Out of Sherry, one case
Cooking sherry substitute, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry white wine
Same amount as the sherry
Dry white wine is the best substitute for cooking sherry. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a pinch of sugar to mimic cooking sherry's flavor profile.
- The tweak —
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic cooking sherry's slight sweetness.
- Best for —
- most recipes calling for cooking sherry
One casethe full sherry card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sherry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry white winemost recipes calling for cooking sherry | Same amount |
| 2 | Dry vermouthsauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Regular dry sherrywhen you want authentic sherry flavor | Same amount |
| 4 | Dry Marsala wineItalian dishes | Same amount |
| 5 | Apple cider vinegar + water + sugarnon-alcoholic cooking | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water + 1 tsp sugar |
| 6 | White wine vinegar + water + sugarwhen you want wine flavor without alcohol | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water + 1 tsp sugar |
Dry white wine
Similar wine flavor without added salt
Best substitute for cooking sherry with similar flavor profile
- Best for
- most recipes calling for cooking sherry, sauces, marinades, deglazing, when you want similar wine flavor
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic cooking sherry's slight sweetness.
Closest substitute, avoid cooking sherry's added salt.
Dry vermouth
Herbal and complex, similar to sherry
Fortified wine alternative with herbal complexity
- Best for
- sauces, when you want herbal complexity, French cooking, mushroom dishes
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Vermouth has a more herbal flavor than cooking sherry.
More herbal than cooking sherry, no added salt.
Regular dry sherry
Authentic sherry flavor without additives
Higher quality alternative without added salt and preservatives
- Best for
- when you want authentic sherry flavor, high-quality cooking, when you can find regular sherry, special occasions
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Much better quality than cooking sherry.
Much better quality than cooking sherry.
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
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Marsala has a slightly different flavor profile.
Slightly different flavor but similar complexity.
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.
White wine vinegar + water + sugar
Wine-like acidity with sweetness
Vinegar-based alternative with wine flavor
- Best for
- when you want wine flavor without alcohol, salad dressings, light sauces, when you don't have wine
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mix ingredients together. Adjust sugar to taste.
More acidic than sherry, adjust other ingredients.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cooking sherry is often lower quality than regular sherry and contains added salt and preservatives. The best substitutes provide the same depth and complexity without the unwanted additives. Regular sherry or quality wine substitutes will give you better results in your cooking.
Tips for substituting sherry
6 tips- Cooking sherry often contains salt and preservatives, so regular sherry or substitutes are usually better
- When using wine substitutes, let the alcohol cook off before adding other ingredients
- Cooking sherry is typically used in smaller amounts than regular wine
- The quality of your substitute will greatly affect the final dish
- Cooking sherry adds depth to sauces without overwhelming other flavors
- Store cooking sherry in the refrigerator after opening to maintain quality
Notes on sherry
- For the best quality, use regular dry sherry instead of cooking sherry
- For a non-alcoholic option, use apple cider vinegar with water and sugar
- For more herbal complexity, try dry vermouth
- For Italian dishes, dry Marsala wine works well
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between cooking sherry and regular sherry?
Cooking sherry often contains added salt and preservatives to extend shelf life, while regular sherry is pure sherry wine. Regular sherry is usually better quality for cooking.
Can I use regular sherry instead of cooking sherry?
Yes, regular sherry is actually better than cooking sherry. It has no added salt or preservatives and provides authentic sherry flavor.
Is dry white wine a good substitute for cooking sherry?
Yes, dry white wine is the best substitute for cooking sherry. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness and complexity.
Why is cooking sherry not recommended?
Cooking sherry often contains added salt and preservatives that can affect the taste of your dish. Regular sherry or wine substitutes provide better flavor control.
What's the best non-alcoholic substitute for cooking sherry?
Mix apple cider vinegar with water and sugar for a non-alcoholic alternative. Use ½ cup vinegar, ½ cup water, and 1 teaspoon sugar.