Whereas dry vermouths are herbal, sweet vermouths are spice driven. When we decided to formulate our own sweet vermouth infusion with a deep, accentuated spiciness, we found the perfect warmth and fragrance in chai—the much-loved blend of black tea, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and ginger. The resulting flavor is so sexy that you will feel like you have been kissed by a Bollywood beauty. This intoxicating concoction is the defining ingredient in our Mata Hari cocktail (page 102).
Recipe information
Yield
makes 1 quart
Ingredients
Preparation
Place the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger in a small saucepan over low heat and heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tea and 1 cup of the vermouth. Bring to a low boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Add the remaining vermouth and strain the mixture through cheesecloth. Bottle and store at room temperature. Will keep indefinitely.
