Let’s raise a glass to vermouth—the unsung hero of the cocktail world that’s finally getting the standing ovation it deserves. Once relegated to the dusty corners of the drinks cabinet (next to that bottle of advocaat your aunt left behind), vermouth is strutting back onto the main stage with a vengeance. And frankly, it’s about time.

From Hippocrates to Happy Hour

Long before vermouth jazzed up our Negronis, it was medicinal. Yes, really. Picture ancient Greeks sipping wormwood-infused wine and saying, “It’s for my rheumatism.” Fast-forward a few millennia, and we’re no longer sipping for ailments—unless “I’ve had a week” counts.

The name itself? German roots. Wermwut. It sounds like someone sneezing mid-sentence but gave birth to the name “vermouth.” Poetic, really.

The Aperitif Awakens

Fast-forward to 18th-century Turin, where Antonio Benedetto Carpano (clearly a man of taste) created what we now call sweet vermouth. The locals went mad for it. Aperitif hour was born, and suddenly pre-dinner drinks weren’t just civilised—they were stylish.

France jumped in shortly after with the dry version, and voilà! The holy trinity of vermouth styles—sweet, dry, and bianco—was complete. (The rosé and amber came later, like fashionable cousins who arrived late but brought the good cheese.)

Vermouth Goes Global, Then… Vanishes?

By the 19th century, vermouth had made its way across the Atlantic, hitching a ride in every Manhattan and Martini. But alas, the mid-20th century saw its popularity nosedive—thanks to Prohibition, war, and a collective loss of taste. Suddenly, everyone was drinking vodka from fishbowls. Dark times.

But Guess What? It’s Back, Baby.

The cocktail renaissance has arrived, and with it, a newfound love for the botanical beauty of vermouth. Bartenders (sorry, “mixologists”) are treating it like gold dust, and consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z—are loving its lower ABV and complex flavours. It’s a win-win for the health-conscious and the hedonists alike.

Whether it’s sweet vermouth in a Negroni, dry vermouth in a Martini, or bianco on ice with a wedge of orange, the options are endless. And don’t even get me started on sipping it straight—chilled, no fuss, pure class.

I got hooked during a trip to Palma. One glorious afternoon, basking in the Spanish sun, I ordered a vermut rojo on ice with a twist of orange. One sip in, and that was it—I was smitten. You know a drink’s good when it makes you reconsider your whole drinks cabinet.

Meet the Modern Vermouth

Today’s vermouth isn’t just Martini & Rossi (though respect where it’s due). We’re talking small-batch, artisanal producers using everything from Sicilian orange peel to Tasmanian mountain pepper. Organic? Tick. Non-alcoholic? Also tick. There’s even Canadian vermouth winning awards—who knew?

Premiumisation is the buzzword. People want craft, quality, and something they can brag about on Instagram. And why not? Vermouth isn’t just a mixer anymore—it’s the moment.

Styles, Sorted

Let’s break it down like a sommelier with a Spotify playlist:

• Rosso/Sweet: Red, rich, and slightly bitter. Like a good Italian drama.
• Dry: Pale, sharp, and botanical. Your Martini’s best friend.
• Bianco/Blanc: Sweet-ish, floral, and great for sipping in the sun.
• Rosé: Fresh, fruity, and Instagram-ready.
• Amber: Still finding its groove but packed with personality.

Cocktails or Just a Cube of Ice?

Vermouth is a team player. It doesn’t need the spotlight, but give it one, and it’ll shine. It’s the secret weapon behind the world’s most iconic cocktails, from the Manhattan and Negroni to the Americano and Martini.

But it’s also perfect on its own. A glass over ice, maybe a twist of lemon or splash of soda, and suddenly your Tuesday feels like a lazy summer in Barcelona.

The Future’s Fortified

If market forecasts are anything to go by, vermouth’s not just having a moment—it’s here to stay. Whether it’s £9 billion or £21 billion by 2033, one thing’s clear: People want flavour, craft, and a bit less booze.

With trends in low-alcohol drinks, premium ingredients, and a nostalgic nod to the golden age of cocktails, vermouth’s future is looking fortified, floral, and fantastically fun.

Final Sip

So next time you’re pondering what to pour, give vermouth a swirl. It’s the drink that’s been quietly waiting in the wings, and now it’s stepping into the spotlight—well-dressed, a little mysterious, and utterly delicious.

🍸 Cheers from WineGuide101. Here’s to the comeback king of the bar world.