This Lime and Basil Vermouth Cocktail on the rocks is EVERYTHING a summer drink should be. Light, citrusy, and aromatic, this low alcohol cocktail is made for lazy afternoons, long summer evenings and dinners alfresco!
Vermouth Cocktail
Normally a supporting player in drinks like a vodka martini or the Adonis, this Vermouth Cocktail is all about the vermouth!
In my book, any summer cocktail that requires only 3 ingredients and can be made in under a minute gets my vote. Extra points for looks and triple points if i10 15 points easy!
So what exactly, makes this vermouth cocktail so fabulous and why am I so excited about it?
Bianco Vermouth. Or "Blanc" as they say in France!
A little bit about Vermouth... and why YOU should try it!
Vermouth is a fortified wine that's been infused with botanicals. The alcohol content of vermouth is lower than bourbon, gin and other spirits with an ABV of between 16 - 18%.
Just like wine, vermouth comes in both red and white! The range of botanicals (and the flavors) varies from producer to producer - which means you could spend days trying different versions. Not that I have of course 🙂
Here in the U.S., Vermouth is typically added to mixed drinks. Dry vermouth is the hallmark of a classic martini and red vermouth is bourbon's partner in a Manhattan. Vermouth on the rocks though is honestly delicious and in fact, House-made Spanish vermouths are HUGE in Spain!!
Blanc or
How to Make Vermouth on the
Rocks:
- In a rocks glass, gently muddle the lime wedge and basil leaves. TIP: you don't want to completely smash the lime and basil, but gently press them to release the juice and oils!
- Add ice to the glass and pour the vermouth over.
- Lightly stir and garnish with a basil sprig if desired.
Other Summer Cocktails:
Eager to explore other summer cocktails? Then give these a try!
- Gin and Ginger Ale
- Aperol Tequila Cocktail
- Bourbon Martini
- Ruby Red Moscow Mule
- Key Lime Martini
If you liked this vermouth cocktail recipe, I would to hear about it! Leave me a comment let me know what you think!
Cheers! Nancy
Lime Basil Vermouth Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 basil leaves
- 1 lime wedge
- 2 ounces blanc vermouth
Garnish
- 1 lime wedge optional
- 1 sprig basil optional
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, muddle the lime with the basil.
- Add ice to the glass and pour the vermouth over.
- Lightly stir and garnish with basil sprig and a lime wedge if desired.
Cathy says
I just learned a lot! What an intriguing recipe. Need to do a little shopping and check this recipe out.
Valentina says
Nancy, I love how clean this looks. My mom used to drink a tiny glass of vermouth in the evenings. 🙂 I'm loving the sound of this and so great for summer parties!
Alain says
I bought a bottle of Martini Bianco instead of dry by mistake, and tried your recipe because I wanted to find a use for the least loved bottle in my liquor cabinet. With a big splash of club soda, this is a new household summer favourite! I need to buy another bottle!
Nancy says
Hello Alain,
I can't tell you how happy your comment made me! So, glad you enjoyed the cocktail and found a way to use that vermouth!!!
Marcia Mota says
I am gonna copy your recipe,thank you for share.
Vera says
I love Basil with citrus. This drink is lovely. Crisp and clean. Great for the summer.
Perfect when you want something light while you’re cooking! says
I just picked some basil from my garden, was making pasta, and on a whim decided to look up vermouth drinks. I was very happy to find this one! I made it, and it’s amazing! Perfect when you want something light while you’re cooking!
Lisa says
Delicious vermouth cocktail!
Made it with Soberbo Portuguese white vermouth from Pocas winery. Extra special! 😉
Nancy says
So glad you enjoyed it!!!!
Joni says
So refreshing! Great summer cocktail before dinner. It’s a keeper!
Nancy says
Awww... thank you!! So happy you enjoyed it!!!