Vermut, also known as vermouth, is a delicious fortified wine that is infused with a variety of herbs and spices. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or used as a key ingredient in cocktails. While there are many different brands and varieties of vermut available, making your own can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s how to make vermut from scratch.
Ingredients:
750 ml dry white wine
375 ml brandy
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 cinnamon stick
4-5 cloves
2-3 star anise pods
1 small piece of orange peel
1 small piece of lemon peel
Instructions:
Start by pouring the white wine into a large glass jar or bottle.
Add the brandy to the wine and stir gently.
Add the sugar to the mixture and stir until it dissolves.
Add the split vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise pods, orange peel, and lemon peel to the jar.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for two weeks. Shake the jar every day to mix the ingredients.
After two weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
Bottle the vermut and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Tips:
Use a dry white wine with a neutral flavor, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Brandy can be substituted with vodka or other neutral spirits.
Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to create your own unique vermut blend.
Salut! Making your own vermut from scratch is a fun and creative way to enjoy this delicious fortified wine.