How To Drink Vermouth Like A Local In Valencia

If you’ve ever had a martini or a Manhattan, then you’ve tried vermouth. But instead of just being a slightly obscure cocktail ingredient, in Valencia vermouth is a popular drink enjoyed by itself as an apéritif. Read on to find out more about what it is, and how to drink it.

Gin, sherry, and other old-timey drinks formerly consigned to the back of the liquor cabinet are making a fierce comeback everywhere, and none more so in Valencia than vermouth. This complex, flavorful fortified wine has made a serious comeback in the city as the fashionable apéritif of choice.

Make sure to try vermouth on your trip to Valencia

Tomar el vermut or, as you might hear in Spanish, vermutear, means more than just drinking vermouth. No self-respecting Valencian lunch starts without meeting friends or family for a glass of vermouth as an apéritif. And it would be a mistake to pass it up. The word “apéritif” means “to open,” and these spirits are designed to get your juices flowing, ready for the avalanche of food to come (this is especially useful before a marathon paella lunch at a Valencian family home, which can go on for hours.)

So what exactly is it? Basically white or red wine (you’ll usually find red in Valencia) fortifed with brandy. The characteristic bittersweet flavor and deep color of vermut (also spelt vermú) comes from the infusion of botanicals (different herbs, spices, roots, and plant parts) that make every brand slightly different.

You might be familiar with commercial vermouth brands like Martini or Cinzano, but the best vermouth in Valencia is the locally produced or home-made version found in wine bars or tabernas around the city. It’s usually served with ice, soda, and the rind of those famous Valencian oranges.

There are plenty of bars in Valencia bringing back the vermouth tradition. Taberna El Vermut (Albalat dels Tarongers 12) is a small taberna not far from Valencia’s University and popular with students, which has great tapas and homemade vermut. In the Old Town, seek out Vinostrum (Plaza Mossen Sorell), a traditional bodega serving a great list of local wines and vermuts alongside salazones (cured meats and fish).

But wherever you are in Valencia, if you see a sign advertising homemade vermouth outside a bar or café, it’s never a bad idea to try it.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.