What Is Vermouth? The Most Misunderstood Bottle in All of Booze

Vermouth. That mysterious bottle, possibly sitting at the back of your bar cart wedged between the gin and bitters. It’s a supporting act in cocktails like the Negroni, Martini, and Manhattan, often playing second fiddle to the more prominent spirits. But here's the thing—maybe we’ve been looking at vermouth all wrong. Maybe it’s time to give this complex, flavorful fortified wine its moment in the spotlight.

But before we give vermouth its spotlight, let’s answer a simple question that not many ask: What is vermouth?

Is Vermouth a Wine or a Spirit?

Yes and no. Vermouth is both and neither—it’s a fortified and aromatized wine. 

The base is typically white wine, which is then amped up with neutral spirits and infused with botanicals, herbs, and spices. So, while vermouth starts its life as wine, the addition of booze and flavor gives it a complexity that stretches beyond your typical bottle of vino.

How Is Vermouth Made?

At its core, vermouth begins with wine. 

Although most people associate sweet vermouth (also known as vermut rojo) with red wine, it’s actually made using a base of white wine. For example, Cueva Nueva’s Vermut Rojo starts with airén and garnacha blanca grapes, chosen for their neutral, fresh, non-tannic qualities.

The magic happens during the fortification and aromatization process. Here, a blend of botanicals, often with Mediterranean roots like rosemary, thyme, and orange peel, gets steeped in high-proof alcohol (often grain or grape-based). Think cardamom, cinnamon, and even rhubarb, plants that once arrived from far-flung corners of the world during Mediterranean trade routes.

One constant across European vermouths is wormwood. Yes, the same wormwood that gives absinthe its notorious reputation—minus the hallucinations.

This infusion of herbs and spices into the spirit extracts potent flavors. This is similar to the process for making things like cocktail bitters, vanilla extract, or amaro. The infused booze is then combined with the wine, alongside a touch of sugar, honey, or caramel (depending on the desired sweetness). The result? A slightly boozy, highly aromatic wine with layers of flavor. Think of vermouth as an aged blend of amaro and wine. Fun fact: Vermouth takes its name from the German word for wormwood, wermut. Originally called wermutwein (wormwood wine), the French adapted it to vermouth, and the Spanish brought it full circle with vermut, closer to the original German pronunciation.

Is Vermouth a Spirit?

Vermouth is nowhere near the strength of spirits like vodka or gin. It’s the added fortifying alcohol that pushes vermouth into a gray area between wine and spirit and gives it extra body and oomph. This middle ground gives it its versatility in cocktails and makes it a standout when sipped on its own.

How Much Alcohol Is in Vermouth?

Vermouth typically ranges from 15-18% ABV, making it stronger than most wines but not as potent as spirits like whiskey. This moderate alcohol content makes it ideal for sipping on its own and perfect for low-ABV cocktails. When enjoyed solo, vermouth is usually served in smaller portions than a full pour of wine—typically. 

How Long Does Vermouth Stay Good?

The most controversial question in the world of vermouth. 

Vermouth, like most wines, is sensitive to oxygen. Once opened, vermouth should be refrigerated to maintain its freshness. Typically, an open bottle stays good for about 3 weeks in the fridge before it starts to lose its brightness. That said, sweet vermouths tend to have a bit more staying power due to the added sugar, but still, drink up sooner rather than later.

Does that mean the 8-month-old bottle sitting on your bar cart that you just made Negronis with from you and your friends will make you sick? No, but it’s the reason why your homemade cocktail might’ve…sucked. The oxidized flavor will be dull, flat, and likely disappointing when you’re whipping up a cocktail. So, treat yourself—and your guests—to fresh vermouth next time.

Is Vermouth the Same as Vermut?

If you’ve traveled through Spain, you may have encountered vermut—an integral part of the country’s afternoon drinking culture. Vermut is simply the Spanish word for vermouth, and like its Italian and French counterparts, it’s a fortified wine infused with herbs and botanicals. What makes Spanish vermut unique is how it’s enjoyed—sipped slowly on its own, often over ice with a slice of orange and an olive.

In Spain, la hora del vermut is a ritual, a time to slow down, gather with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Cueva Nueva's vermut rojo embodies this tradition, bringing a modern twist to a centuries-old beverage.

Vermouth’s Role in Cocktails

Vermouth is a legendary ingredient in a wide variety of classic cocktails—anything from the Negroni, to the Manhattan, and the Marianato. Yet in many ways, vermouth is kind of like a cocktail on its own. It’s refreshing, bittersweet, and balanced—making it ultra-enjoyable when poured on ice and garnished with an olive and orange slice.

And while we’re at it, remember to treat vermouth like the fine wine it is. Store it properly, use it while it’s fresh, and don’t be afraid to let it stand on its own. 

More Than a Supporting Act

Vermouth is wine, but also more than just wine. It’s a spirit, but not quite a spirit. It’s the not-so-secret weapon in your cocktail toolkit and a drink worth savoring on its own. From its Mediterranean roots to its role in ancient medicine, vermouth carries a rich history that deserves your attention. And remember, not all vermouths are created equal.

So, next time you pour yourself a glass, think about the craft behind it, because now you know the answer to that often-overlooked question: What is vermouth?