Discover your new favorite drink recipe! Unlock these 17 best sweet vermouth cocktails–from the classic Martini to the creative Bijou.
Sweet vermouth is a bit of an underappreciated ingredient in the cocktail world, often playing a supporting role to more assertive spirits like rum and scotch.
They usually get relegated to the back of the bar, only to be pulled out when a Manhattan or Negroni is ordered.
But sweet vermouth deserves to shine on its own.
It’s a fortified wine flavored with a blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals.
The flavors can range from floral to fruity to spicy, making it a versatile addition to any drink.
Compared to dry vermouth, sweet vermouth is exactly as it sounds – saccharine with an exciting red or amber color.
So next time you’re in the mood to mix up a cocktail, reach for the sweet vermouth and savor its unique flavors.
Not sure where to start?
We’ve got you covered–try out these 17 sweet vermouth cocktails that will make you appreciate the sweet, spicy, and slightly herbaceous spirit in all its glory.
From the classic Martini to the creative Bijou, these drinks can show off the complexity and depth that sweet vermouth can bring to a cocktail.
This roundup has a cocktail for every occasion, every mood, and every taste preference.
#15 is a real show-stopper, so be sure to save it for a special occasion or when you want to impress your friends.
1. Rob Roy
Let’s kick off this list with the scotch-based cousin of Manhattan.
It’s smoky and rich with an almost-candied taste thanks to the addition of sweet vermouth.
The balance of flavors in this drink is a true delight–distinct enough to appreciate the scotch but not overwhelming.
At the end of an exceptionally long work day, pour yourself a Rob Roy, and savor the smooth blend of scotch and sweet vermouth.
The traditional Manhattan is a cocktail staple, but why not shake things up with a twist on the classic?
This drink adds apple cider to the mix for a fruity little surprise.
With the addition of sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters, the flavors come together in a harmonious blend that’s perfect for autumn.
You’ll want to sip on this one while curled up by the fire!
No cocktail list would be complete if the legendary Martini weren’t mentioned.
But as you cocktail connoisseurs may have guessed, this is not your average Martini.
Instead of the traditional dry vermouth, we’re swapping in sweet vermouth for a sweeter twist on the iconic drink.
Pair it with your favorite gin or vodka and a few drops of orange bitters for a refreshing, sophisticated cocktail.
4. Negroni
This classic Italian cocktail is a favorite for its bold flavor and beautiful color.
Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari come together to create a drink that’s the right balance of bitter and sugary.
In a Negroni, where the recipe calls for equal parts of all three ingredients, it just proves that sweet vermouth can hold its own in any cocktail.
The next time you’re in the mood for something strong and boozy, go for a Negroni.
Want to let sweet vermouth take center stage?
Look no further than this cobbler recipe.
This cocktail combines sweet vermouth with soda water and a couple of orange slices–that’s it.
The result is a revitalizing and light drink, a balm for those hot summer days.
Serve this over ice and top with a sprig of mint for a truly refreshing experience.
I know it sounds like a beverage for the Italian mob boss, but this cocktail is all class.
The bitter taste of Cynar, a bitter Italian liqueur, is balanced by the sweet vermouth.
Serve this drink up with a twist of orange peel for added zest, and feel like a true Don in your own home.
You’ll soon see why this drink is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Manhattan isn’t the only borough to have a cocktail named after it–the Bronx also has its own delicious creation.
This drink pairs gin with sweet and dry vermouth, along with orange juice for a little zing.
You’re going to want to sample this one before or during a nice meal, as the orange juice adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with food.
For the true cocktail aficionado, try changing up the proportions of sweet and dry vermouth to find your perfect blend.
8. Blood & Sand
This cocktail may not have the most appetizing name, but it’s a real treat.
The combination of scotch, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and cherry liqueur will transport you to a tropical paradise.
It’s all the flavors of a classic cocktail, the Scotch Old Fashioned, with a fruity kick.
Enjoy one on a warm summer evening for a taste of vacation.
Entertaining guests has never been easier with this tart and floral cocktail.
This blend is sure to get the conversation flowing at your next party, as it combines sweet vermouth with hibiscus tea and lemon juice.
You can choose to top it off with some prosecco for a bubbly touch or add in some gin for a boozy twist.
