Punt e Mes

Bottle · Sweet vermouth

What it does

Punt e Mes is the rosso with grip. It does the sweet-vermouth job but pushes back with its own bitter, herbal edge, firming up a Classic and drying out a Boulevardier. It can take Tanqueray, rye, or mezcal without flinching. Put it next to something already bitter or smoky, though, and it turns bracing fast.

In the family

Sweet vermouth/rosso

The cushion and the weight. Rosso rounds off the bitter and the base, and it's what decides whether a drink lands clean, plush, light, or firm. Keep it fresh, because a tired one shows immediately.

What it opens up

Classic Negroni
Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, equal measures. The one everything else is measured against.
Boulevardier
Whiskey in place of gin. Warmer, rounder, more to chew on.
Mezcal Negroni
Mezcal for gin. Smoke and roasted agave over the bitter-red frame.

Mixes using this bottle (3)

Tanqueray + Campari + Punt e Mes
Classic Negroni
Rittenhouse Rye + Campari + Punt e Mes
Boulevardier
Mezcal + Campari + Punt e Mes
Mezcal Negroni

Also called

bitter vermouth
Carpano Punt e Mes
Punt e Mes vermouth

Bottle details

Brand: Carpano