Sanson Vermut Rojo

Sanson Vermut Rojo is a red vermouth made in Massachusetts. In Spanish "rojo" marks the sweet, amber-to-russet style, the counterpart to white or dry vermouth. The label lists no botanicals, ABV or production details, so the following describes what rosso-style vermouths usually offer. Expect a sweet, bittersweet profile built on wine, a wormwood-based botanical blend and caramel-like sweetness. Notes of orange peel, baking spice, dried herbs and a gentle bitter edge are typical of the style. Vermouth is a fortified, aromatized wine, so it's lighter and less sweet than most cream or fruit liqueurs, with acidity and bitterness to balance the sugar. The simplest way to serve it is chilled or over a large ice cube with an orange slice or twist, in a rocks glass or small wine glass. This is the classic aperitif approach, best before a meal. For a longer drink, pour about two ounces over ice and top with soda or tonic, which is how vermouth is served as a spritz in Spain. An olive or a dash of bitters suits that version. As a cocktail modifier, red vermouth is essential to the Manhattan (rye or bourbon, vermouth, bitters) and the Negroni (equal parts gin, Campari and vermouth). It also belongs in the Boulevardier, the Americano, and the Martinez. In stirred drinks like these, the vermouth supplies body and sweetness that the base spirit and bitter liqueur don't. After opening, keep the bottle in the refrigerator with the cap tightly closed. Like other wine-based products, vermouth loses freshness over time, and chilling slows that. It pairs well with salted nuts, olives, cured meats and aged cheeses.