Cocktails with Dry Vermouth
Dry vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine essential for martinis and many classic cocktails. French-style dry vermouth is pale and herbal.
No Dry Vermouth? What to use instead
- Type
- Fortified Wine
- Strength
- 15–18% ABV
- Aroma
- Herbs, Citrus, Chamomile, Light floral
- Taste
- Dry, Herbal, Citrus zest, Subtle bitterness
- Finish
- Dry, Clean, Delicate herbal
29 drinks with Dry Vermouth
- AffinityScotch Whisky, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
- AlgonquinRye Whiskey, Pineapple Juice
- BambooFino Sherry, Orange Bitters
- BensonhurstRye Whiskey, Maraschino Liqueur, Cynar
- Bitter Orange & Cardamom MartiniGin, Orange Bitters, Cardamom Syrup
- BronxGin, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Juice
- BrooklynRye Whiskey, Maraschino Liqueur, Amer Picon
- CardinaleGin, Campari
- ChrysanthemumBénédictine, Absinthe
- Cobble HillRye Whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, Cucumber
- ContessaGin, Aperol
- Devil's CocktailPort Wine, Lemon Juice
- Dirty MartiniGin
- Dry MartiniGin
- El PresidenteWhite Rum, Triple Sec, Grenadine
- Fifty-Fifty MartiniGin, Orange Bitters
- Ford CocktailGin, Bénédictine, Orange Bitters
- GibsonGin
- Manhattan TransferRye Whiskey, Ramazzotti, Orange Bitters
- ObituaryGin, Absinthe
- Old PalRye Whiskey, Campari
- Poets DreamGin, Bénédictine, Orange Bitters
- RoséKirsch, Cherry Brandy
- RositaTequila Reposado, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
- Satans WhiskersGin, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Juice
- ScofflawRye Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Grenadine
- TuxedoGin, Maraschino Liqueur, Absinthe
- VancouverGin, Bénédictine, Orange Bitters
- VodkatiniVodka
History
Vermouth originated in Turin, Italy, in the 18th century, with French producers developing the drier style in the 19th century. The name comes from 'wermut', German for wormwood. Dry vermouth became inseparable from the Martini cocktail, though its prominence faded before experiencing a recent renaissance.
How it’s made
Made from white wine fortified with neutral spirit, then infused with botanicals including wormwood, herbs, spices, and citrus. Dry vermouths are typically less sweet than their Italian counterparts and emphasize herbal and floral notes. Must be refrigerated after opening.
Bottles to try
Martini & Rossi Extra DryBudget
The classic choice for martinis, light and crisp with subtle citrus and herbal notes.
Noilly Prat Original DryMid-range
French vermouth aged outdoors, offering more complexity with nutty, oxidative character.
Dolin DryMid-range
Alpine vermouth from Chambéry with delicate floral and herbal character, highly regarded by bartenders.
Martini & Rossi Extra DryBudget
Classic Italian vermouth, light and herbal, ubiquitous choice.
Dolin DryMid-range
French vermouth from Chambéry, delicate botanicals, bartender favorite.
Noilly Prat Extra DryPremium
French vermouth, complex oxidative style, premium martini choice.
Got Dry Vermouth at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.