Vermouth: a classic that never goes out of style

Vermouth is much more than a drink: it's an invitation to stop time. From its origins in European apothecaries to today's terraces, it has become a symbol of the aperitif, of the luminous pause before a meal.

The best part is that you don't need to be a cocktail expert to enjoy it. With just a few ingredients, vermouth can be transformed into easy, refreshing cocktails full of Mediterranean flavor. Here, I share three ideas you can make at home to turn any evening into a special ritual.

1. Vermouth with orange: the timeless classic

If there's ever a simple and perfect combination, it's this one. The sweetness of vermouth meets the citrus freshness of orange, creating a balance that awakens the palate.

Ingredients

  • 90 ml of Bikini Azul vermouth
  • 1 thick slice of fresh orange
  • Ice

Preparation

  1. Fill a vermouth glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add the vermouth.
  3. Decorate with the orange slice, which will add color and aroma.

The Blue Bikini Touch

Use a seasonal orange, preferably locally sourced. The fresh peel releases essential oils that enhance the vermouth's nuances. Every sip tastes Mediterranean: bright, simple, and elegant.

2. Mediterranean Spritz: A Renewed Classic

The spritz has conquered terraces around the world. And although Italy popularized it, the entire Mediterranean has embraced it. This version with vermouth has a lighter, more aromatic character, ideal for those looking for a sparkling aperitif.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml of Bikini Azul vermouth
  • 90 ml of very cold prosecco
  • A touch of soda (approx. 30 ml)
  • Ice
  • Orange peel

Preparation

  1. In a large wine glass add plenty of ice.
  2. Serve the vermouth first, then the prosecco, and finally the soda.
  3. Mix gently with a long spoon.
  4. Add an orange peel as decoration.

The Blue Bikini Touch

Make it with care: the order of the ingredients matters to keep the spirits alive. This cocktail is bright and festive, perfect for an aperitif with friends or an afternoon on the terrace.

3. Vermouth & Tonic: unexpected freshness

If you're looking for something more modern, the vermouth and tonic mix is ​​a delight. The bitterness of the tonic and the sweetness of the vermouth balance each other in a refreshing, easy-to-make, and highly versatile drink.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml of Bikini Azul vermouth
  • 100 ml of tonic
  • Ice
  • Lemon slice or grapefruit peel

Preparation

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Add the vermouth and then the very cold tonic.
  3. Garnish with a lemon slice or grapefruit peel.

The Blue Bikini Touch

Try a neutral tonic, not too aromatic, to let the vermouth take center stage. It's a light cocktail, with a lower alcohol content than others, perfect for a mid-afternoon aperitif.

Tips for a perfect aperitif at home

Preparing these cocktails is straightforward, but there are a few details that enhance the experience:

  • Ice matters : Use large cubes, which melt more slowly and don't water down your drink.
  • Appropriate glassware : A beautiful glass makes the moment special. Vermouth calls for elegance.
  • Simple accompaniments : olives, toasted almonds, bread with olive oil… whatever you have on hand can become a feast.
  • The atmosphere : put on some soft music, open the window, or step out onto the terrace. An aperitif is a ritual to be enjoyed with all the senses.

Variants to play at home

If you want to experiment, you can give these recipes a twist:

  • Add a touch of fresh herbs such as rosemary or basil.
  • Substitute the orange with grapefruit or mandarin depending on the season.
  • Add spices like cinnamon or star anise in winter for a warm touch.

Vermouth is versatile and allows for creative play. Each variation tells a different story, but always with a common thread: the Mediterranean essence.

A simple ritual, an everyday luxury

In a world that runs so fast, preparing a vermouth cocktail at home is a small luxury. You don't have to wait for a big plan or a special occasion: all you need is a glass, a couple of ingredients, and the decision to give yourself that moment.

Easy vermouth cocktails remind us that beauty lies in simplicity, in what we can create with our hands and share with those we love.

Thus, vermouth ceases to be just a drink and becomes a symbol: a sip of the Mediterranean that invites us to live calmly and with our senses awakened.