Martini Rosso (Rosso literally translates as “red”) is a sweet strong (16%) dark amber vermouth with hints of bitterness, caramel and a bright aroma of herbs. Produced by the Italian company “Martini & Rossi” since 1863. The exact composition of the drink is kept secret. For more than a century of history, traditions have developed for the use of red martini, revealing all the facets of taste.
1. Temperature. The most important component of perception. Martini Rosso is drunk chilled to 10-12°C. 20-30 minutes before serving, it is advisable to cool the bottle in the refrigerator. Another method is by adding ice or frozen fruits (cherries, sweet cherries, strawberries) directly to the glass.
Warm red vermouth has too strong herbal aroma and unpleasant bitterness. A very cold Rosso does not reach its full potential.
2. Glasses. In its pure form, red vermouth is served to men in low square or hexagonal glasses with a thick bottom (“tumbler”, “rocks” or “old fashion”), to women – in cocktail glasses (the second name is martini glasses) with or without a straw. For cocktails with Martini Rosso, use different glasses that are suitable in volume.
3. Feed and temp. Martini Rosso belongs to two categories at once: aperitifs (alcohol served before meals) and drinks for the whole evening. This means that red vermouths can be put on the table before meals or enjoyed throughout the party (buffet) as the only alcoholic drink.
The nature of the serving influenced the pace of drinking. Martini Rosso is right to drink in small sips, savoring. With a glass filled to a maximum of two-thirds, the party guests can freely walk around the hall, chatting with each other.
4. Breakfast. Martini Rosso goes well with fruits (oranges, strawberries, cherries, lemons), olives and olives, hard cheeses, salted nuts and crackers. Sometimes red vermouth is served with ham sandwiches, white bread with pieces of salmon, or canapes of cheese, pineapple and lettuce.
5. Combination with other drinks. To reduce the strength of martini Rosso diluted with non-carbonated mineral water, cherry, pomegranate, grapefruit or orange juice. The classic proportions are 1:1 or 1:2 (one part vermouth to two parts juice).
To reduce the bitterness, a red martini can be mixed with vodka or gin (4-5 parts to one part vermouth).
The best martini rosso cocktails
Three of the most popular drinks that are easy to make at home.
1. “Manhattan”.
Ingredients:
- whiskey (bourbon) – 60 ml;
- red vermouth – 30 ml;
- Angostura – 2 ml;
- ice – 150 grams.
Recipe: Mix whiskey, vermouth and angostura in a shaker with ice. Pour the mixture into a glass through a strainer to remove the ice. Decorate with a cherry. Serve with a straw.
2. “Negroes”.
Ingredients:
- martini Rosso – 30 мл;
- bitter Campari – 15 ml;
- gin – 30 ml;
- ice – 150 grams.
Recipe: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in gin, red vermouth and Campari. Mix gently with a spoon. Garnish with an orange slice.
3. “Strawberry Champatini”.
Ingredients:
- martini Rosso – 100 ml;
- strawberry syrup – 30 ml;
- champagne (sweet or semi-sweet) – 150 ml;
- ice – 100 grams.
Recipe: Pour martini, champagne and syrup into a glass with ice. Do not stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
