The Italian Kiss is a combination of equal amount of sweet and dry Italian Vermouth. The name Vermouth is derived from the German word wermut. The classic Vermouth is a fortified wine that is aromatized (infused) with various botanicals or other natural flavourings. It comes in 4 styles: extra dry, dry (white), off dry (rosé), and sweet (red).  Vermouth is usually served over ice. All styles of Vermouth are extensively used in apéritif cocktails.