Wermuth

Wermuth (German pronunciation: [ˈvɛʁmuːt]) is the German word for wormwood, Artemisia absinthium. It is also used to refer to alcoholic beverages flavored with wormwood, particularly vermouth. In this context, it's the origin of the name "vermouth," which entered the English language from the French adaptation of the German word.

More specifically, "Wermuth" can refer to:

• The plant: Artemisia absinthium, a perennial herbaceous plant with silvery-green leaves and a bitter taste. This is the key ingredient in traditional absinthe and vermouth.

• Vermouth: A fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, including wormwood (Wermuth). Vermouth can be dry (secco), sweet (rosso), or bianco (white). It is commonly used in cocktails like the Martini and Negroni, as well as served as an apéritif.

The term's association with the alcoholic beverage stems directly from the use of wormwood as a flavoring agent during the development and standardization of vermouth recipes. The plant's distinct bitter taste and alleged medicinal properties made it a key ingredient.