Vermouth is a popular fortified wine that is flavored with various botanicals and herbs, giving it a unique and complex taste. While commercially-made is readily available, making your own homemade red vermouth can be a rewarding and exciting project. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making your own delicious red vermouth at home.
Ingredients:
– 750 ml of good quality red wine
– 1 cup of sweet white wine
– 1 cup of brandy
– 1 teaspoon of dried wormwood
– 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile
– 1 teaspoon of dried hyssop
– 1 teaspoon of dried juniper berries
– 1 teaspoon of dried orange peel
– 1 teaspoon of dried lemon peel
– 1 teaspoon of dried coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon of dried angelica root
– 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 vanilla bean
– 2 cups of white sugar
– 1 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Start by sterilizing all the utensils and equipment you will be using, including jars, lids, and other tools.
2. In a large glass jar, combine the red wine, sweet white wine, and brandy. Mix well.
3. Add the dried herbs and botanicals to the jar. This includes the wormwood, chamomile, hyssop, juniper berries, orange peel, lemon peel, coriander seeds, angelica root, sage leaves, and thyme. Stir gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.
4. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the empty pod to the jar.
5. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place. Leave it to infuse for at least two weeks, but preferably for a month, shaking it gently every few days to ensure proper mixing of the flavors.
6. After the desired infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all solid particles. Discard the solids.
7. In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
8. Add the cooled simple syrup to the strained vermouth mixture. Mix well.
9. Pour the homemade red vermouth into clean, sterilized bottles, ensuring there is enough headspace at the top.
10. Seal the bottles tightly with sterilized lids or corks. Make sure they are properly sealed to prevent air from entering.
11. Place the homemade red vermouth in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
12. After the aging period, your homemade red vermouth is ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for serving red vermouth:
– Red vermouth can be served chilled as an aperitif or used as a key ingredient in various cocktail recipes.
– Don’t be afraid to get creative with your homemade vermouth. Experiment with different proportions and botanical combinations to create your own signature flavor profile.
– Store your homemade red vermouth in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality and flavor for a longer period.
Making your own homemade red vermouth can be a fun and gratifying experience. By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a flavorful and unique vermouth that will impress your friends and family. So, why not give it a try and embark on your journey to become a master vermouth maker?