Vermouth and Soda Is Spain’s Ultimate Low-ABV Refresher

Vermouth and Soda Is Spain’s Ultimate Low-ABV Refresher

Everything You Need to Know About Vermouth & Soda

Between celebrating major World Cup victory on the global sports stage and becoming the ultimate summer tourist destination for the solar eclipse, Spain has enjoyed an undeniable run in the global spotlight lately. While much of the world treats vermouth as a supporting actor in a Manhattan or Martini, in Spain it is often the main event. La hora del vermut—the vermouth hour—is a cherished weekend ritual built around a low-ABV highball that is as simple as it is sophisticated: chilled sweet vermouth topped with a splash of effervescent soda water, poured over ice, and garnished with an orange wheel and a briny olive. It’s light, botanical, refreshing, and designed for long afternoons in the sun. And if you're looking for a slightly punchier serve to kick off the evening, you can easily turn up the dial by tossing in a slug of gin.

Vermouth & Soda

Prep Time2 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritSweet Vermouth

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 oz Chilled Club Soda or Sparkling Water
  • 1 Orange Slice, for garnish
  • 1 Castelvetrano Olive, for garnish
Vermouth and Soda Is Spain’s Ultimate Low-ABV Refresher

Instructions

  1. Fill a tumbler or highball glass with fresh, clean ice cubes.
  2. Pour the sweet vermouth over the ice.
  3. Top with chilled club soda.
  4. Stir gently once with a barspoon to integrate without breaking the bubbles.
  5. Garnish with an orange slice and a green olive on a toothpick.
Pro Tip
Always store your vermouth in the refrigerator after opening. Because vermouth is a fortified wine rather than a distilled spirit, it will oxidize at room temperature. Keeping it chilled preserves its vibrant botanical aromatics and crisp acidity.

Vermouth & Soda Riff

For a stronger, spirit-forward cocktail, order it like a local in Bilbao and make a Vermut Preparado. Simply toss in a 1 oz of London Dry gin and a dash of Angostura or orange bitters before topping with soda.