Punt e Mes came along about a century later, when a customer asked for the standard with a bit more of a bitter flavor, which stands up nicely to your sweeter, vanilla- and caramel-forward bourbons.

Dry vermouth is white and takes after his handsome French father. Both make ethereal additions to cocktails, soups, and sauces, but Punt e Mes is a hybrid designed for straight sippin’.

I use Punt e Mes in my Manhattans, my Negronis—anything that calls for sweet vermouth, really, but right now I’m on a Rob Roy kick. The bitter character of Punt e Mes works particularly well ...

Punt e Mes: Though this vermouth technically falls into the “sweet, red” category, I’m going to single it out because I think it’s really special.

Best Vermouth for Negronis: Antique Carpano Punt e Mes Punt e Mes starts sweet on the palate, has a bitter middle and finishes sweet. It’s a complex vermouth that’s the perfect fit for the ...