Lately, I've found myself drawn to my bottle of Blanc Vermouth more frequently. Initially opened for crafting an El Presidente cocktail, its purpose expanded after a captivating interview on my IG Live channel with Pierre-Olivier Rousseaux, the proprietor of Dolin distillery nestled in the French Alps. During our conversation, he shared a fascinating tidbit: their Chambéryzette apéritif, a regional specialty, could be easily recreated at home using just fresh strawberries and white vermouth. Intrigued, I decided to experiment and whip up a batch of my own.
Creating your own strawberry apéritif is remarkably simple. Just slice or quarter a handful of fresh strawberries, and within a mere 24 hours, you'll be indulging in your homemade batch of this delightful concoction!
White vermouth, or vermouth blanc, stands apart from dry vermouth in several ways. Firstly, their botanical compositions diverge. Dry vermouth embraces bitterness with elements like wormwood and quinine, ensuring its dry character. In contrast, white vermouth revels in its crystal-clear hue, boasting floral scents such as elderflowers and citrus notes. Though it's feasible to use dry vermouth, my personal preference leans towards white vermouth, also known as vermouth bianco in Italy, for this particular concoction.
Upon tasting the strawberry-infused vermouth the following day, it dawned on me that it would make an ideal base for a refreshing summer Spritz. Mixing it with a splash of tonic water proved to be a delightful combination, requiring nothing more than a handful of ice and a few berries, perhaps accompanied by a slice of citrus for added flair. For those seeking an even more summery twist, swapping the citrus for a slice of peach or nectarine, or experimenting with various types of berries, could elevate the experience further.
In recent times, tonic water has become a topic of discussion in cocktail circles. While popular brands like Schweppes are readily available, some enthusiasts prefer to enhance their cocktails with premium tonic water options. Fever-Tree, Q, and Fentimen’s are among the favorites, but I opted to maintain the French essence of my concoction by using Archibald tonic water, which substitutes gentian for quinine, ensuring its French origin (as quinine isn't cultivated in France, but gentian is). While Archibald may not be accessible outside of France, feel free to explore and discover your own preferred tonic water brand in your local area.
would you like a Strawberry Spritz :
Indulge in a delightful twist with this strawberry-infused spritz, where the aromatic essence of white vermouth marries perfectly with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries. Known as vermouth blanc in French and bianc in Italian, this infusion adds a floral depth to your cocktail. Plus, it opens the door to crafting an exquisite El Presidente cocktail.
For the strawberry-infused vermouth:
- - 1 1/2 cups (375ml) of your preferred vermouth blanc or dry vermouth
- - 8 medium-sized strawberries, sliced or quartered
To infuse the vermouth, simply pour it into a clean jar and add the sliced strawberries. Give it a gentle shake to coax out the strawberries' flavors. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, away from direct sunlight, with occasional shakes to enhance the infusion.
For the strawberry spritz:
- - 2 ounces of the strawberry-infused vermouth
- - 2 ounces of tonic water
- - Quartered or sliced strawberries for garnish
- - Your choice of citrus slice for additional garnish: orange, lemon, lime wheel, or slices of nectarines or peaches
In a footed goblet, combine the infused vermouth and tonic water. Add a generous handful of ice and stir gently to meld the flavors. Garnish your spritz with fresh berries and a citrus slice for a visually appealing finish.
Customize your spritz by experimenting with flavored tonic waters—try pink grapefruit, pink peppercorn, or elderflower-infused tonics for a delightful twist on this classic cocktail.
Storage tip: Your strawberry-infused vermouth can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but for longer shelf life, transfer it to the refrigerator, where it will keep for a few weeks. If storing for an extended period, you may opt to remove the strawberries, although they make for a delicious snack!