Buy Vermouth Online
Vermouth is a versatile and aromatic fortified wine, known for its role in classic cocktails and its botanical complexity. Infused with a blend of herbs, spices, roots and flowers, vermouth has long held a place in both mixology and aperitif traditions. Whether you enjoy it straight over ice or as a key component in your next Martini or Negroni, vermouth offers a rich sensory experience unlike any other.
Buy Vermouth Online
Vermouth is a versatile and aromatic fortified wine, known for its role in classic cocktails and its botanical complexity. Infused with a blend of herbs, spices, roots and flowers, vermouth has long held a place in both mixology and aperitif traditions. Whether you enjoy it straight over ice or as a key component in your next Martini or Negroni, vermouth offers a rich sensory experience unlike any other.
We offer a carefully curated range of vermouths from around the world, including traditional Italian and French styles as well as bold, contemporary takes. Whether you're restocking your bar cart or exploring new flavours, you'll find a vermouth to suit your taste.
What is Vermouth?
Vermouth is a fortified wine flavoured with botanicals, such as wormwood, chamomile, cardamom, and citrus peel, resulting in a complex, bittersweet profile. It typically contains 15–18% alcohol by volume and is either enjoyed as an aperitif or used to add depth to cocktails.
Although commonly associated with Italy and France, vermouth is produced globally, with each region adding its own twist to the formula. In Australia, the craft vermouth scene is growing, with producers embracing native botanicals and artisanal techniques.
What are the Types of Vermouth?
Vermouth typically comes in a few key styles:
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Dry Vermouth: Pale in colour with a crisp, herbal flavour. Essential in a classic Martini.
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Sweet Vermouth: Often red in colour and sweeter in taste, sweet vermouth is used in cocktails like the Manhattan or Negroni.
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Bianco (White) Vermouth: Sweeter than dry vermouth but not as rich as red; smooth and floral.
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Rosé Vermouth: A newer style with fruity notes and a blush hue, ideal for summer sipping.
Each style offers a distinct balance of sweetness, bitterness, and botanical character, enabling a wide range of uses and pairings.
How is Vermouth Made?
Vermouth starts as a base wine, which is then fortified with neutral spirit and infused with a blend of botanicals. The exact recipe varies by producer and is often held as a closely guarded secret. After maceration and blending, the vermouth may be sweetened and aged for a period before bottling. The result is a shelf-stable wine with a complex, layered flavour profile that bridges the gap between wine and spirit.
Can You Drink Vermouth Straight?
Yes, vermouth is delicious on its own. Enjoy it chilled over ice with a twist of citrus or an olive for a refreshing, low-alcohol alternative to stronger spirits. It also makes a great spritz when topped with soda water or tonic. Serving vermouth straight highlights its botanical nuances and makes for an excellent aperitif before a meal.
What Food Goes Well With Vermouth?
Vermouth pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods, especially salty, savoury, and umami-rich flavours:
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Dry Vermouth: Excellent with oysters, pickled vegetables, or goat cheese.
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Sweet Vermouth: Try it with charcuterie, roasted nuts, or dark chocolate.
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Bianco Vermouth: Pairs well with soft cheeses, smoked salmon, or marinated olives.
These food pairings elevate the vermouth experience, making it ideal for aperitivo hour.
What is Vermouth in Australia?
Australian vermouth producers are putting a fresh spin on the category by using local wine bases and native botanicals like lemon myrtle, wattleseed, and finger lime. These small-batch vermouths offer a unique expression of place and are gaining popularity among bartenders and wine lovers alike.
Look out for standout vermouths from Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia that bring a distinctly Aussie flair to this European tradition.
FAQs about Vermouth
Is vermouth a wine or a spirit?
Vermouth is a fortified wine, meaning it's made from wine but has added alcohol and botanicals. It sits somewhere between wine and spirits.
How long does vermouth last after opening?
Once opened, vermouth should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 1 to 3 months for best flavour.
Is vermouth gluten-free?
Generally, yes. Most vermouths are made from grapes and botanicals. However, it's always good to check the label if you're sensitive to gluten.
Does vermouth need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Treat it like wine—refrigerate after opening to maintain its flavour and freshness.
Explore our full Spirits range to discover vermouths and other bar essentials from across the globe.