In 2025, sweet vermouth continues to be an essential ingredient for both classic and contemporary cocktails. Whether you enjoy it neat, as a part of a Manhattan or Negroni, or as a key ingredient in a variety of mixed drinks, sweet vermouth stands as one of the most versatile and sought-after spirits. Its rich, aromatic complexity comes from a combination of wine, herbs, spices, and other botanicals, giving it the ability to enhance the flavor profile of any drink.
The rise in demand for premium, craft spirits has led to an explosion of exciting new releases and innovations in the world of vermouth. As bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts become more discerning, the market is seeing vermouths that offer higher quality, complexity, and more interesting regional nuances.
Here’s a look at six of the best sweet vermouths available in 2025, each of which brings something special to the table.
1. Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
Overview: A classic choice that remains at the top of its game, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino has earned its reputation for a reason. This vermouth is crafted using a traditional recipe dating back to the late 1800s in the Italian city of Turin. Cocchi is known for balancing its rich, sweet profile with just the right amount of spice, bitterness, and complexity.
Taste Profile: It opens with aromas of orange zest and dried fruit, followed by hints of cocoa and subtle herbal notes. The finish is smooth and slightly bitter, which makes it perfect for both sipping and mixing.
Why It’s Great in 2025: As interest in historical recipes and more complex, bittersweet flavors grows, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino continues to be an outstanding choice. It’s perfect for Negronis or a classic Manhattan, providing a strong backbone without overpowering the other ingredients.
2. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Overview: Carpano Antica Formula is widely considered one of the best vermouths available. This vermouth has set the bar high, and its popularity has only increased over time. Originally developed in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, it uses a blend of fine wines and a selection of herbs and spices that give it a deep, rich flavor.
Taste Profile: It has a bold, sweet profile with layers of vanilla, dried fruit, and caramel. There are also hints of spice, with a soft herbal bitterness that lingers on the palate. The finish is smooth, making it enjoyable whether sipped alone or used as a cocktail base.
Why It’s Great in 2025: In 2025, people continue to gravitate toward bold, flavor-packed vermouths that can stand up to the strongest of spirits. Carpano Antica Formula remains a top contender for cocktails like the Manhattan and Rob Roy, adding depth and sophistication to any drink it touches.
3. Dolin Rouge Vermouth de Chambéry
Overview: Dolin has long been respected for its craftsmanship and commitment to producing quality vermouths. The Dolin Rouge, in particular, is one of their standout offerings. This vermouth hails from the French Alps and is made using a blend of local wines and carefully selected botanicals. Unlike many other sweet vermouths, Dolin Rouge tends to be a little lighter and more delicate.
Taste Profile: Dolin Rouge offers a bright and fresh sweetness, with notes of ripe red berries, caramel, and a slight herbal edge. There’s a crispness to it, making it more refreshing than some of its heavier counterparts. The finish is clean, leaving a pleasant bitterness that’s perfect for those who prefer a balanced vermouth.
Why It’s Great in 2025: In a market where consumers are increasingly looking for lighter, more nuanced vermouths, Dolin Rouge is an excellent choice. It works beautifully in cocktails like a Negroni or a Vermouth Spritz, adding an elegance and finesse that’s hard to find elsewhere.
4. Vya Sweet Vermouth
Overview: Vya Sweet Vermouth, made by the renowned Quady Winery in California, has gained a devoted following over the years. This vermouth is made from a blend of sweet and dry wines and is enriched with a variety of botanicals, including orange peel, cinnamon, and various herbs. It’s a more recent addition to the market, but it has quickly earned its place among the finest sweet vermouths available.
Taste Profile: Vya Sweet Vermouth is rich and smooth, with flavors of orange zest, honey, and dark fruit. The spice profile is also prominent, with hints of cinnamon and cloves, giving it a warm, inviting flavor. The finish is clean and slightly dry, making it versatile for a wide range of cocktails.
Why It’s Great in 2025: With its balanced sweetness and complex herbal notes, Vya Sweet Vermouth is a favorite for modern cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate a refined and slightly unconventional flavor. It’s a perfect addition to any bar and works particularly well in a classic Manhattan or a modern twist on the Negroni.
5. Noilly Prat Rouge
Overview: Noilly Prat is an iconic name in the world of vermouth, known primarily for its dry vermouths. However, the Noilly Prat Rouge is their offering in the sweet vermouth category. This vermouth is a blend of wines from the south of France, flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. What sets Noilly Prat Rouge apart is its distinct aging process, where the vermouth is left to mature in oak casks for several months.
Taste Profile: The Noilly Prat Rouge is complex, with a rich, herbal flavor profile. Expect a balance of dark fruit sweetness, with hints of vanilla, almond, and warm spices. The oak-aging process imparts subtle notes of wood and vanilla, creating a depth that’s perfect for both sipping and mixing.
Why It’s Great in 2025: In 2025, there’s a growing interest in vermouths that offer both depth and complexity. Noilly Prat Rouge, with its unique aging method, has an unparalleled richness that enhances cocktails like the Manhattan or a Vermouth-based Martini. Its bold flavors are well-suited to those who prefer a more mature and layered taste.
6. Lillet Rouge
Overview: Lillet, a French brand known for its aperitifs, produces Lillet Rouge, a sweet vermouth with a unique character. This vermouth is made with a blend of Bordeaux wines and a secret selection of fruits and botanicals. It’s known for its smoothness and distinctive flavors, offering a different take on the traditional sweet vermouth.
Taste Profile: Lillet Rouge is fruity and vibrant, with a rich base of red berries, citrus, and a gentle sweetness. Its finish is smooth and subtle, with herbal undertones that round out its profile. It has a light, fresh quality that makes it a bit more accessible than some other, more bitter vermouths.
Why It’s Great in 2025: As consumers continue to seek vermouths that are versatile and easy to drink, Lillet Rouge fits the bill perfectly. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed cocktail experience, ideal for lighter drinks like a Lillet Spritz or even a unique twist on a classic Negroni.
Conclusion
As the world of vermouth continues to evolve, these six brands—Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin Rouge, Vya Sweet Vermouth, Noilly Prat Rouge, and Lillet Rouge—represent the very best that the category has to offer in 2025. Whether you’re a connoisseur looking for rich, complex flavors or someone new to the world of vermouth, these options cover a wide range of taste preferences and cocktail applications.
Choosing the best sweet vermouth for your bar will depend on your personal tastes and how you intend to use it. Each of these vermouths brings its own unique character to the table, ensuring that no matter what your choice, you’ll be enjoying an exceptional product. So, stock up, explore these vermouths, and elevate your cocktail game to new heights in 2025!
Related Topics:
