The Mixology Hub
Vermouth Alternative: Aromatic citrus, rich fruit and bittersweet possibilities
Crafted for mixing, not for drinking neat. Add tonic for an easy aperitivo, stir up a Negroni or explore a Manhattan. Discover simple serves, cocktail recipes and tips to get the most from every bottle.
Same award-winning liquid, different name
You’ll find it as Vermouth Alternative in the USA and Australia, and Apéritif Rosso in Europe.
Tasting notes
Aromatic depth. Endless aperitivo possibilities.
Fruity and floral notes meet bright citrus, blood orange, vanilla and dried fruit, balanced by gentle bitterness and aperitivo spice. Mix with tonic, botanicals or sparkling favorites to discover a different side of every pour.
Nose
Citrus, almond and plum, with floral aromas, vanilla and dried fruit.
Palate
Blood orange and vanilla lead into rounded caramel, citrus pith and cacao.
Finish
Gently bittersweet and aromatic, balancing fruit sweetness with citrus pith and spice.
Simple serves
Three ways to pour tonight
The Americano
Pour 1 fl oz Vermouth Alternative, 1 fl oz Italian Orange and 3 fl oz chilled premium tonic into a tall glass filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wheel. An easy, bittersweet start to aperitivo hour.
Full recipe
The Negroni
Combine 1 fl oz each of Vermouth Alternative, Gin Alternative and Italian Orange in a rocks glass. Stir briefly over fresh ice and finish with an orange slice. Bold, botanical and beautifully balanced.
Full recipe
The Manhattan
Stir 2 fl oz Bourbon Alternative, 0.5 fl oz Vermouth Alternative and 2 dashes of non-alcoholic aromatic bitters briefly with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Full recipe
Measurements are US fluid ounces. Choose non-alcoholic bitters for the Manhattan.
Ratio guide
Get the balance right every time
Start with these proportions, taste as you go and find your favorite balance.
Long and refreshing
1 part Vermouth Alternative to 2 parts tonic. Pour over plenty of ice and add an orange slice. Adjust the mixer to taste.
Bold and botanical
Equal parts Vermouth Alternative, Gin Alternative and Italian Orange. The foundation of a non-alcoholic Negroni. Stir briefly with fresh ice.
Rich and aromatic
1 part Vermouth Alternative to 4 parts Bourbon Alternative. The starting point for a Manhattan. Add non-alcoholic aromatic bitters, stir with ice and strain.
Mixer pairings
What goes with Vermouth Alternative
- Indian tonic: a classic bittersweet pairing that lifts the citrus and aromatics. Finish with orange.
- Mediterranean tonic: a softer, aromatic option. Try a lemon wheel or a small rosemary sprig.
- Soda water: a lighter, drier pour that leaves room for the fruit and spice. Add orange peel.
- Ginger ale: gentle warmth with a little sweetness. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
- Grapefruit soda: bright citrus with a bittersweet edge. Serve over plenty of ice.
- Classico Sparkling: crisp bubbles for aperitivo hour. Add Italian Orange for a Negroni Sbagliato.
Finishing touches
A little garnish goes a long way
Twist orange peel over a Negroni to release its fragrant oils, or add an orange wheel to a tonic serve. A maraschino cherry is the classic finishing touch for a Manhattan. For a fresh aromatic lift in a long drink, try a small rosemary sprig. Chill your glass and use fresh ice to keep every pour balanced.
Party favorite · Serves 12
Negroni Sbagliato, by the pitcher
Aromatic fruit, bold orange and a generous splash of sparkle. This easy party serve brings aperitivo charm to festive gatherings, long lunches and pre-dinner drinks.
Combine 12 fl oz Vermouth Alternative and 12 fl oz Italian Orange in a large pitcher and chill. Just before serving, gently stir in 36 fl oz chilled Lyre’s Classico. Divide between 12 ice-filled wine glasses and garnish with orange slices.
Hosting tip: use a pitcher that holds at least 3 US quarts, or split between two pitchers. Add Classico just before serving and keep the ice in the glasses.
Love Vermouth Alternative?
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Build your cocktail repertoire with three bottles that bring new possibilities to aperitivo hour and beyond.
Italian Orange
Build on your love of aperitivo flavors. Its bold blood orange and dry bitter edge pair with Vermouth Alternative in an Americano, Negroni or sparkling Negroni Sbagliato.
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Gin Alternative
Bring crisp juniper and citrus to your next cocktail. Mix with Vermouth Alternative and Italian Orange for a Negroni, or keep things simple with tonic, ice and your favorite citrus garnish.
Discover
Bourbon Alternative
Explore a richer direction with mellow caramel, vanilla and oak. Pair with Vermouth Alternative for a Manhattan, add Italian Orange for a Boulevardier, or enjoy a simple cola serve.
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