White Vermouth

White vermouth, also known as bianco or blanc vermouth, is an aromatic, fortified wine that has been sweetened and infused with a variety of botanicals. It is a pale, straw-coloured liquid, which distinguishes it from its red and dry counterparts, with its own distinct flavour profile and set of applications in both mixology and culinary arts. Its profile is shaped by a blend of botanicals, which include chamomile, citrus peel, juniper, coriander, rose petals, and orris root. Each vermouth house keeps its exact recipe a guarded secret, contributing to the diversity found within the category. Some bianco vermouths tend toward the sweeter side, while others maintain a drier character, often showing a more herbal or floral palate.

In comparison with red vermouth, which is characteristically sweet and sometimes caramelised, white vermouth generally presents a lighter and more refreshing flavour, with sweetness that does not overpower the botanical elements. Unlike dry vermouth, which is more austere and sharp, white vermouth offers a sweeter and more rounded profile, making it particularly versatile in a range of cocktails.

One of the classic applications of white vermouth is in the Martini cocktail, where it can be used instead of dry vermouth for a smoother and slightly sweeter drink. It is also a key ingredient in other classic cocktails like the Negroni Bianco, where it replaces red vermouth for a lighter, more floral variation on the traditional Negroni.

Beyond cocktails, white vermouth can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks as an aperitif, served chilled with a twist of lemon or a sprig of mint. White Vermouth's alcohol content, which typically ranges between 16% and 18%, allows it to blend with fats and oils, extracting flavours that water or stock cannot.