If you want the short answer: our own SCHOFIELD'S is the one we reach for first, an English dry vermouth built to show in the glass. Below we rank it alongside five other dry vermouths worth knowing in 2026, judged on two things: how they perform in a Martini first, and how they sip as an aperitif second.
We make vermouth at Asterley Bros, so SCHOFIELD'S leads by our own admission. The other five are well-known alternatives, and we have been honest about where each one fits.
The short version:
- SCHOFIELD'S English Dry Vermouth: floral, citrus-led and aromatic, our pick when you want the vermouth to show in the glass.
- Noilly Prat Original Dry: lean and dry, a traditional French classic for a sharp Martini.
- Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry: softer and lighter, good for gentler Martini builds.
- Carpano Dry: spiced and bitter-edged, for bolder serves.
- Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato: richer and slightly sweeter, best over ice or in softer Martinis.
- La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry: very dry and herbal, more forceful in style.
Once opened, keep any of them in the fridge and use within three to four weeks. If you only mix a Martini or two a week, a 50cl bottle is often the smarter buy.
1. Asterley Bros SCHOFIELD'S English Dry Vermouth
SCHOFIELD'S is our English Dry Vermouth, made from a base of English white wines and 28 botanicals, in collaboration with the Schofield brothers, Joe and Daniel, both bartenders. It won Gold at the World Vermouth Awards 2021 and 2 stars at Great Taste 2020. It leans floral on the nose, with a bright, clean citrus finish on the palate.
In a Martini: this is a vermouth that does not disappear. At a 2:1 wet Martini it keeps its aroma and character, and a lemon twist suits the citrus-led profile. It is our pick when you want to taste the vermouth, not just know it is there.
As an aperitif: serve it over ice with elderflower or cucumber tonic and a slice of lemon.
UK value: at £26.95 for 500ml it sits at the premium end. Best for a Martini-first serve where you want the vermouth to stand up and be noticed.
2. Noilly Prat Original Dry
A traditional French classic, lean and dry with a restrained, slightly oxidative character. Its dryness suits a crisp, classic Martini, and it works over ice as a stripped-back aperitif.
3. Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry
French dry, but a touch softer and more polished, from Chambéry in the French Alps. Pale, light-bodied and gently alpine-herbal, it gives a Martini a clean backbone and lets the gin do most of the talking.
4. Carpano Dry
From Turin, with more weight than the lighter French styles: baking spice, citrus peel and vanilla, with a firm bitter edge. It makes a richer, spicier Martini rather than a crisp, bright one, so it suits a spice-led serve and bolder palates.
5. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato
Softer and more aromatic, leaning aperitivo rather than a classic dry serve, with honeyed, floral notes. It works in gentler, lower-ratio Martinis, and it also works over ice as a pre-dinner drink with a twist of citrus.
6. La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry
A French-style extra-dry with more body than the leanest bottles: dry, structured and herbal. It keeps a Martini crisp without disappearing, and it drinks well over ice.
At a glance
| Bottle | Style | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Asterley Bros SCHOFIELD'S (Our pick) | Floral, citrus, herbal | Martini-first all-rounder |
| Noilly Prat Original Dry | Lean, dry, brisk | Crisp classic Martini |
| Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry | Light, soft, alpine | Gentler Martini builds |
| Carpano Dry | Spiced, bitter-edged | Bolder Martinis |
| Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato | Honeyed, floral, softer | Aperitif sipping |
| La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Extra Dry | Very dry, herbal | Very dry Martinis |
Which dry vermouth should you buy in 2026?
Start with the serve, then the style. If you want one bottle that does most jobs and gives you an English character you will not find in the French and Italian classics, buy our SCHOFIELD'S: it holds its own in a wet or dry Martini and works over ice with tonic as an aperitif. If you already own one of the classics, taste them side by side in a Martini and the difference is easy to spot. Whichever you choose, keep it cold once opened and drink it within three to four weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Which dry vermouth suits vodka Martinis best?
Our SCHOFIELD'S is made to work in both gin and vodka Martinis. Its aromatic, floral, citrus-led character sits neatly alongside vodka's clean profile. For a refined serve, mix 50ml vodka with 25ml SCHOFIELD'S, 10ml water and 2 dashes of orange bitters, stir well over ice, and serve in a frozen coupe.
How should I store opened vermouth?
Put it in the fridge as soon as it is opened. It is wine-based, so it oxidises over time. For the best flavour, use it within three to four weeks, and within a month or two at most.
What garnish works best?
Match the garnish to the vermouth. For a bright, floral English style like SCHOFIELD'S, a lemon twist is the classic pick. For saltier, maritime styles, an orange twist can suit better. Express the twist over the glass first so the oils hit the surface.
Asterley Bros is a London maker of English vermouth, amaro and aperitivo, founded by brothers Rob and Jim Berry in 2014. We make our vermouth in small batches in South London, and yes, we think SCHOFIELD'S belongs at the top of your list.