Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:
- 750 ml of dry white wine
- A blend of aromatic herbs and botanicals (e.g. wormwood, gentian root, chamomile, etc.)
- Orange and lemon zest
- Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom
- 1 cup of brandy or neutral grain spirit
- Sugar or honey to taste
Prepare the Vermouth Infusion
1. In a large glass jar, combine the white wine and the aromatic herbs and botanicals. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your desired flavor profile.
2. Add the orange and lemon zest, as well as the spices. These ingredients will contribute to the complex and unique taste of your vermouth.
3. Seal the jar tightly and let the mixture infuse for at least 24 hours. Some vermouth recipes call for longer infusion periods, so adjust accordingly to suit your preferences.
Strain and Sweeten
1. After the infusion period, strain the vermouth mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all solid ingredients.
2. Taste the strained vermouth and determine if it requires additional sweetness. If desired, add sugar or honey to taste. Stir well until fully dissolved.
Fortify and Age
1. To fortify the vermouth, add 1 cup of brandy or neutral grain spirit to the strained and sweetened mixture. This step increases the alcohol content and helps preserve the vermouth.
2. Transfer the fortified vermouth to a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place and let it age for at least two weeks. This aging process allows the flavors to blend and mellow, resulting in a smoother vermouth.
Enjoy Your Homemade Vermouth
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own vermouth. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Use your homemade vermouth to create exquisite cocktails like the classic Martini or Negroni. You can also incorporate it into your culinary adventures, adding a splash to sauces or using it to deglaze pans for added depth of flavor.
Remember, making vermouth is an art, and everyone’s taste preferences vary. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and aging times until you find your perfect vermouth recipe. Cheers and happy vermouth making!