Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:26:46 +0000

This Forgotten Drink Changed the Game—What Vermouth Truly Is and Does For many, vermouth remains a name whispered in wine cellars and cocktail bars, yet its profound influence on the world of drinks and mixology is often overlooked. Far more than just a sweet complex bitter liqueur, vermouth has quietly shaped cocktails, culinary traditions, and cultural history for centuries. Long overshadowed by its flashier cousin, gin, vermouth has quietly revolutionized the way we drink—and what we think of as “balanced” flavor. ## What Exactly Is Vermouth? Vermouth is a fortified wine fortified with botrian and other botanicals such as juniper, coriander, angelica, and citrus peel. Unlike plain wine, these carefully selected herbs and spices give vermouth its signature depth—earthy, aromatic, and slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness. The result is a complex liquid that bridges wine and spirits, offering a nuanced base not just for cocktails but also for culinary applications.