Vermouth Cobbler

The Vermouth Cobbler is an elegant and simple long drink that highlights the complex flavors of sweet vermouth. Served over a mound of crushed ice and garnished generously with seasonal fruits and a mint sprig, it's a perfect low-ABV sipper. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, offering a sophisticated alternative to higher-proof cocktails, balancing herbal sweetness with bright citrus notes. This historic drink is ideal for warm afternoons or as a light aperitif.
Vermouth Cobbler

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Vermouth Cobbler is a classic cocktail from the 19th century. It falls into the "cobbler" category, a type of long drink characterized by being built with crushed ice and decorated with fruit. It is considered a low-alcohol aperitif cocktail.

Serving

Served ice-cold in a chilled Collins glass or goblet filled with crushed ice. It is a visually appealing low-alcohol drink, perfect for relaxed enjoyment.
Serving size
Approximately 150-180 ml / 5-6 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 8-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins glass or Goblet
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Cobbler family of drinks was immensely popular in the 19th century, praised for its refreshing qualities and appealing presentation. The Vermouth Cobbler appears in Jerry Thomas's 1887 "Bar-Tender's Guide," cementing its place as a classic of the era. It was one of the first drinks to utilize straws, which were necessary to bypass the mountain of ice and fruit garnish.
Origin
United States, mid-19th century. The Cobbler style of drink was one of America's first great contributions to the world of cocktails.

Vermouth Cobbler

The drink is straightforwardly named Vermouth Cobbler, indicating its base spirit and style. It is sometimes specified as a Sweet Vermouth Cobbler to distinguish it from versions using dry vermouth. The name itself is descriptive of its core component and preparation method.
Original name
Vermouth Cobbler
Alternative name
Sweet Vermouth Cobbler

Characteristics overview

This is a refreshing, light-bodied drink with a sweet, herbal flavor profile brightened by citrus and mint aromas. It has a beautiful deep red color, served over crushed ice for a crisp texture.
Flavor
Herbal, sweet, fruity, citrusy, refreshing
Aroma
Aromatic, minty, orange zest, botanical
Taste balance
Sweet-forward, light bitterness, gentle sourness
Aftertaste
Clean, short, slightly herbal
Fizziness
Still, non-carbonated
Color appearance
Deep reddish-brown, clear, filled with crushed ice and colorful fruit
Texture
Light, watery, crisp
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, ideal for spring and summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a balance of sweetness from the vermouth and fruitiness from the garnish. It is a low-alcohol, non-carbonated drink with a gentle herbal bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires only sweet vermouth, a touch of simple syrup, and slices of orange and lemon. The key is to use a high-quality, flavorful sweet vermouth as it's the star of the show.
  • Sweet Vermouth90 ml / 3 oz
    A high-quality Italian-style sweet vermouth is crucial for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the vermouth and fruit.
  • Orange Slice1 slice
    For muddling/shaking.
  • Lemon Slice1 slice
    For muddling/shaking.

Ice type

  • Crushed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, along with a muddler to gently press the fruit. A jigger for measuring and a strainer are also necessary.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Muddler
  • Jigger
  • Strainer

Instructions

The method is simple: muddle fruit and syrup, add vermouth, shake briefly with ice, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. The final, crucial step is to garnish generously.
1. Chill your Collins glass or goblet.
2. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the orange and lemon slices with the simple syrup.
3. Add the sweet vermouth to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice and shake briefly for about 5-7 seconds just to chill.
5. Fill the chilled glass with crushed ice, mounding it on top.
6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the crushed ice.
7. Garnish extravagantly with seasonal berries, an orange wheel, and a fresh mint sprig.
8. Serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

The garnish is key to a classic Cobbler; be generous with seasonal berries, an orange wheel, and a fresh mint sprig. The visual and aromatic appeal is a huge part of the experience.
  • Seasonal berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries)
  • Orange wheel or wedge
  • Mint sprig

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. Most vermouth is vegan, but it's best to check the specific brand for fining agents if this is a concern.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with its caloric and sugar content primarily coming from the sweet vermouth and simple syrup. The exact values will vary based on the specific vermouth used.
Calories
Averagely 150-180 kcal / 628-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the appetite. Its refreshing and low-alcohol nature also makes it ideal for brunch or casual sipping on a warm summer day.
  • Aperitif
  • Summer afternoon
  • Brunch
  • Casual sipping

Pairing suggestions

The Vermouth Cobbler's herbal and slightly sweet profile pairs wonderfully with savory and salty snacks like charcuterie, olives, and light cheeses. It can also complement a simple fruit-based dessert. Its aperitif nature makes it an excellent starter for a meal.
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Olives and nuts
  • Light cheeses
  • Fruit tarts

The Vermouth Cobbler: A Refreshing Taste of Cocktail History

The Vermouth Cobbler is a delightful and historic cocktail that offers a refreshing, low-alcohol experience. Its beauty lies in the interplay between a quality sweet vermouth, fresh citrus, and an abundant, attractive garnish. Perfect for warm weather sipping or as an elegant aperitif, it's a simple-to-make classic from the golden age of cocktails that deserves a modern revival. The drink is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Similar cocktails

Sherry Cobbler

Uses sherry (typically Amontillado or Fino) as the base instead of vermouth, resulting in a nuttier, drier profile.

Variations

Champagne Cobbler

A base of muddled fruit and sugar is topped with Champagne or sparkling wine instead of being shaken with a spirit.

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