What is vermouth?

Vermouth is classified as a fortified wine, which means it is a wine that has undergone a process of fortification, typically by adding a distilled spirit such as brandy. This process increases the alcohol content and alters the taste profile. Vermouth is infused with various botanicals, including herbs, spices, and even roots, which gives it its distinct flavor. There are primarily two types of vermouth: sweet (often red) and dry (usually white), commonly used in cocktails such as Martinis and Manhattans.

The other choices describe different categories of alcoholic beverages. Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash and does not relate to vermouth. Flavored gin is a category of gin that has been infused with flavorings beyond traditional botanicals, but this also does not pertain to vermouth. Additionally, liqueurs are sweetened spirits that may have added flavors, but vermouth is specifically a fortified wine rather than a liqueur. Thus, vermouth's classification as a fortified wine highlights its unique preparation and role in mixology.