Vermouth

Artemisia absinthium (common botanical) Fortified Wine

Vermouth Fortified Wine

At a Glance

  • Category Fortified Wine

The Forktionary Angle

"The secret to a perfect Martini, vermouth's botanical complexity is a bar essential."

Definition

An aromatic fortified wine, flavored with various botanicals, often used in cocktails or as an aperitif. Available in dry, sweet, or blanco varieties.

Primary Use Cocktail Base / Aperitif
Shelf Life (Opened, Refrigerated) ~3-4 weeks
Typical ABV 15-18%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vermouth are:

Herbal Aromatic Bitter (dry) / Sweet Spiced (sweet)

Chef’s Secret

Always refrigerate dry vermouth after opening, treating it like a white wine to preserve its delicate aromatics.

Best Substitutes

Dry Sherry

for dry
Ratio 1:1

Sweet Sherry

for sweet
Ratio 1:1

Lillet Blanc

for blanco
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for quality brands and check bottle dates. Store dry vermouth in the refrigerator after opening.

Recipes Using Vermouth

For 1 Or 2 Low Saturated Fat North American Low Protein

Alton Brown's Martini

Experience the ultimate martini, Alton Brown style! This recipe isn't for the faint of heart – it's a classic, strong, and incredibly satisfying cocktail. Forget sugary sweetness; this is pure, potent gin flavor. Learn the secrets to perfectly chilled martinis with Alton's unique ice-centric approach, ensuring the ideal balance and temperature every time. The 5:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio is a game-changer, and yes, you do pour the vermouth out (for reasons you'll discover!). Prepare for a martini revelation!

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Vegetables Holiday Event Occasion North American

Baked Fennel With Vermouth

Elevate your next meal with this incredibly flavorful Baked Fennel with Vermouth! This simple yet elegant side dish, courtesy of Jamie Oliver, pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, pork, or beef. The fennel's sweetness is beautifully enhanced by the vermouth, creating a tender and aromatic experience that will impress your guests. Easy to make in just 30 minutes!

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Low In Something Cuisine Main Ingredient Dinner Party

Baked Salmon With Caper Sauce

Experience the epitome of English cuisine with this exquisite Baked Salmon recipe, inspired by culinary legend James Beard! Flaky salmon fillets are baked to perfection, then drizzled with a vibrant caper sauce bursting with bright lemon and fresh herbs. A simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Lunch Course Lunch Beef

Biftek Hache A La Lyonnaise

Master Julia Child's iconic Biftek Haché à la Lyonnaise! This classic French recipe from "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" delivers unbelievably rich flavor in just 35 minutes. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list – the vermouth is key to its unparalleled deliciousness. Perfect for impressing company or enjoying a special weeknight meal.

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Course European Occasion Course

007 Martini

Shake, not stir! This classic 007 Martini recipe, inspired by Ray Foley's 'The Ultimate Little Martini Book,' is the perfect sophisticated cocktail. Learn how to make this iconic drink with precise measurements and expert instructions for a truly unforgettable martini experience. Impress your guests with this elegant and easily mastered recipe.

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Course 5 Ingredients Or Less Course Cocktails

Astoria

Relive a taste of France with the Astoria, a sophisticated cocktail I perfected years ago and shared on a popular French website. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for a quick aperitif or a sophisticated nightcap. Impress your friends with this surprisingly delicious and elegant concoction!

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Asparagus Stove Top Course Italian

Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Asparagus Sauce

Indulge in this decadent creamy Italian pasta dish! This recipe features tender angel hair pasta tossed in a luxurious sauce of creamy asparagus, garlic, and herbs. Easily adaptable – substitute spaghetti if angel hair isn't available. A quick and easy weeknight meal that feels like a gourmet experience.

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Number Of Servings Dietary Equipment Fish

Baked Fish With Mushroom Wine Sauce

Impress your date with this elegant yet easy 20-minute baked fish recipe! Flaky cod or orange roughy is perfectly complemented by a rich, creamy mushroom and wine sauce. This recipe for two is perfect for a romantic weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to savor succulent fish with a burst of savory flavor!

