Vermouth

Vermouths are a great aperitif! Consumed before a meal to stimulate your appetite, vermouths can be enjoyed on its own, or perhaps with a few ice cubes, or with soda or tonic for a refreshing Spritz. If you're a fledgling home bartender, vermouths are a good addition to give you cocktails a little more oomph!

Vermouths aren't considered a spirit; instead they are a fortified wine that is spiked with brandy, infused with herbs and spices, and sweetened. Broadly there are two main types - red (sweet) vermouth with origins from Italy, and white (dry) vermouth which hails from France. Wormwood, of absinthe fame, is dry vermouth's hallmark ingredient.