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Sweet Vermouth substitutes

The closest substitute for Sweet Vermouth is Punt e Mes, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Noticeably more bitter. In a pinch, use Port Wine or Oloroso Sherry.

Swap it in 36 drinksLow and zero proofQuestions

What to use instead of Sweet Vermouth

Substitute

Punt e MesWorks, tastes different

Noticeably more bitter.

Same amount

Port WineLast resort

Richer; add a dash of bitters.

Same amount

Oloroso SherryLast resort

Nuttier and drier.

Same amount

Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.

Swap it in your drink

Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Sweet Vermouth, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.

  • Adonis

    30ml (1 oz) Sweet Vermouth → 30ml (1 oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Affinity

    30ml (1 oz) Sweet Vermouth → 30ml (1 oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Agavoni

    22.5ml (¾ oz) Sweet Vermouth → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Americano

    30ml (1 oz) Sweet Vermouth → 30ml (1 oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Bijou

    30ml (1 oz) Sweet Vermouth → 30ml (1 oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Bitter Giuseppe

    30ml (1 oz) Sweet Vermouth → 30ml (1 oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Blood & Sand

    22ml (¾ oz) Sweet Vermouth → 22ml (¾ oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

  • Bobby Burns

    45ml (1½ oz) Sweet Vermouth → 45ml (1½ oz) Punt e Mes

    Same strength

How they compare

Sweet Vermouth vs Punt e Mes
PropertySweet VermouthPunt e Mes
Strength15–18% ABV16% ABV
TasteSweet, Herbal, Bittersweet, Spice, Dried fruitBittersweet, Quinine, Dried fruit
AromaHerbs, Cherry, Vanilla, Spice, Bitter orangeOrange peel, Cocoa, Bitter herbs
FinishBittersweet, Herbal, Medium lengthLong, Bitter, Warming

Low and zero proof

An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Sweet Vermouth: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.

Already have one of these?

If you have Martini & Rossi Rosso, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or Carpano Antica Formula, you don't need a substitute: they are all Sweet Vermouth. How they differ

What is 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.

All 36 drinks with Sweet Vermouth

Questions about Sweet Vermouth substitutes

What is the best substitute for Sweet Vermouth?

Punt e Mes is the closest substitute for Sweet Vermouth, though the drink will taste a little different. Noticeably more bitter. Use the same amount.

What can I use instead of Sweet Vermouth in an Americano?

Punt e Mes: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Sweet Vermouth for 30ml (1 oz) of Punt e Mes.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Sweet Vermouth?

Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the Americano and Negroni made with non-alcoholic bottles.

Which Sweet Vermouth brands can I use?

If you have Martini & Rossi Rosso, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or Carpano Antica Formula, you don't need a substitute: they are all Sweet Vermouth. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.

Does Punt e Mes instead of Sweet Vermouth change how strong the drink is?

Barely. In the 36 drinks on this page that use Sweet Vermouth, Punt e Mes changes the strength by less than one percentage point.

More fortified wine substitutes

Out of Sweet Vermouth?

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