Vermouth and Soda
A herbal, refreshing and bubbly fortified wine cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 6.7% ABV ∙
The Vermouth and Soda is a low-proof highball of equal parts sweet (rosso) vermouth and soda water, built over ice in an old-fashioned glass.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Rosso vermouth 60 mlSoda water 60 ml
- Garnish with an orange slice and an olive on a skewer
Tips
- Pour the vermouth over the ice first and add the cold soda last, so the drink keeps its fizz.
History
Vermouth and soda has no single documented inventor or date; it is a simple traditional serve that grew directly out of vermouth's own history as an aperitif. Modern vermouth was developed in Turin in the late 18th century, credited to the distiller Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who began selling his aromatized fortified wine there in 1786. Turin's cafés popularized drinking vermouth on its own as an apéritif, and lengthening it with soda water became a natural, lighter way to serve it as the drink spread through Italy, France, and Spain in the 19th century.
The pairing became especially associated with Spain, where drinking vermouth, often cut with soda, developed into the weekend midday ritual known as "tomar el vermut," particularly in Catalonia and Barcelona.
FAQ
What is the best vermouth for a vermouth and soda?
A good rosso (sweet red) vermouth, since its spice and dried-fruit character stand up to the soda. This recipe uses it in equal parts with soda water, 60 ml each, so pick a bottle you would happily sip on its own.
How much alcohol is in a vermouth and soda?
About 6.7% ABV, roughly a third the strength of a standard spirit-based cocktail.
