The Country Club is an underrated aperitif that surprises with its tart freshness and subtle sweetness. Here, dry Vermouth meets fruity grenadine, while soda water provides a light, effervescent texture. A drink that’s perfect for warm days but also works as an elegant way to start the evening. The garnish of orange zest or slice rounds off the aroma and adds a citrusy note.
This is what you need for the Country Club
4 cl dry Vermouth
1 cl grenadine
Soda water (approx. 8–10 cl, to taste)
1 orange slice or orange zest (to garnish)
This is what matters
The trick lies in the ratio of Vermouth to grenadine: too much grenadine makes the drink cloyingly sweet, while too little lets the tartness of the Vermouth dominate. The grenadine should gradually settle at the bottom—this creates a beautiful color gradient and a changing flavor profile as you sip. For an even drier taste, you can enrich the Vermouth with a splash of lemon juice or a dash of Angostura Bitters. Important: Use fresh soda water that isn’t too cold, so the carbonation doesn’t dissipate immediately.
Variations
- Country Club with Gin — Replace the Vermouth with 3 cl London Dry Gin and 1 cl dry Vermouth. The herbal notes of the Gin pair perfectly with the fruity grenadine, making the drink a bit more intense.
- Herbal Country Club — Add 2 cl herbal liqueur (e.g., Chartreuse or a dry herbal bitter) and reduce the Vermouth to 2 cl. The result is a more complex, spicier aperitif with greater depth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different syrup instead of grenadine?
Yes, but grenadine is ideal here because it brings a slight acidity and an intense red color. Alternatively, raspberry syrup works, though it tastes sweeter and less fruity. Pomegranate syrup is a good, albeit slightly more tart, alternative.
Why does the grenadine settle at the bottom?
Grenadine is denser than the other ingredients and sinks to the bottom. This is intentional—it creates a beautiful color gradient, and the drink develops in flavor from dry to fruity. If you don’t like this, you can briefly stir the ingredients before drinking.
Can I make the drink without soda water?
Theoretically yes, but then the sprightly lightness is missing. Without soda water, the drink becomes heavier and resembles a Manhattan variant. For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the soda water with tonic water—it adds a slight bitterness.
