Vermouth Cassis

The story

The Vermouth Cassis is a refreshing cocktail that blends dry vermouth with crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur. Its origins are not well-documented, but it likely emerged in France, where vermouth is a staple in many aperitif-style drinks. The combination of herbal vermouth and sweet cassis has made it a popular choice for summer sipping, appreciated for its lightness and complexity.

How it tastes

The Vermouth Cassis offers a delightful balance of herbal and fruity flavors. The dry vermouth provides a crisp, slightly bitter backbone, while the crème de cassis adds a rich sweetness and depth. This cocktail is best served as an aperitif or during warm weather gatherings.

Getting it right

The key to a well-made Vermouth Cassis lies in the quality of the vermouth and the balance between the ingredients. Using a good quality dry vermouth ensures a more complex flavor profile, while the amount of crème de cassis can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences.

Variations

• Vermouth Cassis Spritz — Add a splash of sparkling wine for a bubbly twist.
• Vermouth Cassis Sour — Incorporate lemon juice for a tart variation.

Substitutions

• Sweet Vermouth — If dry vermouth is unavailable, sweet vermouth can be used, but it will alter the drink's sweetness.
• Blackcurrant Syrup — In place of crème de cassis, blackcurrant syrup can be used, though it may require less due to its sweetness.

Questions

Can I use white vermouth instead of dry?

Yes, white vermouth can be used, but it will change the flavor profile, making it slightly sweeter.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

You can create a non-alcoholic version by using non-alcoholic vermouth alternatives and a blackcurrant syrup or juice.

What can I pair with this cocktail?

The Vermouth Cassis pairs well with light appetizers, such as cheese platters, seafood, or fresh salads.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026