Paul Kushner
Sweet vermouth is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, but what if you don’t have any on hand or don’t want to use alcohol in your drinks? Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes for sweet vermouth that can be used in cocktails and cooking.
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Understanding vermouth is important when looking for substitutes. Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with a variety of botanicals and spices. Sweet vermouth, also known as red or Italian vermouth, is a type of vermouth that is sweetened with caramelized sugar. It is commonly used in cocktails like the Manhattan and Negroni.
When it comes to substitutes for sweet vermouth, there are several options available.
Dry Vermouth
Dry vermouth is a popular substitute that can be used in equal parts to sweet vermouth. It has a similar flavor profile, but with less sweetness. If you want to get some of the sweetness back, add a small amount of simple syrup or sugar to your cocktail as we..
Sherry
Sherry is another fortified wine that can be used as a substitute for sweet vermouth. It has a nutty flavor and is often used in cooking.
Port
Port is a sweet, fortified wine that can be used in place of sweet vermouth. It is often used in cocktails. White port is a good substitute for sweet vermouth in lighter drinks like spritzes and tonics.
Lillet Blanc
Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that can be used as a substitute for sweet vermouth. It has a fruity, floral flavor and is often used in cocktails like the Vesper and the Corpse Reviver No. 2.
Amaro
Amaro is a bitter Italian liqueur that can be used as a substitute for sweet vermouth. It has a complex flavor profile that includes herbs, spices, and botanicals. Amaro Averna is a popular choice for substituting sweet vermouth in cocktails like the Black Manhattan. Meletti is an Italian amaro that can be used as a substitute for sweet vermouth in cocktails like the Negroni. Amaro Tosolini is another Italian liqueur that can be used as a substitute for sweet vermouth in cocktails.
Cynar
Cynar is an Italian bitter liqueur that can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for sweet vermouth. It has a slightly nutty, herbaceous flavor that can add depth to your cocktails or cooking. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting cynar for sweet vermouth in recipes.
Grape Juice
Grape juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute for sweet vermouth, as it has a similar flavor profile. It is sweet, fruity, and has a slight tartness that can help balance out the flavors in your recipe. Keep in mind that grape juice is much sweeter than sweet vermouth, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or other sweeteners in your recipe.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that can be used as a substitute for sweet vermouth in cocktails. It provides sweetness and a subtle flavor that can help balance out the other ingredients in your drink. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using in your cocktail.
