Vermouth & Tonic

Method

1. **Fill** a rocks glass or tumbler with large ice cubes.
2. **Pour** the vermouth over the ice.
3. **Top** with tonic water. Stir once, gently.
4. **Garnish** with an orange slice (or express an orange twist over the surface for oils). Drop in the olives if using.
5. **Sip** alongside some olives, marcona almonds, or sliced manchego. This is aperitivo time. Enjoy it.
6. *Variations:**
7. **Dry Vermouth & Tonic**: Use dry (bianco) vermouth instead of sweet. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of thyme. Lighter, more botanical.
8. **Vermouth Spritz**: Replace the tonic with equal parts Prosecco and soda. Closer to a spritz but vermouth-forward.
9. **Negroni Bianco & Tonic**: Use Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano instead of vermouth. Add a splash of gin (½ oz) for body.
10. *A note on vermouth storage:** Once opened, vermouth is a wine product and oxidizes. Keep it refrigerated and use within 4-6 weeks. If your vermouth has been sitting on the shelf at room temperature for months, it's probably past its prime.