAT OR ON THE ROCKS
Enjoying sweet vermouth chilled or over ice highlights its rich herbal notes. Serve in a small glass or tumbler and garnish with an orange peel, lemon twist, or olive for added character.
CLASSIC MIXERS
Soda Water – A simple, effervescent drink named Vermuttino.
Tonic Water – Balances sweetness with a bitter edge.
Cola – A modern, slightly caramelised twist.
Ginger Ale/Ginger Beer – Adds a spicy, warming contrast.
Orange Juice – Enhances the natural citrus notes in sweet vermouth.
Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and acidity to balance sweetness.
BITTERS & HERBAL LIQUEURS
Angostura Bitters – Adds complexity and depth.
MARTINI® Riserva Speciale Bitter – Essential for bitter-forward cocktails like the Negroni.
SWEET VERMOUTH COCKTAILS
GIN AND SWEET VERMOUTH COCKTAIL
NEGRONI
• Ingredients: MARTINI® Riserva Speciale Rubino, MARTINI® Riserva Speciale Bitter, Gin and orange peel.
• How to Make: Stir all ingredients over ice and serve in a rocks glass with a slice of orange.
GIN AND IT
• Ingredients: Bombay Sapphire Gin ®, MARTINI® sweet vermouth.
• How to Make: Stir with ice, and serve straight up with a cherry garnish.
WHISKEY-BASED COCKTAILS
MANHATTAN
• Ingredients: Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, MARTINI® Riserva Speciale Bitter, cherry garnish.
• How to Make: Stir over ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with a cherry.
BOULEVARDIER
• Ingredients: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, MARTINI® Riserva Speciale Bitter, and orange twist.
• How to Make: Stir over ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
RUM-BASED COCKTAILS
EL PRESIDENTE
• Ingredients: Bacardi ® white rum, sweet vermouth, orange curaçao, grenadine.
• How to Make: Stir over ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with an orange twist.
MANHATTAN DAIQUIRI
• Ingredients: Dark rum, sweet vermouth, lime juice, bitters.
• How to Make: Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, garnish with lime.
VODKA-BASED COCKTAILS
VODKA MANHATTAN
• Ingredients: Vodka, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry garnish.
• How to Make: Stir with ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with a cherry.
VERMOUTH SPRITZ
• Ingredients: Sweet vermouth, MARTINI ® Prosecco soda water, lemon wedge.
• How to Make: Build in a wine glass over ice, and stir gently.
Sweet vermouth is an essential mixology component, offering versatility and depth in various drinks. There are endless ways to explore its rich flavours, from sipping it neat to mixing it into iconic cocktails. Whether paired with gin, whiskey, rum, or vodka, experimenting with different combinations and garnishes can open up a world of refined drinking experiences.
