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.