Vermouth is the soul of some of the most iconic cocktails of all time. Whether red (rosso), white (bianco), or dry, it provides balance, body, and that elegant bitterness that transforms a simple drink into a classic. Here are some vermouth cocktails everyone should know how to make—and the brands we have at Vermuteria Portuguesa to prepare them properly.
The three types of vermouth
Sweet red vermouth: the base for classics like the Negroni and the Manhattan. Examples: Cucielo Vermouth di Torino, Dolin Rouge, Yzaguirre Rojo, Olave Rojo.
White/bianco vermouth: smoother and more aromatic. Ex: Dolin Blanc, Yzaguirre Blanco.
Dry vermouth: dry and herbaceous, essential in a Dry Martini. Examples: Dolin Dry, Noilly Prat, Yzaguirre Dry.
1. Negroni
Equal parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari. Stir with ice and serve in a lowball glass with an orange peel. The quintessential Italian aperitif. Suggestion: Cucielo Vermouth di Torino or Dolin Rouge.
2. Manhattan
Whisky (rye or bourbon), red vermouth, and a touch of Angostura bitters. Stir and strain, served with a cherry. Suggestion: Cucielo Vermouth di Torino or Yzaguirre Reserva.
3. Dry Martini
Gin and dry vermouth, stirred with ice and strained. Garnish with lemon peel or olive. Suggestion: Dolin Dry or Noilly Prat.
4. American
Campari, red vermouth, and a splash of sparkling water. Serve with ice and half a slice of orange. Light and refreshing — the ancestor of the Negroni. Suggestion: Cucielo or Dolin Rouge.
5. Boulevardier
Like a Negroni, but with bourbon instead of gin. Warmer and fuller-bodied. Suggestion: Cucielo Vermouth di Torino.
6. Rob Roy
The Scottish version of the Manhattan: Scotch whisky, red vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Suggestion: Dolin Rouge or Yzaguirre.
7. Martinez
The grandfather of the Martini: gin, red vermouth, maraschino, and a touch of bitters. Round and slightly sweet. Suggestion: Cucielo Vermouth di Torino.
8. Old-Fashioned Vermouth (on the rocks)
The simplest and most traditional way to drink it: chilled red or white vermouth, ice, and an orange peel or an olive. Let the vermouth speak for itself. Try Cucielo (Vermouth di Torino), Dolin (Vermouth de Chambéry), Yzaguirre, or Olave de Reus.
Find your vermouth.
At Vermuteria Portuguesa we have vermouths and aperitifs of European renown. From Italy, we highlight Cucielo — Vermouth di Torino. From France, Dolin — Vermouth de Chambéry — as well as Noilly Prat, Lillet, Dubonnet, Byrrh, Suze, Pernod, Ricard and Henri Bardouin. From Spain, Yzaguirre, Olave, Mascaró, Padró, Forzudo and Siset. Visit our store and receive your order at home in Portugal, Spain and Europe.
Drink responsibly. For sale only to those 18 years of age and older.
