How’s Your Drink: Sommelier Heather Green Likes Her Cocktails All Grown Up

<p>I’ll choose herbal and spicy over syrupy or sugary any day.

Vermouth, be it white or red, dry or sweet, alone or in a cocktail, fits right in my comfort zone.  Vermouth is a fortified wine that is aged in barrels with herbs and botanicals before bottling.  (Like most worthwhile spirits, vermouth was originally medicinal and, depending on your perspective, it still is!)

Quality brands like Vya and Dubonnet are delicious on the rocks before dinner, but my favorite way to enjoy vermouth is in a Perfect Manhattan.

Mix bourbon or rye whiskey with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.  Now add a dash of bitters.  If you substitute scotch for bourbon, you’ll have a Perfect Rob Roy.  Rather than satisfying your sweet tooth, this drink will send it running for its life.

Vanilla vodkas and sugary liqueurs are fine for other people.  I prefer my drink all grown up.

Green is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Sommelier. She is a member of the wine and spirits team at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas and writes about wine and spirits for EscapeHatchDallas.com.