Cocchi Vermouth di Torino: One Drink, Three Ways

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino: One Drink, Three Ways

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino: THE go-to vermouth of choice for mixologists and drinks enthusiasts alike. Hailing from Piedmont in Northeastern Italy, this top-of-the-range vermouth has a unique and much-loved character thanks to a recipe dating back to 1891, which includes Moscato wine, bittersweet herbs and aromatic spices such as wormwood, rhubarb and citrus. Also known fondly as Cocchi Torino, this distinctive and delicious vermouth lends itself to all the definitive cocktails such as the Negroni, The Manhattan, The Americano and Martini, though it makes some staggeringly good twists on these classics.  

The Three Drinkers each share their favourite ways to taste it….

Aidy’s Choice

Mezcal Negroni

25ml  Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

25ml  Mezcal (I love Ilegal Mezcal - the brand, not in general!)

25ml  Campari

Garnish: Dried orange wedge

This is a great example of a cocktail that on the surface may scare people given it sounds mysterious and complex, but honestly, you needn’t fear it. Not only is this a fantastic, curiosity-piquing drink, but it tastes bloody fantastic. A great vermouth and mezcal are what bind this together so perfectly, so make sure you choose something quality-driven like the below. If you think someone might shy away from wanting to try this, make it for them without telling them what it is and see their eyes light up when they realise they just fell in love with something new. You’ll impress the hell out of everyone you’re with!

Method: Making the Mezcal Negroni couldn’t be easier: combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice, do your own signature shaky thing for one minute, then strain into a glass tumbler over a large chunk of ice. Garnish with a dried orange wedge.

Helena’s choice

Bloody Negroni

25ml Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

25ml Gin (I love Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin)

15ml Campari

10ml Chambord

2 Dashes of cherry bitters

Garnish: Maraschino cherry on a stick

Glassware: Tumbler

I love a Negroni with a little more sweetness than some so for me, the red fruit flavours from the Chambord and cherry bitters together with the aromatics from the Shiraz Gin really elevate this Negroni and make it super-approachable. Maraschino cherries are also back in a big way, so if you have some, pop one on a stick and maybe, if no one's looking, pour in a dash of the syrup too. Naughty but so nice!

Method: This is such a simple cocktail, which is partly why I love it. Combine all the elements (bar the cherries) into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain and pour over a large, single chunk of ice into a tumbler. Garnish with your cherry on a stick. 

Colin’s Choice

Twist on a Spritz

50ml  Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

100ml  Tonic water (I love Franklin & Sons Rosemary and Black Olive)

Garnish: Rosemary sprig

Glassware: White wine glass

Cocchi is an old time favourite of mine and I like it with minimal intervention to really let those herbaceous, bitter flavours shine. This refreshing spritz, with its lower alcohol content than many a highball, is a perfect aperitif to reset your palate. Every Friday should start with these!

Method: Add your Cocchi to the wine glass over crushed ice, pour in your tonic to taste (I’d suggest 2 parts tonic to 1 part vermouth) and garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary. Perfect for any time of year!