Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
French vermouth

French vermouth

6.4
A dry pale wine from France made with herbs and used in cocktails
  • noun
  • /frɛntʃ vərˈmuːθ/
translation icon : vermouth francés
  • He added a splash of French vermouth to his martini.

Examples

  • The dry flavor of French vermouth balances the bold notes in many cocktails.

  • Have you ever tried French vermouth?

  • Classic recipes often call for French vermouth rather than the sweeter Italian type.

  • I love French vermouth in my martinis.

  • Mix equal parts of gin and French vermouth to create a classic Martini.

  • For a refreshing cocktail, combine French vermouth with tonic water and a slice of lemon.

  • In the recipe, you need to add 2 ounces of French vermouth for the perfect flavor.

Synonyms

vermouth
vsFrench vermouth
14 7.8

A strong wine flavored with herbs and spices, drunk before a meal or used in mixed drinks

is a specific pale amber variety mainly used in cocktails
dry vermouth
vsFrench vermouth
1 5.9

A pale, slightly bitter wine flavored with herbs and used in cocktails

is the variety originally produced in France rather than a general type

How Dry

French vermouth
6.4

Surface Forms

French vermouth singular
French vermouths plural

Morphology

French + vermouth

The meaning is directly compositional: 'French' modifies 'vermouth' to indicate a vermouth from France, so a learner who knows both words can infer the basic referent. The adjectival nationality + product pattern is common cross-linguistically, so aside from specific tasting notes (dry, pale amber) the expression is transparently understood.

Etymology

The name French vermouth comes from a pale, dry style of flavoured wine from France called vermouth. Imagine a light wine soaked with herbs and spices in a cool cellar, and that dry, herbal taste is what bartenders mean when they ask for 'French vermouth'.