The taste of vermouth largely depends on the drinks and dishes served with it. This is very important when the organizers of the event choose it as the only alcohol. We will look at the best options for snacks and drinks for vermouth, revealing all the facets of this flavored fortified wine.
Regardless of the manufacturer (Martini, Cinzano, Delasi, Salvatore, Trino, etc.), there are several types of vermouth, each of which requires its own approach.
Dry vermouths (sugar content up to 4%). An excellent option for an aperitif (alcohol before meals). It is customary to drink them in their pure form, very chilled. Pairs well with olives, crackers, nuts and hard cheeses. For lovers of hearty snacks, I recommend serving sandwiches with salmon, red fish and ham to dry vermouth. Another good option is salads without mayonnaise.
White vermouth (Bianco). They have a bitter taste and a delicate aroma of spices. They are diluted with tonic, lemonade, soda or fruit juices (lemon, orange, grapefruit, apple). The optimal proportion is 1:1, but the ratio can be varied depending on the desired strength of the drink.
In its pure form, white vermouths are drunk with ice. Olives, cheeses and fruits (oranges, tangerines, white grapes) are well suited for snacks. Sometimes you can see fried fish on the table, but this dish is not a classic.
Red vermouths (Rosso) are best enjoyed with nuts, salted crackers, mild cheeses, fruits (oranges, red grapes, strawberries) and ham. In their pure form, they are served chilled to 10°C.
Red vermouths are mixed with gin, soda and tonic in a ratio of 1: 2 (one part vermouth and two parts gin or tonic). To reduce the strength, it is better to dilute them with orange, pineapple, cherry or grapefruit juice.
Pink vermouth (Rose). Intermediate view. They go well with appetizers suitable for red and white vermouth, as well as chicken meat. Diluted with any fruit juices. It is rarely mixed with alcoholic beverages, usually only in cocktails.
Strong vermouths (alcohol content from 25 degrees). Bitters are drunk neat with a high-calorie snack. They can be served with any dishes combined with strong alcohol. For example, boiled potatoes, fried meat, fish and salads.
Dessert vermouths (sugar content 10-15%). They are classic digestifs (served after meals). This type may include red, pink and white vermouths with a high sugar content. It is better to eat them with not very sweet dessert dishes: dark chocolate, ice cream, fruits and berries. It is believed that sweets and cakes are well suited to these vermouths, but due to their high sweetness, they do not allow you to fully feel the taste of the drink.
It is dessert vermouths that are most often mixed with strong alcohol: vodka, gin, cognac and even absinthe. Or diluted with soft drinks: sprite, cola, soda and citrus juices.