This simple drink is my way of encouraging my friends to look beyond the martini when it comes to vermouth. Affordable, endlessly customizable, and ranging across hundreds of flavors, vermouth is the perfect opener to dinner. The botanicals used in the drink stimulate the appetite and the soda and prosecco (that’s the ‘spritz’) give it a lively, festive touch perfect for those first few sips. Not sure how to shop for vermouth? Head to a local wine shop—odds are there’s definitely at least one employee who has gotten the bug and will excitedly lead you to a bottle. For this menu, I got a unique rosé vermouth from Uruguay, but the choices are endless!
Tip: Vermouth is wine, so once it’s opened get it off the bar and keep it in the fridge!
Ingredients
1 (750 ml) bottle of vermouth
1 (750 ml) bottle of prosecco
16 ounces club soda
Fresh thyme
Orange or lemon slices
Method
I like the 3-2-1 ratio used in many spritz cocktails, so I follow it here as well. In an ice-filled wine glass, add 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts vermouth, and top with 1 part club soda. Garnish with citrus and thyme!
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