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Greens Occasion Stove Top Time To Make

Arugula Rocket And Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Elevate your mashed potatoes with a surprising twist! This recipe combines creamy garlic mashed potatoes with pungent blue cheese and peppery arugula for a flavor explosion. The bitterness of the arugula is perfectly balanced by the richness of the potatoes and cheese, making it a delicious introduction to this often-overlooked green. A quick and easy weeknight meal or impressive side dish.

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5 Ingredients Or Less Course Beverages Time To Make

Adios Amigos

Ignite your next party with the fiery Adios Amigos cocktail! This spicy 5-minute recipe is easy to make, yet delivers a bold and unforgettable flavor that will have your guests saying 'Adios' to boring drinks. Perfect for a fiesta or any celebration.

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Beef For 1 Or 2 Preparation Course

Beth's Veal Vermouth With Mushrooms

A cherished recipe from my childhood friend Beth, this tender veal dish is infused with rich vermouth and earthy mushrooms. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's easy to make ahead and reheat, making it a family-friendly favorite (even the kids love it!). Impress your guests with this elegant yet surprisingly simple recipe.

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Easy Time To Make Seafood Romantic

Salmon With Herb Shrimp Sauce Ww

Fall in love with this decadent yet diet-friendly Salmon with Herb Shrimp Sauce! This recipe, inspired by the classic "Simply the Best," features flaky salmon poached in dry sherry or vermouth (for indefinite storage!), topped with a vibrant herb-shrimp sauce. We've swapped out reduced-calorie margarine for a healthier blend of butter and olive oil, resulting in a dish that's both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly light and satisfying, making it a winner for Weight Watchers followers (approximately 4 points per serving in the old program). Prepare to impress!

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Poultry Easy Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Chicken Breasts In Vermouth

Discover this delightful baked chicken breast recipe, a treasured gem from a community cookbook! Succulent chicken breasts are infused with the rich, herbaceous notes of vermouth in a simple yet elegant dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort.

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Fish Seafood Grilling Barbecue

Barbecue Salmon Fillet

Experience a flavor explosion with this family heirloom recipe! Originally created to feed a crowd, this scaled-down version of my grandfather's 30-year-old barbecue salmon recipe delivers sweet, smoky perfection. The edges boast a delightful sugary crust, while the center melts with a milder, savory flavor. Prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey!

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Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Shellfish Preparation

Baby Shrimp Scampi With Angel Hair Pasta

A quick and easy Rachael Ray-inspired recipe! This delectable Baby Shrimp Scampi is tossed with delicate angel hair pasta in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal for a burst of fresh flavor.

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Equipment Main Ingredient Equipment Preparation

Barbecue Pork Tenderloin

Escape the sticky-sweet BBQ rut! This recipe delivers a surprisingly light and flavorful barbecue pork tenderloin, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Our family-favorite recipe is incredibly easy to prepare on a gas grill, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a subtly smoky flavor. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Preparation Main Ingredient Scallops

Bay Scallops With Lemon And Dill

Dive into a culinary masterpiece with this quick and easy recipe for Bay Scallops with Lemon & Dill! Sweet, succulent scallops are seared to perfection and tossed in a bright, zesty sauce of lemon, vermouth, and fresh dill. Ready in just 20 minutes, this elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your friends and family with this restaurant-quality meal, made effortlessly at home. #BayScallops #LemonDill #SeafoodRecipe #QuickDinner #EasyRecipe

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Healthy Main Dish Low Fat Dietary

Baked Flounder With Herbed Mayo And Vermouth

Discover this delightful Baked Flounder recipe, a culinary gem unearthed from an antique cookbook! Submitted by Brewster D. Dogget of Wiscasset, Maine, this recipe features flaky flounder fillets bathed in a rich, herbed mayonnaise and dry vermouth sauce. A final broil adds a touch of irresistible browning. Unlike other mayo-based fish recipes, the addition of vermouth creates a unique depth of flavor. Prepare to impress with this elegant yet surprisingly simple dish – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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