FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the BarUn Vermut rosso, per favore.
A2

Un Vermut rosso, per favore.

A red Vermouth, please.

Pronunciation

VER-mut — two syllables, stress on first. The Italian pronunciation drops the final 'h'.

When to use it

Ordering vermouth as a standalone aperitivo drink — very popular in Piedmont where vermouth was invented.

What it means

'Vermut' (vermouth) is a fortified wine aromatised with herbs and botanicals. It was invented in Turin in the 18th century. Drunk straight, on ice, or in cocktails (Negroni, Americano, Spritz). Martini, Cinzano and Carpano are the famous Turin brands.

Variations

Un Carpano Antico Formula.

A Carpano Antico Formula.

The original 1786 Turin vermouth — considered the finest in the world

Un Vermut bianco ghiacciato.

A chilled white vermouth.

White vermouth ('bianco') is sweeter and lighter than red

Un Vermut con soda e limone.

A vermouth with soda and lemon.

A longer, lighter drink — the 'Americano' base without Campari

Mini Dialogue

— Un Vermut rosso, per favore. — Martini, Cinzano o Carpano? — Carpano — se c'è. — Certamente! Lo servo con ghiaccio e scorza d'arancia.

— A red Vermouth, please. — Martini, Cinzano or Carpano? — Carpano — if you have it. — Certainly! I'll serve it with ice and orange zest.

Cultural Note

Vermouth was invented in Turin in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano. It quickly spread to France and then the world. The Turinese tradition of 'l'ora dell'aperitivo' (aperitivo hour) with vermouth and small snacks ('cicchetti') is the ancestor of the modern Italian aperitivo culture.