Out of Sherry, one case
Sherry substitute for cooking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry white wine
Same amount as the sherry
Dry white wine is the best substitute for sherry in cooking. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's complexity and slight sweetness.
- The tweak —
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
- Best for —
- most cooking applications
One casethe full sherry card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sherry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry white winemost cooking applications | Same amount |
| 2 | Dry vermouthsauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Dry Marsala wineItalian dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Dry Madeira winerich sauces | Same amount |
| 5 | White wine + brandywhen you want to replicate sherry's fortified nature | 3:1 wine to brandy |
| 6 | Apple cider vinegar + water + sugarnon-alcoholic cooking | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water + 1 tsp sugar |
Dry white wine
Similar wine flavor with good acidity
Most similar flavor profile to sherry with good acidity
- Best for
- most cooking applications, sauces, marinades, deglazing, when you want similar wine flavor
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
Closest substitute for cooking applications.
Dry vermouth
Herbal and complex, similar to sherry
Fortified wine with herbal complexity similar to sherry
- Best for
- sauces, when you want herbal complexity, French cooking, mushroom dishes, rich sauces
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Vermouth has a more herbal flavor than sherry.
More herbal than sherry, adds complexity.
Dry Marsala wine
Nutty and complex, similar to sherry
Fortified wine with nutty flavor similar to sherry
- Best for
- Italian dishes, when you want nutty complexity, mushroom dishes, chicken marsala, risotto
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Marsala has a slightly different flavor profile.
Slightly different flavor but similar complexity.
Dry Madeira wine
Rich and complex, deeper than sherry
Fortified wine with rich, complex flavor
- Best for
- rich sauces, when you want depth of flavor, beef dishes, mushroom sauces, pan sauces
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Madeira has a richer flavor than sherry.
Richer and more complex than sherry.
White wine + brandy
Similar to sherry with added brandy complexity
Homemade fortified wine alternative
- Best for
- when you want to replicate sherry's fortified nature, rich dishes, when you have both ingredients available, complex sauces
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mix dry white wine with a small amount of brandy or cognac.
Replicates sherry's fortified wine nature.
Apple cider vinegar + water + sugar
Tangy and slightly sweet, different from sherry
Non-alcoholic alternative with acidity and sweetness
- Best for
- non-alcoholic cooking, when you need acidity, vegetarian dishes, when alcohol isn't desired
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mix ingredients together. Adjust sugar to taste.
Non-alcoholic option, more acidic than sherry.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sherry is commonly used in cooking for deglazing pans, in sauces, marinades, and to add depth of flavor. The best substitutes maintain the right balance of acidity, subtle sweetness, and complexity while providing the depth that sherry brings to cooking applications.
Tips for substituting sherry
7 tips- Sherry is fortified with brandy, giving it higher alcohol content and complexity
- When deglazing with substitutes, let the alcohol cook off before adding other ingredients
- Sherry adds depth to sauces without overwhelming other flavors
- The quality of your substitute wine will greatly affect the final dish
- Sherry is typically used in smaller amounts than regular wine
- Store sherry in the refrigerator after opening to maintain quality
- For best results, use the substitute that best matches your dish's flavor profile
Notes on sherry
- For most cooking applications, use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar
- For herbal complexity, try dry vermouth
- For rich dishes, use dry Madeira wine
- For Italian dishes, dry Marsala wine works well
- For non-alcoholic cooking, use apple cider vinegar with water and sugar
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sherry in cooking?
Dry white wine is the best substitute for sherry in cooking. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness and complexity.
Can I use vermouth instead of sherry in cooking?
Yes, dry vermouth works well as a substitute for sherry in cooking. It has a more herbal flavor but provides similar complexity and depth.
Is Marsala wine a good substitute for sherry?
Yes, dry Marsala wine is a good substitute for sherry, especially in Italian dishes. It has a slightly different flavor but similar complexity.
Can I use regular wine instead of sherry?
Yes, dry white wine is the best substitute for sherry. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness and complexity.
What's the difference between sherry and regular wine in cooking?
Sherry is fortified with brandy, giving it higher alcohol content and a more complex flavor profile than regular wine. It also has a unique aging process that adds depth.