I’ve made lots of delicious cocktails, and I’m excited to show you the best sweet vermouths for a perfect Manhattan.
Join us on a tasty adventure as we discover the special drinks that make your Manhattan even better. Keep reading to find out more.
Top 15 Best Sweet Vermouths For Manhattan (Best Buy)
15. Antica Torino Vermouth di Torino
Average Price: around $20-$30/750ml
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Why We Like It: This vermouth exemplifies floral and aromatic excellence from the fortified wine, with a delightful balance of sweetness and a captivating bitter-orange peel finish.
Although its fragrant notes may appear intense for a delicately balanced cocktail, it offers a unique summer-inspired twist on the classic spirit-forward, stirred whiskey drink.
14. Mancino Rosso Amaranto
Average Price: around $29/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Why We Like It: Mancino Rosso Amaranto is captivating vermouth for its deep red hue and enticing flavors and spices.
The palate opens a harmonious combination of sweet and bitter notes, where hints of ripe fruits mingle with herbal nuances.
Its luxurious character is sure to leave a lasting impression on discerning palates.
Read: Recommended Sweet Vermouths For Negroni
13. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Average Price: around $34/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16.5% ABV
Why We Like It: We like the excellence of Carpano Antica as this vermouth gives a unique Manhattan experience for its added layers of complexity and subtle nuances of cocoa beans.
It’s akin to savoring a superb bottle of red wine that has been carefully decanted.
Every Manhattan drinker will surely love this one as it hits all the anticipated flavor notes, with notes of cocoa beans, leaving an extraordinary depth of flavor.
12. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino
Average Price: around $15/750ml
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Why We Like It: When visiting any liquor store, we don’t forget to check out Marini & Rossi vermouth. We specifically like its smooth flavor and unwavering consistency.
Actually, it is a standard sweet vermouth for crafting a timeless drink, like a Manhattan cocktail.
Along with its delightful sherry-like essence, it has graceful and refreshing notes of citrus and grape, giving harmonious flavors and a satisfying taste experience.
Read: Recommended Bitters For A Manhattan
11. Dolin Rouge Vermouth
Average Price: around $10/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Why We Like It: This is our first vermouth from Dolin among their selection. This Rouge Vermouth gives a drier expression.
The flavor profile shows its meticulously crafted using fortified wines and botanicals sourced from the Alpine meadows.
When incorporated into a Manhattan or enjoyed neat over ice, this vermouth creates a flavor balance, including luscious apple notes and subtle hints of sherry.
10. Vermut Lustau
Average Price: around $19/750ml
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Why We Like It: While most producers market their vermouths using a combo of warm spices and herbs, Vermut Lustao is unique for its blend of Pedro Ximenez sherry and nutty amontillado.
“Unleash the full potential of your Manhattan with the finest sweet vermouths, crafting a flavor masterpiece that will leave your taste buds in awe.” – Liquor Laboratory
We like the rich and decadent nature of this drink, with the addition of the Lustau softening the rye. Despite the Angostura and vermouth, it makes Manhattan cocktails not too sweet or bitter.
9. Contratto Vermouth Rosso
Average Price: around $26/750ml
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Why We Like It: This sweet vermouth exudes a lively character with prominent fruity and floral notes.
Yes, it undoubtedly shines in refreshing Highballs paired with mineral water or tonic. But we find it excellent in Manhattan, especially during warm-weather cocktail hours.
Read: Recommended Bitters For Old-Fashioned Cocktails
8. Alessio Vermouth di Torino Rosso
Average Price: around $27/750ml
Alcohol Content: 17% ABV
Why We Like It: Alessio Vermouth is a superb choice to feature in a Manhattan cocktail as it brings a touch of Italian elegance to the drink.
We like its deep red color and complex flavor profile, which adds richness and depth to a classic Manhattan recipe.
When we combined it with whiskey and bitters, it enhanced the cocktail, elevating it to new heights of sophistication while providing a truly memorable drinking experience.
7. Atsby Amberthorn
Average Price: around $30/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Why We Like It: Atsby Amberthorn is an interesting vermouth choice for its distinctive character. It brings a unique blend of flavors to the classic cocktail.
It imparts a complex botanical profile enriched with herbs and baking spices, adding depth and sophistication to the classic Manhattan cocktail.
Read: Sherry vs Vermouth
6. Ransom Sweet Vermouth
Average Price: around $18/750ml
Alcohol Content: 17.8% ABV
Why We Like It: This sweet vermouth is created using a unique process with a blend of cold-climate grapes carefully vinified and oxidized in Ransom’s winery, then fortified with brandy distilled in their alembic still.
We like its traditional bitterness derived from wormwood, while a touch of sweetness comes from the infusion of muscat grape juice and maple syrup.
