When it comes to Sweet Vermouth Cocktails, the Negroni might steal the spotlight—but there’s a world of flavor beyond that ruby-red icon. Whether you’re mixing a timeless Manhattan or an effervescent spritz, vermouth cocktails offer complexity, aroma, and depth.

Here are 12 of the best vermouth cocktails—some classic, others creative—that showcase sweet vermouth at its finest. And yes, they’re all beginner-friendly enough to count as easy vermouth cocktails too.

1. Guava Ponche with Sweet Vermouth

A tropical twist on a Mexican holiday punch, served chilled and refreshingly tart.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 1 oz guava nectar
  
  
• ½ oz hibiscus syrup
  
  
• Apple slices
  
  
• Fresh mint leaves
  
  
• Ice
  

Pro Tip: Garnish with a mint sprig and serve in a rocks glass.

2. Negroni Sbagliato

The viral hit that replaces gin with sparkling wine—light, bubbly, and bittersweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 1 oz Campari
  
  
• 1 oz Prosecco (or other dry sparkling wine)
  
  
• Ice
  

Garnish: Orange slice or twist.

3. Manhattan

A staple sweet vermouth cocktail, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  
  
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  
  
• Ice
  

Garnish: Luxardo cherry or orange peel.

4. Northern Standard

This bold Manhattan riff uses bitter elements to deepen flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
  
  
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• ¼ oz Amaro (e.g., Cynar)
  
  
• 2 dashes orange bitters
  
  
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
  
  

Serve: Stir over ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with orange peel.

5. Mezcal Negroni

A smoky take on the Negroni, perfect for mezcal lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz mezcal
  
  
• 1 oz Campari
  
  
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• Optional: ¼ oz Cocchi Americano for brightness
  
  

Garnish: Grapefruit twist or flamed orange peel.

6. Americano

Light and low-alcohol, this is one of the easiest vermouth cocktails to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 1 oz Campari
  
  
• 2–3 oz club soda
  
  
• Ice
  

Garnish: Orange wheel.

7. Sour Cherry Negroni

A tart twist on the original, with fruity cherry depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
  
  
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• ¾ oz Campari
  
  
• ¼ oz sour cherry liqueur
  

Garnish: Luxardo cherry and orange twist.

8. Classic Negroni

The most iconic sweet vermouth cocktail—simple and strong.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
  
  
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 1 oz Campari
  
  
• Ice
  

Garnish: Orange peel.

9. Mr. J

Coffee, chocolate, and port meet vermouth in this fireside-ready sipper.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz port-finished Scotch
  
  
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• ½ oz coffee liqueur
  
  
• 1 dash chocolate bitters
  

Serve: Stirred and served neat in a coupe glass.

10. Rum and Orange Cocktail

Bittersweet and bold with orange-forward flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz aged rum
  
  
• ¾ oz Amaro Montenegro
  
  
• ½ oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 1 dash grapefruit bitters
  

Garnish: Grapefruit twist.

11. Vieux Carré

A complex, boozy cocktail that originated in New Orleans.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz rye whiskey
  
  
• 1 oz cognac
  
  
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• ¼ oz Bénédictine
  
  
• 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
  
  
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  
  

Serve: Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

12. Vermouth Spritz

One of the simplest and most refreshing easy vermouth cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz sweet vermouth
  
  
• 3 oz club soda
  
  
• Orange slice
  
  
• Ice
  

Serve: Build in a wine glass with ice and garnish with citrus.

Read also : Best Vermouth for Martini: Top Choices for 2025

Final Thoughts

Sweet vermouth is no longer just a supporting role—it’s the star of some of the best vermouth cocktails out there. Whether you love a smoky mezcal Negroni or a simple spritz, this list has a vermouth cocktail for every palate and occasion.

Ready to upgrade your home bar? Start with these easy vermouth cocktails and stir your way into a new appreciation for this timeless ingredient.

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