vermouth

Cranberry Martini
Holiday

Happy Hour: Vermouth-Infused Cranberry Martini

If you're stuck yet again this holiday season with a surplus of cranberries, then consider infusing any leftover fresh berries you have in vermouth to create the makings of a spirited martini.
by

If you're stuck yet again this holiday season with a surplus of cranberries, then consider infusing any leftover fresh berries you have in vermouth to create the makings of a spirited martini.

This sophisticated cocktail, which is perfect for any party, has just a touch of sweetness and tang from fresh cranberries without overpowering the flavor of a true martini. All that's needed is a bit of prep work, and you'll be ready for shaking up — or stirring — some festive holiday martinis.

Keep reading to learn how to make a vermouth-infused cranberry martini.

What's the Difference Between Dry and Sweet Vermouth?
Cocktails

Burning Question: French vs. Italian Vermouth

A well-stocked home bar should have two versions of vermouth, and trust me: you don't want to confuse the two.
by

A well-stocked home bar should have two versions of vermouth, and trust me: you don't want to confuse the two. Dry vermouth, also called French vermouth (pictured), is light in color and often found in similarly shaded cocktails.

Dry vermouth mixes into a classic dry martini, as well as some of my favorite finds, including the Corkscrew and El Presidente cocktails.

Not surprisingly, Italian (aka sweet) vermouth shows up in the classic Italian cocktail the Negroni, as well as the all-American Manhattan. Some drinks use equal parts of dry/white and red/sweet vermouth and are often dubbed "perfect," as in a Perfect Manhattan. Once you've cracked open a bottle of either type of vermouth, it's best stored in the fridge. What are your vermouth cocktails of choice?

Got a burning question? Join the Burning Question group in the YumSugar Community! It's your place to post the most pressing questions about the culinary world.

Source: Flickr User erin.kkr

Happy Hour: The Big Apple
recipes

Happy Hour: The Big Apple

Last year, while flipping through Blueprint magazine, I came across a beautifully styled drink called The Big Apple.
by

Last year, while flipping through Blueprint magazine, I came across a beautifully styled drink called The Big Apple. The recipe sounded fantastic — whiskey, apple cider, vermouth — but the reason to drink it was even better. According to Blueprint, it makes the perfect "transitional" sipper and I couldn't agree more. It's definitely too cold for margaritas, and I personally can't do eggnog until Thanksgiving. Over the next two weeks I plan on enjoying a few of these Big Apples. Want to join me? Get the recipe, just read more

Happy Hour: Manhattan
recipes

Happy Hour: Manhattan

In order to be a wonderful home entertainer, you must learn how to make the classic drinks.
by partysugar


In order to be a wonderful home entertainer, you must learn how to make the classic drinks. The Martini, Cosmopolitan, and Margarita are popular drinks that highlight gin, vodka, and tequila respectively. It's good to know one basic cocktail for each of the five major liquors (gin, vodka, tequila, rum, and whiskey). Dating back to 1870, a Manhattan is the optimal whiskey drink. Take care when mixing this cocktail because it can be difficult at first to get the correct ration of whiskey to vermouth. Use a rye or bourbon whiskey for best results when making your guests this drink. Meant to be stirred rather than shaken a Manhattan is a wonderful before dinner drink that pairs nicely with salty appetizers. To see how it's done, read more