Wine. Herbs. Bittersweet.
Across southern Europe, the early evening has its own ritual.
Work is done, dinner is still a while away, and friends gather for a drink and a little something to eat.
In Italy it is aperitivo. In Spain, la hora del vermut. In France, l'apéro.
And at the centre of it all, very often, is a glass of vermouth.
What Is Vermouth?
Vermouth is an aromatised wine.
It starts with wine, which is flavoured with herbs, spices, roots, barks and other botanicals, sweetened to taste and usually fortified with a little alcohol.
The name comes from the German word for wormwood, a bitter herb that is traditionally one of vermouth's key ingredients.
In the European Union, a vermouth must contain wormwood.
A Taste of Turin
Aromatised wines have existed for centuries, but modern vermouth is closely linked to Turin in northern Italy, where it became hugely popular from the late eighteenth century.
Vermouth di Torino is now a protected geographical indication, made to specific rules in the Piedmont region.
France also has a strong vermouth tradition, especially for dry styles, and Spain has a lively vermouth culture of its own.
The Main Styles
Rosso, or sweet red vermouth, is rich and bittersweet, with notes of spice, herbs, caramel and dried fruit. Its colour usually comes from caramel rather than red wine.
Bianco is pale and sweet, with softer herbal and floral flavours, often with vanilla notes.
Dry or Extra Dry vermouth is pale, crisp and herbal, with much less sugar. It is the classic choice for a Martini.
Rosé vermouths are a more recent style, often fruity and floral.
Other Aperitifs
Vermouth has many cousins in the aperitif world.
Bitter aperitifs such as Campari are bright, bitter and perfect with soda or in a Negroni.
French wine-based aperitifs such as Lillet are lighter and fruity, wonderful with tonic.
Aniseed drinks such as pastis and ouzo are popular in southern France and Greece, usually diluted with cold water.
How to Drink Vermouth
The simplest way is the Spanish way: a good vermouth over ice with a slice of orange and an olive.
Add a splash of soda water for something longer.
Bianco and rosé vermouths are lovely with tonic.
Serve vermouth cold, either chilled or over ice.
Keep It in the Fridge
This is the most important vermouth tip.
Vermouth is wine, and once opened it slowly loses its freshness.
Keep opened bottles sealed in the fridge and try to enjoy them within a few weeks.
A dusty, half-empty bottle of vermouth that has lived in a warm cupboard for years is the reason many people think they do not like it.
Classic Aperitif Cocktails
The Negroni combines equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, stirred over ice with an orange peel.
The Americano swaps the gin for soda water, making a lighter, longer drink.
The Martini mixes gin or vodka with dry vermouth, stirred until ice cold.
The Manhattan uses whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters.
And the Spritz, made with a bitter aperitif, sparkling wine and soda, is a summer favourite all over Europe.
Aperitivo Food
The aperitif hour is all about small bites.
Olives, crisps, salted almonds, cured meats, cheese, anchovies and small toasts are all perfect.
The bitterness and freshness of vermouth wake up the appetite before dinner.
Choosing Your Vermouth
For a classic over ice or in a Negroni, choose a good rosso.
For a Martini, choose a dry vermouth.
For a lighter, sweeter drink with tonic, try a bianco.
For something bold and bitter, explore Italian bitters and aperitivi.
Make Time for the Aperitif Hour
The aperitif is not just a drink.
It is a pause between the day and the evening, a moment to sit down with friends and enjoy something simple.
Pour a vermouth over ice, add an orange slice and let the evening begin.
Explore Vermouth and Aperitifs at EU Cellar
From rich Italian rosso and crisp French dry vermouth to bitter aperitivi and wine aperitifs, discover our aperitifs and vermouth collection.
Find your favourite bottle for the aperitif hour.
Shop the Bottles
- Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth 1L
- Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino 750ml
- Carpano Bianco Vermouth 750ml
- Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth 750ml
- Campari Bitter Aperitif 700ml
- Lillet Blanc Aperitif 750ml
Shop aperitifs and vermouth | Aperitifs and cocktails
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18+ only. Please enjoy responsibly.