Name: French Kiss
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 1½ ounces sweet vermouth; 1½ ounces dry vermouth; Lemon twist

Why This Recipe Works

Taking a cue from the vermouth traditions in Italy and Spain, where sweet vermouth is regularly enjoyed as an aperitivo (typically over ice with a bit of orange peel, alongside savory snacks), we explored popular ways of combining sweet vermouth with other elements that gave the vermouth more prominence. Perhaps the most notable of these is the Negroni, where sweet vermouth is combined in equal parts with gin and Campari, but in that drink the intense flavor of the Campari tends to steal the show. With more research, we found the answer in recipes that called for combining sweet vermouth with an equal measure of dry vermouth. Tasters were delighted; with a lemon twist garnish, our French Kiss cocktail was a keeper.

Before You Begin

We prefer to use our homemade Sweet Vermouth and Dry Vermouth in this recipe, but you can substitute your favorite store-bought vermouths.

Instructions

Add vermouths to mixing glass, then fill three-quarters full with ice. Stir until mixture is just combined and chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain cocktail into chilled old-fashioned glass half-filled with ice or containing 1 large ice cube. Garnish with lemon twist and serve.