Vermouth & Aperitifs

Buy Vermouth & Aperitifs Online in NZ

Dolin, from Chambery in the French Alps, makes all three vermouth styles in full and half bottles. Cinzano represents Italian vermouth, Fernet-Branca is a famously bitter amaro from Milan, and Angostura aromatic bitters come from Trinidad and Tobago.

Styles of Vermouth & Aperitifs

• Dry vermouth: pale and crisp, as in Dolin Dry Vermouth.
• Blanc or bianco: clear, floral and sweeter than dry, like Dolin Blanc Vermouth.
• Rosso or rouge: sweet red vermouth, traditionally linked with Turin.
• Amaro and bitters: intensely bitter herbal bottles such as Fernet Branca and Angostura Bitters.

For more bittersweet sipping, see Herb Liqueurs or the full liqueurs range.

How to Choose Vermouth

Match the bottle to the drink. Dry vermouth goes in a Martini, rosso in a Negroni or Manhattan, and blanc with tonic or soda over ice.

Vermouth & Aperitifs FAQs

What is the difference between dry, blanc and sweet vermouth?

Dry vermouth is pale, crisp and low in sugar, made for Martinis. Blanc, or bianco, is also pale but noticeably sweeter, with a floral character. Sweet red vermouth, called rosso or rouge, is richer and spicier and goes into a Negroni or Manhattan.

What are Angostura bitters used for?

Angostura aromatic bitters are a concentrated cocktail seasoning used a few dashes at a time. They add spice and depth to an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan and a Champagne Cocktail. A few dashes also give lemon, lime and bitters, the Kiwi favourite, its name and colour.

What is Fernet-Branca?

Fernet-Branca is an Italian amaro, a bitter herbal liqueur made in Milan from a closely guarded recipe of herbs, roots and spices. It is intensely bitter with a strong menthol note. It is sipped neat after a meal or used sparingly in cocktails such as the Hanky Panky.