5. Imbue Bittersweet Vermouth
Average Price: around $26/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Why We Like It: Imbue Bittersweet Vermouth has a unique bittersweet profile that adds depth and complexity to the Manhattan drink.
Combined with whiskey and bitters, it enhances the overall flavor experience, providing rich and balanced flavors.
Read: Dry vs Sweet Vermouth
4. Carpano Punt e Mes
Average Price: around $14/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Why We Like It: This sweet vermouth stands out for its intense bitterness, prominent wormwood, and flavorful herb and spice notes, this great vermouth stands out.
“Vermouth always makes me brilliant unless it makes me idiotic.” – Edward Frederic Benson OBE, English Novelist
If you want a richly dark Manhattan, we suggest using Carpano Punt e Mes, reminiscent of aged oloroso sherry.
Despite its distinct bitterness, Punt e Mes seamlessly blends with Angostura bitters and whiskey.
3. Cinzano Vermouth Rosso
Average Price: around $9/750ml
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Why We Like It: Cinzano Rosso gives the quintessential vermouth experience, showcasing a luscious fruitiness, dried herbal notes, and a delightful touch of complex bitterness.
Despite its affordable price, this budget-friendly option exceeds expectations, making it a perfect choice for midweek Manhattans.
When stirred with rye whiskey and bitters, we like how this vermouth imparts a fruity character and enhances the drink’s body, allowing the rye to shine.
2. La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge
Average Price: around $19/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This vermouth is a delightful fusion of white wine [1] and Pineau des Charentes Rouge, infused with a harmonious blend of plants and spices.
We like the aroma filled with licorice, prune, vanilla, and chocolate notes, while the palate is enveloped in bursts of caramel, burnt vanilla, and warm spices.
This vermouth shines brilliantly in classic cocktails, with the Manhattan being our favorite.
1. Noilly Prat Rouge
Average Price: around $12/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16% ABV
Why We Like It: Noilly Prat Rouge is the right vermouth for a Manhattan because it has a symphony of twenty-nine herbs and spices gathered from across the globe, imparting vibrant aromas.
When combined in Manhattan, the vermouth’s herbaceous nature enhances the dill pickle notes of the rye whiskey [2].
This is our go-to vermouth if we want to craft classic renditions of this timeless cocktail while ensuring a perfectly balanced and textbook mix.
**Average prices are based on MSRP. Prices may vary per liquor store.
FAQs
Is a Manhattan better with sweet or dry vermouth?
A Manhattan cocktail is better with sweet vermouth if you want the classic drink style. But if you want something out of the ordinary, you can use dry vermouths.
What are the two types of vermouth used in Manhattans and Martinis?
The two types of vermouth used in Manhattans and Martinis are sweet and dry vermouths. The former is the most commonly used in Manhattans, and the latter is mostly used in Martinis.
What is sweet vermouth, and why is it essential for making a Manhattan cocktail?
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with botanicals, spices, and herbs. It’s a crucial ingredient in a Manhattan cocktail, adding depth, sweetness, and complexity to the drink.
What are some characteristics of the best sweet vermouths for making a Manhattan?
The best sweet vermouths for a Manhattan should have a balanced sweetness, with rich and complex flavors that complement the whiskey or bourbon. Look for vermouths with notes of herbs, spices, and dried fruits.
What distinguishes the best sweet vermouths from others?
The best sweet vermouths are distinguished by their high-quality ingredients, meticulous production methods, and well-balanced flavor profiles. They should enhance the overall taste of Manhattan without overpowering it.
Are there different brands of sweet vermouth available for making Manhattans?
Yes, there are many brands of sweet vermouth available, each offering its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Some popular brands for making Manhattans include Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin Rouge, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and Punt e Mes.
Can sweet vermouths be substituted with other types of vermouth in a Manhattan cocktail?
While sweet vermouth is the traditional choice for a Manhattan cocktail, some variations use dry vermouth or other fortified wines like bianco vermouth. However, substituting sweet vermouth may alter the flavor profile of the drink.
How should sweet vermouth be stored to maintain freshness?
Sweet vermouth should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It’s also essential to reseal the bottle tightly after each use and refrigerate it if it will not be used frequently.
In A Nutshell
You can’t go wrong with the best sweet vermouth in your Manhattan cocktail; it adds richness and fruity undertones.
If you want some more complexity, explore the profile of Imbue Bittersweet, Atsby Amberthorn, or Alessio Vermouth.
But if you like the overall balance of flavors and character, Noilly Prat Rouge is the best option. It’s smooth, crisp, and flavorful, elevating any cocktail that calls for it.
References:
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/food-drink/wine/interesting-facts-about-wine
- https://www.organicfacts.net/rye-whiskey.html
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/vermouth
- https://theconversation.com/alluring-classic-glamorous-the-history-of-the-martini-cocktail-195913
