Vermouth Cassis Cocktail Recipe

The Vermouth Cassis is an elegant, refreshing cocktail that combines the herbal complexity of vermouth with the rich, fruity sweetness of crème de cassis.

This simple yet sophisticated drink offers a perfect balance between sweet and bitter flavors, making it an excellent choice for both casual gatherings and formal occasions.

What Goes Into a Vermouth Cassis

A classic Vermouth Cassis requires just a few quality ingredients:

• 2 oz dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
• Soda water (optional, for a longer drink)
• Lemon twist or blackcurrant for garnish
• Ice cubes

The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. With just two main ingredients, the quality of each component truly matters. Choose a premium dry vermouth and high-quality crème de cassis for the best results.

How to Mix the Perfect Vermouth Cassis

Creating this cocktail is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced mixologists:

1. Fill a rocks glass or small wine glass with ice
2. Pour the dry vermouth over the ice
3. Gently add the crème de cassis (it will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful gradient effect)
4. Stir lightly if you prefer the flavors fully mixed, or leave unstirred for a layered effect
5. Add a splash of soda water if desired for a lighter, more refreshing version
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or fresh blackcurrant

The entire process takes less than two minutes, making this an ideal cocktail when you want something sophisticated without spending too much time behind the bar.

Can’t Find the Right Ingredients? Try These Substitutes

If you can’t locate some of the traditional ingredients, these alternatives work well:

For dry vermouth:

• Lillet Blanc (slightly sweeter but offers similar herbal notes)
• Dry white wine (less complex but works in a pinch)
• Non-alcoholic vermouth substitutes for a low-ABV version

For crème de cassis:

• Chambord (raspberry liqueur) for a different berry profile
• Blackberry liqueur
• Grenadine (though this will create a significantly different flavor profile)

For a non-alcoholic version, try:

• Unsweetened grape juice with a splash of blackcurrant cordial
• Sparkling water infused with herbs and a dash of blackcurrant syrup

Why I Love the Vermouth Cassis

After preparing and tasting countless cocktails, the Vermouth Cassis stands out for several reasons:

• The color alone captivates guests – the deep purple-red of the cassis creates a stunning visual against the clear vermouth.
• The flavor complexity surprises first-time drinkers. The initial sip brings forth the herbal, slightly bitter notes of vermouth, followed by the sweet, jammy flavors of blackcurrant.
• This cocktail’s versatility makes it perfect year-round. It’s refreshing enough for summer evenings yet has enough depth for cooler months.

Its lower alcohol content compared to spirit-forward cocktails makes it ideal for extended gatherings where you want to enjoy a drink without the heavy effects of stronger options.

The Story Behind the Glass

The Vermouth Cassis has its roots in France, where both key ingredients have long histories. While not as famous as its cousin the Kir (white wine with crème de cassis) or the Kir Royale (champagne with crème de cassis), the Vermouth Cassis offers a more complex flavor profile.

Crème de cassis originated in Burgundy, France, in the 1840s, when it replaced the previously popular ratafia de cassis. Vermouth, with its roots in Italy and France, brought together wine and botanicals to create a fortified wine appreciated both as an aperitif and cocktail ingredient.

The combination of these two European classics likely emerged in the early 20th century, though exact origins remain somewhat mysterious. The drink gained popularity in French cafés as an afternoon refresher that wasn’t too potent but offered sophisticated flavor.

Today, the Vermouth Cassis experiences renewed interest as vermouth enjoys a renaissance in craft cocktail scenes around the world.

Flavor Profile: What to Expect

When you sip a Vermouth Cassis, your taste buds experience a fascinating journey:

• First impression: Crisp, herbal, and slightly bitter from the vermouth
• Mid-palate: Rich, sweet blackcurrant notes bloom
• Finish: Pleasant tension between sweet and bitter, with lingering fruit and herb notes

The texture is typically medium-bodied, though this can vary based on the specific vermouth used. The optional addition of soda water creates a lighter, more effervescent experience.

This balance of flavors makes the Vermouth Cassis particularly food-friendly and approachable for both cocktail enthusiasts and those new to vermouth-based drinks.

How to Serve Your Vermouth Cassis

Presentation elevates this already impressive cocktail:

• Glass choice: A rocks glass works well, though a small wine glass or coupe also showcases the beautiful color
• Temperature: Well-chilled is essential – the flavors shine best when cold
• Ice: Large cubes melt more slowly, preventing dilution
• Garnish options: A lemon twist adds brightness through aromatic oils, while fresh blackcurrants provide visual appeal and reinforce the flavor profile

For special occasions, consider serving in vintage glassware for added elegance.

The best time to serve this cocktail is as an aperitif before dinner, as the bitter-sweet balance stimulates the appetite. It also works wonderfully during cocktail hour or at brunches as a lighter alternative to mimosas.

Perfect Food Pairings

The Vermouth Cassis pairs exceptionally well with various appetizers:

• Cheese selections: Especially goat cheese, mild blue cheese, or Comté
• Charcuterie components: Prosciutto, duck rillettes, or pâté
• Briny options: Olives, particularly Niçoise or Castelvetrano
• Nuts: Marcona almonds or lightly salted pistachios
• Savory pastries: Gougères (cheese puffs) or mushroom tartlets

The fruity sweetness of the cassis complements salty foods, while the herbal vermouth stands up to richer items.

For more substantial pairings, the cocktail works beautifully with:

• Quiche Lorraine
• Smoked salmon canapés
• Mediterranean tapas
• Light seafood dishes

Alcohol Content

The Vermouth Cassis is relatively low in alcohol compared to spirit-based cocktails:

• Dry vermouth typically contains 15-18% ABV
• Crème de cassis ranges from 15-20% ABV
• The finished cocktail, using the standard recipe, lands around 15-16% ABV

This moderate alcohol level makes it suitable for occasions when you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the high alcohol content of traditional cocktails. The optional addition of soda water further reduces the ABV, creating an even lighter option.

Nutritional Information

For those watching their intake, here’s what to expect from a standard Vermouth Cassis (2 oz vermouth, 1/2 oz crème de cassis):

• Calories: Approximately 110-130
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g (primarily from the sugars in crème de cassis)
• Protein: Minimal (less than 1g)
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 7-9g

The calorie and sugar content primarily comes from the crème de cassis, which contains added sugar. For a lighter version, you can:

• Use less crème de cassis (1/4 oz instead of 1/2 oz)
• Opt for a dry vermouth with lower residual sugar
• Add more soda water to create a spritz-style drink

Making It Your Own

The Vermouth Cassis offers endless opportunities for personalization:

• Try different vermouths – switch to sweet vermouth for a richer experience or use blanc vermouth for a slightly sweeter profile.
• Experiment with infused vermouths, such as those infused with citrus peels or additional herbs.
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Float a small amount of sparkling wine on top for a celebratory twist.

Have you considered making your own crème de cassis? While ambitious, homemade versions often deliver superior flavor and make for an impressive conversation starter.

Whatever variation you choose, the Vermouth Cassis remains a testament to how simple combinations can create remarkable complexity.

With its perfect balance of sweet and bitter, stunning visual appeal, and versatile nature, the Vermouth Cassis deserves a spot in your regular cocktail rotation. Whether you’re new to vermouth or a long-time fan, this drink offers something to discover with each sip.