Vermouth and Soda
Vermouth and soda is a flexible, lower-alcohol, and totally delightful aperitif. Here's how to make it great, with very little effort. I said above that I don't have a recommendation on ingredient ratios, but FYI, I personally enjoy a 1:1 ratio of vermouth to soda. Preferences vary widely. You might start with a 1:2 or even 1:3 ratio and adjust as you go. As long as you like all the elements, this drink tastes great regardless.
Ingredients
- Generous slice or wedge navel orange
- Vermouth red, white, or dry
- Soda water club soda or seltzer
- One Cerignola or other green briny olive
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with a generous amount of ice.
- Nestle in the orange slice.
- Pour in as much vermouth as you like.
- Top with the soda water.
- Skewer the olive and garnish the glass.
Notes
- Please refer to the dedicated section of the post above to learn a little more about the different vermouth styles.
- Soda water can be club soda, seltzer, or even sparkling mineral water, if you like the way its flavor profile pairs with your vermouth of choice. This is not traditional, but I like to use lemon-flavored Spindrift seltzer with blanco vermouth sometimes.
- For bonus points, you can briefly grill the olive (or carefully hold it over your stovetop's gas burner using tongs for a moment) to bring out its flavor.
- Don't skip either of the garnishes — they add a lot to the drink's character.
- This method works well with other aperitif wines and with amaros, too. Try it with Lilet, Cocchi Americano, Campari, Cynar, or Fernet, among many others. You can even use the same garnishes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Sodium: 62mg | Sugar: 4g