What's the Best Substitute for Marsala Wine?
Whether you're out of Marsala Wine or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Italian fortified wine from Sicily with sweet, nutty flavor, used in both cooking and drinking In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for Marsala wine are Madeira, sherry, port wine, or a mixture of white wine with brandy and sugar for cooking applications.
Best Substitutes for Marsala Wine
Madeira Wine
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- sauces
- marinades
- desserts
- mushroom dishes
- chicken marsala
Description
Portuguese fortified wine with similar sweet, nutty characteristics
Choose dry or sweet Madeira based on your recipe. Dry for savory dishes, sweet for desserts.
Sherry
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- sauces
- soups
- marinades
- mushroom dishes
- cooking
Description
Spanish fortified wine with nutty, complex flavors similar to Marsala
Use dry sherry for savory dishes, sweet sherry for desserts. Avoid cooking sherry with added salt.
Port Wine
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- desserts
- sweet sauces
- when you want extra sweetness
- chocolate dishes
Description
Portuguese fortified wine with rich, sweet flavor profile
Port is sweeter than Marsala, so reduce other sweeteners in your recipe if using.
White Wine + Brandy + Sugar
Ratio
1/2 cup Marsala = 1/3 cup dry white wine + 2 tbsp brandy + 1 tsp sugar
Best For
- cooking
- sauces
- marinades
- when you can't find fortified wines
Description
Homemade combination that mimics Marsala's fortified wine characteristics
Use dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Adjust sugar to taste.
Dry White Wine + Vanilla Extract + Sugar
Ratio
1/2 cup Marsala = 1/2 cup dry white wine + 1/4 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp sugar
Best For
- when avoiding alcohol
- family cooking
- sauces
- marinades
Description
Non-alcoholic alternative with vanilla adding depth and complexity
This won't have the exact same flavor profile but works well for cooking applications.
Apple Juice + White Wine Vinegar + Sugar
Ratio
1/2 cup Marsala = 1/3 cup apple juice + 1 tbsp white wine vinegar + 1 tsp sugar
Best For
- non-alcoholic cooking
- family meals
- when alcohol is not available
- sauces
Description
Non-alcoholic alternative with fruity sweetness and acidity
This provides sweetness and acidity but lacks the complexity of fortified wine.
Cognac + White Wine + Sugar
Ratio
1/2 cup Marsala = 1/4 cup white wine + 2 tbsp cognac + 1 tsp sugar
Best For
- high-end cooking
- when you want extra richness
- sauces
- marinades
Description
Premium alternative with rich, complex flavors
Cognac adds extra depth and richness. Use good quality cognac for best results.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Marsala Wine, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Marsala wine comes in dry (secco) and sweet (dolce) varieties - choose based on your recipe
Dry Marsala works best for savory dishes like chicken marsala and mushroom sauces
Sweet Marsala is ideal for desserts and sweet sauces
Marsala wine doesn't need to be expensive for cooking - basic quality works fine
The wine's alcohol content helps tenderize meat in marinades
Marsala adds depth and complexity to sauces and soups
It pairs particularly well with mushrooms, chicken, and veal
The wine's sweetness can help balance acidic ingredients in sauces
Store opened Marsala wine in the refrigerator for up to 3 months
For best flavor, add Marsala early in cooking to allow alcohol to cook off and flavors to develop
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications