Cocktails with Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a red, aromatic fortified wine essential for Manhattans, Negronis, and many classic cocktails. Italian-style vermouth emphasizes rich, bittersweet flavors.
No Sweet Vermouth? What to use instead
- Type
- Fortified Wine
- Strength
- 15–18% ABV
- Aroma
- Herbs, Cherry, Vanilla, Spice, Bitter orange
- Taste
- Sweet, Herbal, Bittersweet, Spice, Dried fruit
- Finish
- Bittersweet, Herbal, Medium length
36 drinks with Sweet Vermouth
- AdonisFino Sherry, Orange Bitters
- AffinityScotch Whisky, Dry Vermouth, Angostura Bitters
- AgavoniTequila, Campari, Orange Bitters
- AmericanoCampari, Soda Water
- BijouGin, Green Chartreuse, Orange Bitters
- Bitter GiuseppeCynar, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitters
- Blood & SandScotch Whisky, Cherry Heering, Orange Juice
- Bobby BurnsScotch Whisky, Bénédictine
- BoulevardierBourbon, Campari
- BronxGin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Juice
- Corpse Reviver No. 1Cognac, Calvados
- FanciulliBourbon, Fernet-Branca
- Grapefruit NegroniGin, Campari, Grapefruit Juice
- GreenpointRye Whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, Angostura Bitters
- Hanky PankyGin, Fernet-Branca
- HarvardCognac, Angostura Bitters, Simple Syrup
- Kingston NegroniOverproof Rum, Campari
- La LouisianeRye Whiskey, Bénédictine, Absinthe
- Little ItalyRye Whiskey, Cynar
- Man o WarBourbon, Triple Sec, Lime Juice
- ManhattanRye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters
- MartinezGin, Maraschino Liqueur, Orange Bitters
- Mezcal NegroniMezcal, Campari
- Milano-TorinoCampari
- NegroniGin, Campari
- Negroni SbagliatoCampari, Prosecco
- Negroni SlushGin, Campari, Orange Juice
- NewarkApple Brandy, Fernet-Branca, Maraschino Liqueur
- Pink NegroniGin, Aperol
- Rabo de GaloCachaça, Cynar
- Remember the MaineRye Whiskey, Cherry Heering, Absinthe
- Rob RoyScotch Whisky, Angostura Bitters
- RositaTequila Reposado, Campari, Dry Vermouth
- Satans WhiskersGin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Juice
- TipperaryIrish Whiskey, Green Chartreuse
- Vieux CarréRye Whiskey, Cognac, Bénédictine
History
Sweet vermouth originated in Turin, Italy, in the late 18th century. Antonio Carpano created the first commercial vermouth in 1786. The 'rosso' style became internationally popular through cocktails like the Manhattan. Traditional Italian vermouths use a base of Muscat or Trebbiano wines.
How it’s made
Made by fortifying wine with grape spirit, then infusing with botanicals including wormwood, herbs, spices, and citrus. Caramelized sugar provides color and sweetness. Quality vermouths may include dozens of botanicals. Best stored refrigerated and consumed within weeks of opening.
Bottles to try
Martini & Rossi RossoBudget
The original Italian vermouth, sweet with vanilla and herbs. Widely available standard.
Cocchi Vermouth di TorinoMid-range
Premium Turin vermouth with rich cocoa, cherry, and citrus complexity. Bartender favorite.
Carpano Antica FormulaPremium
Based on the original 1786 recipe, intensely complex with vanilla, herbs, and bitterness.
Martini & Rossi RossoBudget
Classic Italian sweet vermouth, herbal and bittersweet.
Cocchi Vermouth di TorinoMid-range
Italian vermouth, rich with vanilla and bitter orange.
Carpano Antica FormulaPremium
Premium Italian vermouth, complex vanilla and spice, bar standard.
Got Sweet Vermouth at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.