Cocchi’s vermouths have retained their popularity among leading international bartenders, headlining both the Best Selling and Top Trending Brands lists in the Annual Brands Report, published by the esteemed British magazine Drinks International.
Despite its frequent appearance in iconic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Negroni, and Martini, vermouth is not a spirit but a fortified wine, its base enhanced by the addition of a neutral grape distillate. The name “vermouth” comes from the German “Wermut,” meaning wormwood, a key ingredient in its early medicinal applications. The tradition of using botanicals in fortified wines for therapeutic purposes has ancient roots, stretching back to at least 1000 BC in China.
The first Italian vermouth incorporating wormwood was the creation of a 16th-century merchant named Ruscelli. The Piedmont region of northern Italy, with its vineyards producing crisp white wines and its abundance of aromatic alpine herbs, became the heart of vermouth production. The drink’s popularity soared when the Duchy of Savoy moved its court from Chambéry, France, to Turin in the 1500s, introducing the local vermouth to European royalty.
The Annual Brands Report, recognized as one of the most authoritative rankings globally, is based on the preferences of highly influential professionals within the beverage industry. The survey includes 100 establishments selected from recent editions of The World’s 50 Best Bars, the Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail, alongside national and international competitions such as North America’s and Asia’s 50 Best Bars and the Class Bar Awards.
This double accolade not only echoes last year’s success but firmly establishes the historic Asti-based company as a leading authority for bartenders worldwide. The exceptional quality of its products cements its status as an undisputed leader in the global mixology landscape.
Drinks International‘s annual report ranks the top ten spirits across various categories (including Vermouth, Gin, Amari, and Whisky, among others) using two distinct lists: the Best Selling list, based on sales volumes in leading bars, and the Trending list, recognizing the most on-trend brands. Feedback from a panel of industry experts—bar owners, managers, and bartenders—determines these rankings, with each expert identifying their three preferred labels for each category.
“Consistent quality and service over the years are the key factors that have enabled Cocchi to achieve and maintain this leading role. This is a tremendous result not only for the brand but also for the ‘Vermouth di Torino’ designation, which has been elevated to the top of the rankings,” states Cocchi CEO Roberto Bava. “We were also very pleased by Jane MacQuitty’s statement in The Sunday Times: ‘Cocchi Vermouth di Torino is a festive negroni essential from the gold-standard vermouth producer.’ Our Vermouth continues to affirm its status as a classic within the category.