What is vermouth most commonly used for in cocktails?

Vermouth is primarily used in cocktails to add flavor and aroma, making it a key ingredient in a wide variety of drinks. This fortified wine is infused with various botanicals, spices, and herbs, which contributes complex layers of taste that complement and elevate the other ingredients in a cocktail. The distinct herbal and floral notes of vermouth can balance sweetness or bitterness and enhance the overall drinking experience.

While vermouth can have a mild sweetness depending on the style (such as sweet or dry), its main role is not solely to provide sweetness, but rather to add significant flavor complexity. It can also contribute to the visual appeal of a cocktail, but this is secondary to its primary function. Increasing alcohol content is not a typical function of vermouth, as it is generally added in moderation, primarily for its flavor rather than for its potency.