Or, just let sweet vermouth and limoncello liqueur shine as the stars of the show.
Add this to the list of intriguingly named cocktails–the Hanky Panky combines gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca for an experiential taste.
Sweet vermouth helps to balance out the bitter flavors of Fernet-Branca, creating a drink that’s smooth and sophisticated.
Try serving it in a coupe glass with a twist of orange peel for added zest.
11. Man O’ War
Named after one of arguably the greatest racehorses of all time, the Man O’ War really has a kick.
Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange liqueur come together to create a bold cocktail that’s not for the faint of heart.
But if you can handle its strength, it’s an undeniably delicious drink.
The next time you’re in the mood for something strong, give the Man O’ War a try.
Just remember to sip it slowly and enjoy each bold flavor.
12. Bijou
As the French name implies, the Bijou is a sophisticated and elegant cocktail.
Directly translating to “jewel” in English, the Bijou combines gin, sweet vermouth, and a green Chartreuse liqueur for a unique taste.
The herbal notes of the Chartreuse are balanced by the sweetness of the vermouth, making it a truly one-of-a-kind concoction.
This is a drink best enjoyed on a relaxed evening, sipped slowly to fully appreciate its complexity.
13. Boulevardier
Another french-named cocktail, the Boulevardier combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a bold taste.
It’s similar to a Negroni but with bourbon instead of gin.
You won’t want to mix this drink too vigorously, as it’s meant to be relished.
The bitter flavors of the Campari and sweet vermouth blend beautifully with the richness of bourbon.
You’re going to feel like you’re on the streets of Paris with every drop.
14. Fourth Degree
This cocktail is for those who like their drinks strong and straight to the point.
The Fourth Degree combines gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and absinthe for a potent mixture.
You may want to add in some ice or water to cut the strength, but its bold flavor is worth it.
It’s best enjoyed after a meal, as the absinthe adds a touch of herbal notes that will pair well with any meal.
Chocolate and alcohol–need I say more?
This decadent twist on the classic Manhattan combines Cocoa Bomb Whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, then tops it off with a chocolate truffle for added indulgence.
It’s the perfect drink to satisfy your sweet tooth while still getting a nice buzz.
Enjoy this one as an after-dinner treat or at your next girls’ night in.
16. Americano
Of course, we can’t talk about sweet vermouth cocktails without mentioning the Americano.
This simple mixture of Campari, sweet vermouth, and club soda is refreshing and easy to make.
Effortless and elegant, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm summer evening.
The club soda adds a touch of fizz, while the Campari and sweet vermouth are a combination that’s bound to impress.
17. The Siciliano
I held off the coffee-based cocktails for last because they deserve their own category.
The Siciliano combines sweet vermouth, cold-brew coffee, simple syrup, and club soda for a drink that’s equal parts caffeinated and boozy.
It’s the perfect pick-me-up for those mornings (or nights) when you need a boost of energy.
Serve it on the rocks with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added decadence.
You’ll love the combination of coffee and sweet vermouth–it’s truly a match made in heaven.
The bottom line
So there you have it, 17 cocktails that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of sweet vermouth.
This is a frequently overlooked ingredient that deserves a place in every home bar.
So next time you’re mixing up drinks, remember all the tasty possibilities that sweet vermouth has to offer.
You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time tasting and savoring these sweet vermouth creations.
And who knows, you might just fall in love with this underappreciated spirit.
It certainly has a special place in my heart (and my cocktail glass).
Best Sweet Vermouth Cocktail Collection
Discover your new favorite drink recipe! Unlock these 17 best sweet vermouth cocktails–from the classic Martini to the creative Bijou.
Ingredients
- Rob Roy
- Apple Manhattan
- Sweet Vermouth Martini
- Negroni
- Sweet Vermouth Cobbler
- Bitter Giuseppe
- Bronx Cocktail
- Blood & Sand
- Sweet Vermouth Hibiscus Tea Cocktail
- Hanky Panky Cocktail
- Man O' War
- Bijou
- Boulevardier
- Fourth Degree
- Chocolate Manhattan
- Americano
- The Siciliano
Instructions
- Check out our list of Sweet Vermouth Cocktails for your next recipe!
- Gather the ingredients.
- Start mixing your new drink.
- Enjoy and share your insights on our Facebook page!