6 Best Vermouths for Your Next Martini (2024)

Mastering the Martini: Selecting the Best Vermouth for Your co*cktail

As one of the most iconic co*cktails, a good Martini comes down to its ingredients. And one of those main ingredients, besides gin or vodka, is vermouth.

The vermouth used in your Martini can either break it or make it. That’s why we have rounded up our top vermouths to craft the perfect Martini.

What is vermouth?

Vermouth can come in two forms—dry or sweet. It’s a fortified wine, first produced in Italy during the 18th century with added herbs and spices. The flavor of it depends on the added botanicals, and it can range anywhere from herby and bitter to floral and fruity. It’s the perfect addition to your martini.

Next time you’re in the mood for the classic co*cktail, add one of these five vermouths and allow the fortified wine to give your martini a new flavor profile.

Dolin Dry Vermouth

Give your martini a taste of France with Dolin Dry Vermouth. It’s made with 15 different botanicals and spices to give your favorite gin or vodka co*cktail delicate notes of citrus and florals. It’s known for its light, fresh, and clean profile derived from its delicate wine base. Dolin Dry put the 1:1 gin/dry vermouth martini on the map. From its start in 1821, it’s been the benchmark for fine French vermouth.

It’s worth adding to your next co*cktail.

Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth

If dry martinis are your go-to, I’m sure you’re already aware of Cinzao Extra Dry. This pale yellow vermouth will be the perfect addition to that classic co*cktail. Although it can be enjoyed on its own, adding this to a crisp, cold martini glass filled with gin or vodka (personal preference) and a splash of olive juice will really bring it to the next level.

The pleasant herbal taste has a warming flavor with a crisp and slightly bitter finish. On the nose, you’ll get notes of mint, sage, and oregano that are delightful and herbaceous without being overpowering.

Martini & Rossi Fiero

Switch things up with this unique vermouth. Martini & Rossi Fiero offers a bold and refreshing kick to any co*cktail—especially a martini. If you don’t care for the classic dry taste, Fiero is the way to go. The brightly-colored liquid offers a fruity and citrusy punch from sweet Spanish oranges. Don’t let the color intimidate you—this vermouth isn’t overly sweet, so you won’t need to worry about it overpowering your martini.

It’ll definitely put a spin on your classic co*cktail.

Padro & Co Vermouth Rojo Amargo

This bottle will not only look pretty on your bar cart, but it will add a bitter ripe orange peel flavor to your co*cktail. This vermouth is made by using a double infusion of red vermouth and bitter herbs to yield a smooth and full-bodied palette. The vermouth rests in chestnut barrels for nearly two years and gently absorbs the notes and aromas.

If you want to give your martini a twist, add Padro & Co. Top it off with an orange peel twist for the perfect martini.

Antica Torino Bianco Vermouth

This herbaceous vermouth will give your gin or vodka martini the perfect spiced kick. The Piedmont-style vermouth has notes of sage, chard, wormwood, licorice, and thyme, providing any co*cktail with a flavorful taste. The vermouth contains 100% natural ingredients and no artificial flavorings, so you can feel good about adding it to your favorite drink. The blend of Italian grapes like Trebbiano, chardonnay, and Cortese, fortified with neutral spirits distilled from wheat, is based on a recipe from the 1940s-1950s. With marshmallows and white flowers on the nose, you’ll be in for a unique Martini addition.

Villa Massa Vermouth Giardino

Chris Patino, co-owner of Raised by Wolves, a highly acclaimed bar and spirits retail shop that has helped place San Diego on the global drinks map along with Stacey Swenson, a 20+ year veteran of the hospitality industry and one of the most sought after talents on aperitivo and Italian drinking culture team up to create Villa Massa Vermouth. When creating the spirit, The Zamora Company wanted something that would suit the needs of the current state of co*cktails and drinking culture. Vermouth Giardino is seamless in co*cktails whether its being used as a modifier or the base of something low-ABV.

Craft the Ultimate Martini

After exploring our top vermouth selections, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a co*cktail enthusiast, our signature Martini recipe is designed to elevate your mixing skills. This recipe harmoniously blends the refined character of your chosen vermouth with the spirit of your choice, creating a co*cktail that’s not just a drink, but an experience. Follow our step-by-step guide to craft a Martini that’s sure to impress. Get ready to stir, shake, and savor – here’s how to make the ultimate Martini with your favorite vermouth.