Martinis and Manhattans aren’t hard to make, but it’s the one drink that really ticks people off. From Mixologists like Eben Klemm (who demands they get it right) and Bobbie Gleason (who carries his own bitters because it is better to wear slippers than carpet the whole world) to Grandfathers and Cocktail purists. The Martini just has to be “right.” But what is the “best” Martini? Because of the emotions involved, Bartenders must avoid talking about religion, and making bad Martinis. That’s why we’ve written the Martini Gospel.
Part 1: Keep it in the Fridge
Vermouth belongs in the Fridge.
Vermouth is a WINE. Yes, it’s fortified, yes, it will last longer than regular wine, but it will go bad. KEEP IT IN THE FRIDGE, and BUY THE SMALLEST BOTTLE POSSIBLE for home use. Because we don’t use as much vermouth in Martinis as we used to (more on this later), this is even more important. Sweet Vermouth will last a little longer than dry, but they will both go, and the flavor becomes dull, bland, and uninspiring.
How long does Vermouth last? Sources differ but the range is from 1-6 months, longer for sweet than for dry, and it depends on how much you “care”:
It is widely accepted however that once a bottle of vermouth has been opened, it is probably best to store it in the refrigerator if you are not expecting to use it within a day’s time. Myself, I’ve found that a bottle of premium vermouth, once opened and left in the cupboard for a month or more, essentially just turns into a “lesser” vermouth, instead of being totally unacceptable. So you don’t have to be “too” concerned, but none-the-less, I keep my vermouth in the fridge.
Robert Hess, The Spirit World
“vermouth will keep without going stale for at least two months”
Cooking with Vermouth on About.com
“Overall then, confirmation of knowledge I already practise. Dry vermouth is relatively unstable, so should be used quickly and/or refrigerated once opened. Sweet vermouth fairs better, but does still dull so shouldn’t be kept around too long. Given the low-cost of vermouth it is thankfully affordable to keep bottle around for 3-6 months and dispose of once faded.”
Mixology Blog Oh Gosh
You can also buy a wine saver, like Vacu Vin, and put it on the Vermouth to extend its shelf life. Vermouth is essential. Take care of the vermouth and it will take care of you.
