Vermouth Cassis

The vermouth cassis is a very simple and light drink, perfect for hot summer days or any time you want a light touch of alcohol but a whole lot of refreshment. The name says it all, as the recipe is a mix of dry vermouth and crème de cassis.

Served over ice and topped with club soda, this beverage is extremely easy to make, and delicious to sip. This classic cocktail is a wonderful alternative to stronger drinks like the whiskey sour and is just as refreshing as a gin and tonic. It's also an excellent dinner drink that can take you from aperitif through the entire meal, offering a slightly sweetened, sparkling beverage to enjoy.

This Is the Right Way to Store Your Vermouth, According to an Expert

What Is Crème de Cassis?

Crème de cassis is a sweet black currant liqueur, French in origin. Most often used to sweeten other wines or Champagne—such as in the all-time favorite kir cocktail—crème de cassis deserves a lot of attention, as it can be a key component in your bar. Sweet, but also tart, this liqueur can be beautifully mixed with white wine, gin, or bourbon, but also drunk on its own over ice as a digestif.

What is Vermouth?

On the other hand, vermouth is a fortified wine that can be either sweet (usually produced in Italy) or dry (usually produced in France) and also a beautiful addition to your bar's essentials, as it's as versatile as it is delicious.

Vermouth makes wonderful martinis and negronis, but it can also be enjoyed as a tasty aperitif, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda water. Unlike distilled spirits, fortified wines have a short shelf life of just a few months—an open bottle will begin to go stale and should be replaced after that period.

Tips for Mixing Up a Vermouth Cassis Cocktail

• The crème de cassis should not be an afterthought — Look for top-shelf options like those from Giffard, Gabriel Boudier, and Lejay, all of which produce authentic French cassis. It's also a flavor that some small distilleries, including Clear Creek Distillery and Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery, have in their liqueur portfolios.
• Vermouth is not a spirit — And, unlike spirits, it should be kept refrigerated once opened and used within a few months for the best flavor.
• Use those liqueurs! — If you don't have (and would rather not buy) crème de cassis, substitute any fruit liqueur for it in this drink.