Viva vermouth – Grape Crush

It’s July, and heavy beverages have been shelved in favor of icy beer, crisp white wines and fruit drinks. But there’s more out there to tee up the taste buds in cool fashion, and some of it has been right under our noses. This month, try vermouth, the fortified wine infused with herbs that’s largely produced in France and Italy.

Best known as the sidekick to gin or vodka in a martini, extra-dry vermouth is often a dust collector in liquor cabinets, sequestered in a back corner and called upon infrequently. But extra-dry vermouth is just one species of this classic liqueur, whose other forms are indeed well-suited for easy summer sipping. Look for red and white vermouth from Italian producers Martini and Rossi or Cinzano, as well as those produced by French houses Boissier and Dolin.

The best part is you can find bottles for around $10, and it’s versatile enough to mix or drink alone. A classic red Cinzano and soda with a simple garnish of lime or orange can be a cheap but winning evening opener and is perfect for dining al fresco.

Red vermouth, in particular, plays well solo over rocks. An essential ingredient in a Manhattan, it’s distinct both for its pleasantly bitter aftertaste and its backdrop of herbal and spicy notes. But it’s not overpowering. In fact, when served cold in the heat, these Old World flavors are both refreshing and sexy. White vermouth is drier and slightly more floral than its red counterpart, but is equally versatile, mixing well with gin, bourbon, fruit juices or soda.

When sampling vermouths, start with the slightly sweeter red and play around with combinations until something strikes your fancy. This is a cocktail that—while under the radar—has enduring style and depth. It’s worth bringing out this summer.