Beverages
Eric’s Vermouth Recipe
Source: Original recipe by Eric Olson
Ingredients
2 t dried Wormwood
1 t Vanilla Extract
2 t Juniper Berries
1 t Anise
1 small Cinnamon Stick
½ t Nutmeg (about half a nutmeg berry)
1 small Orange Rind, cut into strips
1 Lemon Rind, cut into strips
1 t Cardamom Pods
1/2 t Coriander Seeds
1C Vodka (for white) or Brandy (for red)
1 C Fino Sherry (for White Vermouth) or
Cream Sherry (for Red Vermouth)
For White (dry) Vermouth:
2 750 ML bottles of dry White Wine*
For Red (sweet) Vermouth:
1 750 ML bottle Dry White Wine*
1 750 ML bottles Red Wine Blend*
3C sugar
Notes
Either dry or sweet Vermouth can be
made with this recipe, depending upon
the wine and sherry you use.
Method
Take a square of cheesecloth about 1 foot
square and fold over several times to
make a small square. Place the herbs,
spices and citrus strips into the
cheesecloth, brings the corners up and tie
it up tightly with kitchen string. Place the
wine and the herb/spice mix into a heavy-
bottomed stainless steel pot, and bring to
a simmer. Simmer for half an hour. Cool,
then put the mixture in a cool, dark place
overnight to steep.
Put the sugar into a small pot and add ¾ C
water. Bring to a simmer and cook on
medium heat, stirring constantly with a
wooden spoon, until the mixture
caramelizes and becomes medium brown.
Add small amounts of the thick syrup into
a pan containing ¾ C water until you can
slowly pour it all in. Stir it smooth. Remove
the bouquet, then stir half of the caramel
syrup into the wine. Discard the spices
and rinse out the cheesecloth. Fortify the
vermouth by adding the sherry, then the
spirits (vodka for white, or brandy for red).
Taste and adjust flavor adding more
citrus, caramel syrup, sherry or spirits until
it seems balanced. Strain the mixture
several times, through the cheesecloth
folded several times over, until clear. Let
cool.
Bottle your vermouth in sanitized bottles.
Store in a cool location as you would a
fine wine.
 to varietals, thus refining your vermouth
* For your first batch, I suggest using good to suit your own taste.
but inexpensive wine. Upgrade next time