Before the first Negroni was ever stirred, before the Manhattan seduced New York high society – there was Antica Formula.
Born in 1786 in Turin, Italy, the rich, aromatic vermouth that is Antica Formula wasn’t just the first of its kind, it was the perfect formula. Created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, Antica Formula was the original vermouth and the blueprint for a category that would go on to define classic cocktail culture.
Over two centuries later, the category Carpano founded is experiencing a golden revival. Vermouth is back in a big way – on rails, in cocktails, and as an essential sip in the aperitivo moment.
Driven by a growing consumer appetite for low-ABV drinks and nostalgic classics, vermouth sales are climbing, and bartenders are increasingly treating it with the reverence it deserves. Antica Formula remains the benchmark for quality, complexity, and elegance. Its presence behind the bar is as much a nod to history as it is a stamp of excellence.
A legacy steeped in art and aristocracy
Carpano’s creation quickly captured the attention of 18th century elites. King Vittorio Amedeo III of Sardinia became an early fan, and the drink soon gained favour with poets, composers, and the Italian nobility.
That same reverence continues today. Made from a carefully blended base of white wines from Puglia, Romagna, and Sicily, Antica Formula is infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals including saffron, wormwood, Madagascan vanilla, and citrus peels. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, faithfully recreated in small, limited batches.
Behind the bar, Antica Formula is a statement piece. It’s not just a modifier – it is a defining ingredient. Hailed as the “King of Vermouths”, it elevates classics like the Manhattan and Boulevardier, while also serving as an ideal foundation for modern riffs and creative new builds.
Its velvety texture and bold, bittersweet profile add depth and dimension to any cocktail. In fact, its impact has been recognised globally, earning the title of Best Sweet Vermouth at the 2017 World Vermouth Awards.
But Antica also shines on its own. Simply poured over ice with a slice of orange, or lengthened with soda for an easy spritz, it becomes a drink that is as casual as it is elegant – rooted in European tradition and perfect for the Australian summer.
Fueling the vermouth revival through advocacy
Among hospo professionals, Antica has become more than a product – it’s a passion. Bartenders not only pour it, they champion it. That energy is being channelled into a growing advocacy movement supported by Branca Fratelli and led by local Ambassador Federico “Freddy” Malavenda, with trade masterclasses, education sessions, and activations helping to drive deeper understanding of vermouth’s role in the cocktail and behind the bar.
As part of the Branca portfolio, Antica Formula sits proudly alongside Punt e Mes and Carpano Classico, offering a spectrum of vermouths tailored to different creative applications. But Antica remains the crown jewel – the flagship, the foundation, the perfect formula.
A drink made with intention, for a world that is slowing down
As modern drinkers seek balance, depth and intention in their cocktails, Antica Formula offers all three.
It connects us to the rituals of the past while remaining utterly relevant to the bars of today. Whether it’s served in a high-concept twist or on the rocks in quiet ceremony, it brings a sense of gravitas that can’t be faked.
In a world full of fleeting trends and artificial flavour, Antica Formula is a reminder that quality, story, and craft never go out of style. That, truly, is the perfect formula. Antica Formula is available via Amber Beverage.