You might’ve come across many wines in your wine-tasting career, but have you heard of vermouth? Regardless of what the answer is, there is always something new to learn about this drink. For starters, vermouth is known to be the backbone of many cocktails, but it can single-handedly be used as a separate drink as well.
What we mean by ‘separately’ is that it can be used as a liquid to excite your taste buds, as an aperitif of sorts. And that’s why it’s good to have a glass of vermouth by your side before dinner. What is Vermouth? Let’s head over to the next section to know more.
What Is Vermouth Made From?
Many alcohol connoisseurs confuse vermouth as a spirit rather than a wine. But that shouldn’t be done since vermouth is a fortified wine. What’s a fortified wine? It’s a type of wine that features a distilled spirit to raise the alcohol level (ABV). In the case of vermouths, this special type of wine comes under the subcategory of aromatized wines. Just take a whiff of it and you’ll be welcomed by sweet-smelling herbs.
Back in the day when times were much simpler, vermouth was originally used as a medical elixir. It was discovered in the Alps of Europe where winemaking was already a giant tradition and where Alpine herbs were infused in vermouths.
Currently, the type of herbs used all depends on the manufacturer. Historically, people used to use wormwood as the star ingredient of vermouth, but now manufacturers have discarded it for other ingredients such as cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, etc.
Just a nugget of information to chew on: no two vermouths taste the same. The combination of herbs used is endless and that’s what makes vermouth exciting to try. You can even go down a rabbit hole of vermouths and still, you’d be falling.
Also Read: 7 Easy Vodka Cocktail Recipes That You Gotta Try!
Types Of Vermouth
Vermouth has mainly two types, and it’s important to know which one to use for your cocktails. Here are the ones that you’ll find in your liquor mart:
Sweet
As stated by its name, this type of vermouth is sweeter, richer, and spicier than dry vermouth. A red wine base was traditionally used in sweet vermouth, but many manufacturers use a white wine base. If you want to talk in percentages, sweet vermouth usually has 10-15% sugar content. Also, sweet vermouth is known as Italian vermouth.
When it comes to pairing, get your aged spirits like bourbon, scotch, or rye out of the closet because this is their season. With sweet vermouth, you can make cocktails such as the Manhattan, the Negroni, and the Americano. Usually, this type of vermouth is a little too sweet to be consumed plainly, but if you have the palate for that, go for it!
Dry
Dry vermouth (also known as French vermouth) has no sugar, and it’s made with white wine grapes. It’s leaner and more floral than sweet vermouth. Plus, it leans more toward the bitter end. So don’t take a huge swig of it unless you have an advanced palate.
Dry vermouth can be used for a variety of pairings. You use dry vermouth with lighter spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila. Or you can combine dry vermouth with a sweet one to help with balancing the sweetness. Martinis are the best cocktails to use with dry vermouth.
Also Read: 9 Best Cocktail Bars In Goa
Food Pairings With Vermouth
You can just sip vermouth and snack on any dish, making the possibilities with food endless. Since vermouth brings out that herbal and pungent aftertaste, you can enjoy your vermouth with pizzas or burgers. This will get your savory sensations flowing and make you feel satisfied. You can also enjoy a vermouth cocktail with a plate of fried rava prawns or squids.
Also, you can relish your vermouth with certain cheeses. Have goat cheese while sipping dry vermouth, or blue cheese while enjoying sweet vermouth. See what you feel and decide accordingly.
Summing Up
Now you know all that you need to know about vermouth. So call a couple of your friends over, get your best vermouth out, and start making those addictive cocktails. Have fun!
FAQs
What Does Vermouth Taste Like?
Vermouth has the flavor of herbs such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc. Overall, it’s got a pungent, rich, and bitter taste to it.
Can You Drink Vermouth Straight?
Yes, you can drink vermouth straight out of the bottle. Although it’s commonly used in cocktails, vermouths can also be had with soda or on the rocks.
Is There Any Alcohol In Vermouth?
Yes, vermouths do have alcohol content, usually between 15 and 18% ABV.
How Do You Store Vermouth?
It’s better to store your vermouth in the fridge to prevent it from oxidizing too quickly. Plus, it’s recommended to consume the entire bottle within 3 months.
What Is A Good Brand Of Vermouth?
There are a plethora of brands such as Dolin, Regal Rouge, and Noilly Prague that make good Vermouths.
Can You Mix Vermouth With Coke?
Although it’s not a common combination, you can still mix vermouth with coke. Just make sure the coke doesn’t overpower the flavors of the vermouth.
