Vermouth is the hottest not-so-new drink around, as yesterday’s post demonstrated. Today we are focusing on a few classic cocktails you can make with it.

Red vermouth

Manhattan

Unsurprisingly this is the most popular cocktail in New York. Traditionalists opt for rye whiskey which makes for a good combination with Martini Rosso.

Ingredients (makes 1)

2oz rye whiskey

1oz vermouth

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Method

Stir the rye, vermouth and bitters well with cracked ice. Strain into in a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with twist or, of course, maraschino cherry.

Americano

A perfect drink if you are getting used to vermouth as the soda will ensure the flavours aren’t so strong.

Ingredients (makes 1)

1oz Campari

1oz Vermouth

Soda water

Method

Pour the Campari and vermouth over ice into a glass, add a splash of soda water and garnish with half orange slice.

White vermouth

Classic Martini

Purists make James Bond’s drink with gin and serve it stirred, not shaken.

Ingredients (makes 1)

1/3oz vermouth

2oz gin

Method

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a dash of orange or Angostura bitters, if desired. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.