Vermouth · Explainer
Which vermouth do you use for a dry martini?
For a dry martini, use dry vermouth, recognisable on the label by extra dry or dry. The official recipe of the International Bartenders Association consists of 6 centilitres of gin and 1 centilitre of dry vermouth, stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass. Under European rules, dry means less than 50 grams of sugar per litre.
In brief
The key figures
| Type of vermouth | Dry, labelled extra dry or dry |
|---|---|
| Ratio according to the IBA | 6 centilitres of gin to 1 centilitre of dry vermouth |
| Method | Stir with ice, strain into a chilled glass |
| Garnish | Lemon peel, or green olive on request |
| Dry according to the EU | Less than 50 grams of sugar per litre |
| Extra dry according to the EU | Less than 30 grams of sugar per litre |
| Alcohol in vermouth | 14.5 to 22 per cent by volume |
| Age limit | 18 years, article 20 of the Alcoholwet |
Which vermouth belongs in a dry martini?
A dry martini calls for dry vermouth, labelled as dry or extra dry.
The official recipe of the International Bartenders Association names two ingredients: gin and dry vermouth. The term on the label says something about the sugar content, not about the herbs.
On the Brink in Bathmen the dry vermouths stand together, with the gin shelf next to them. If you cannot decide, we will go through them together.
How much vermouth goes into a dry martini?
The International Bartenders Association recipe is based on 6 centilitres of gin to 1 centilitre of dry vermouth.
That is a ratio of six to one. If you like it drier, use less vermouth; if you like it rounder, more. The ratio is not a law, but the IBA recipe is the benchmark that bar books and competitions work from.
Because only a little vermouth goes into each glass, the bottle stays open for a long time. So keep it in the fridge.
What does dry mean on a bottle of vermouth?
Dry is a legal term for the sugar content, not a judgement about the taste.
Regulation (EU) 251/2014 defines the terms, expressed as invert sugar: extra dry below 30 grams per litre, dry below 50 grams, medium dry 50 to 90 grams, semi-sweet 90 to 130 grams and sweet from 130 grams per litre.
So for a dry martini, pick a bottle with dry or extra dry on the label. If it says semi-sweet or sweet, that bottle belongs with other recipes.
Do you stir a dry martini or shake it?
Stir. The International Bartenders Association recipe prescribes: all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice cubes, stir well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Shaking mixes faster, but brings more air and ice shards into the glass. The official recipe opts for stirring.
Which gin and which dry vermouth to choose, we are happy to discuss with you at the counter in Bathmen.
How do you store an opened bottle of dry vermouth?
Put an opened bottle of vermouth in the fridge: at least 75 per cent of the contents is wine.
That proportion is set out in Regulation (EU) 251/2014. Wine reacts to oxygen, and in a bottle that stands half full on the bar for months, that happens faster than many people think. Keeping it cool with the cap on gains you weeks.
If you rarely drink a martini, choose a small bottle of dry vermouth instead of a large one.
From the shop in Bathmen
Which vermouths are in stock in Bathmen?
The shop in Bathmen has 32 vermouths from 14 different brands from 4 countries. Prices range from € 3.99 to € 37.99. The alcohol percentage ranges from 14.5% to 18%.
- Antica Formula Carpano 16.5% · 100 cl · Italy
- ANTICO Rosso 17% · 75 cl · Italy
- Belsazar White Vermouth 18% · 70 cl · Germany
- Carpano Punt E Mes 16% · 75 cl · Italy
- Cinzano Bianco 15% · 75 cl · Italy
- Cinzano Bottega 1757 Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry 18% · 100 cl · Italy
- Cinzano Bottega 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso 16% · 100 cl · Italy
- CINZANO Rosso 15% · 75 cl · Italy
- Cuisine Keukenflesje Vermouth Extra Dry 14.5% · 10 cl · Italy
- Del Professore Vermouth di Torino Rosso 18% · 75 cl · Italy
Related questions
Can you drink vermouth neat?What is an aperitif?What is the difference between red, white and dry vermouth?
Short answer
Short answers to related questions
- What do you garnish a dry martini with?
- With lemon peel whose oil you squeeze over the drink, or with green olives on request. That is how the IBA recipe has it.
- Which gin belongs in a dry martini?
- The IBA recipe only says gin, without a type. The choice determines the character of the glass; we are happy to go through the gin shelf with you.
- Is Martini the same as a dry martini?
- Martini is also a vermouth brand name. The dry martini is a cocktail of gin and dry vermouth and can be made with vermouth of any brand.
- From what age can you buy vermouth and gin?
- From 18. Article 20 of the Alcoholwet (Dutch Alcohol Act) prohibits supplying alcoholic drinks to anyone younger.
The reasoning
Sources
- Dry Martini, official recipe, International Bartenders Association (accessed 2026-09-06)
- Regulation (EU) 251/2014 on aromatised wine products, European Union, EUR-Lex (accessed 2026-09-06)
- Il Consorzio del Vermouth di Torino, Consorzio del Vermouth di Torino (accessed 2026-09-06)
- Alcoholwet (Dutch Alcohol Act), article 20, Overheid.nl (accessed 2026-09-06)
This page was written and checked by ’t Bockje Bathmen, wine and spirits shop at Brink 2 in Bathmen. Last updated on 7 September 2026.
Verkoop van alcohol onder de 18 jaar is verboden. NIX18.