What’s Vermouth, Anyway?

Many classic cocktails call for either the French dry vermouth or the sweet Italian version. But what’s vermouth all about? 

The aromatic concoction falls into the category of aromatized wines. Yes, vermouth starts as wine. Producers infuse the fermented grape juice with herbs and spices before fortifying it with a splash of hard distilled spirit. 

Dry vermouth is a critical ingredient in the classic Martini, while the sweet version is vital when mixing Negronis and Manhattans, to name a few. Vermouth might not be that popular today, but it is indeed a noble cocktail ingredient!