How to drink vermouth

The main component of any vermouth - alpine wormwood, its share among all flavors canto make up to 50%. Also in vermouth add yarrow, mint, cinnamon, cardamom, black elder, nutmeg and other spices (the number of additives can reach several tens).

Initially vermouth was made only from whitewine, but modern vermouth can be made from wines made from white, red and pink grapes. Depending on what kind of wine served as the basis for vermouth, as well as the percentage of sugar content, experts identify five groups of vermouth:

• 
  dry vermouth (Vermouth Secco / dry) - no more than 4% of sugar;
• 
  white vermouth (Vermouth Bianco) - 10-15% of sugar;
• 
  red vermouth (Vermouth Rosso / sweet) - more than 15% of sugar;
• 
  pink vermouth (Vermouth Rose) - the concentration of sugar between red and white;
• 
  bitter vermouth (Vermouth Bitter) - refers to the bitters.

Of course, each brand of vermouth has its own species, but they will still be in one of these categories. It is worth remembering that Dry can only be white vermouth, all the vermouths of red and pink varieties of grapes are sweet.

To drink vermouth during a meal is not accepted, since it does not apply to drinking drinks. Usually it is used before meals as an aperitif, as it excites the appetite well. Bitter vermouth is drunk after a meal as a digestive - this kind of vermouth improves digestion. Sweet vermouth can also be served after a meal as a dessert drink.

You can drink vermouth both in pure form, and mixing it with juice (usually citrus), tonic, soda or lemonade. Vermouth is also often used for making various cocktails. Dry vermouths are usually not mixed or diluted, only cooled before serving or add ice to better reveal the taste and aroma of the drink.

Vermouth Bianco (sweet white vermouth) can be served not only in its pure form, but also with water, juice or tonic. In general, all sweet vermouth can be drunk both on their own, and in combination with strong spirits (vodka, gin, and the like). Combining vermouth with a strong drink, you can also add a little lemon juice to the cocktail or add it with a slice of orange.

Both dry and sweet white vermouth are served to the table cooled to 8-12 degrees. And red vermouths are usually served at the room temperature table, uncorking the bottle in advance: the drink will have time to "breathe", and its taste and aroma will be better revealed.

Many believe that it is necessary to drink vermouth from a triangular cocktail glass, but this opinion is erroneous. Despite the fact that one of the names of this glass is Martini Glass, it is never served Martini and other vermouth in its pure form. In a cocktail glass, only chilled cocktails with martini without ice are served.

And for the supply of vermouth in its pure form, the same glass is used as for whiskey - old fashion. You can also use another low glass with a thick bottom - toggle switch. Drink vermouth taken in small sips, slowly, savoring. Snack vermouth usually fried nuts, salted almonds or fruits, as well as cheese and crackers.

Unfortunately, many vermouth associate withalcohol of questionable quality, because many vermouth domestic production was made from cheap wines, using herbs as a way to disguise it. But do not forget that the famous Martini is also vermouth. The main thing is to choose a quality brand of a drink and to drink vermouth correctly, in order to fully enjoy his taste.