Out of Dry sherry, one case
Dry sherry substitute: best alternatives for cooking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry white wine
Same amount as the dry sherry
Dry white wine is the best substitute for dry sherry. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness and complexity.
- The tweak —
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
- Best for —
- deglazing pans
One casethe full sherry card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of dry sherry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry white winedeglazing pans | 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 dry sherry with good acidity
- Best for
- deglazing pans, sauces, marinades, most cooking applications, when you want similar wine flavor
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
Closest substitute in terms of flavor and acidity.
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, cocktail-inspired dishes
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Vermouth has a more herbal flavor than sherry.
More herbal than sherry, adds complexity to dishes.
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.
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
- 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
- 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
Dry sherry is a fortified wine that adds depth and complexity to dishes without overwhelming other flavors. It's commonly used for deglazing pans, in sauces, and marinades. The best substitutes maintain the right balance of acidity, subtle sweetness, and complexity while providing the depth that dry sherry brings to cooking.
Tips for substituting dry sherry
6 tips- Dry 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
- Dry sherry adds depth to sauces without overwhelming other flavors
- The quality of your substitute wine will greatly affect the final dish
- Dry sherry is typically used in smaller amounts than regular wine
- Store dry sherry in the refrigerator after opening to maintain quality
Notes on dry sherry
- For a non-alcoholic option, use apple cider vinegar with water and sugar
- For more herbal complexity, try dry vermouth
- For richer flavor, use dry Madeira wine
- For Italian dishes, dry Marsala wine works well
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between dry sherry and sweet sherry?
Dry sherry has little to no residual sugar and is used for cooking, while sweet sherry is used for desserts and cocktails. Dry sherry is what you typically want for cooking applications.
Can I use cooking sherry instead of dry sherry?
Cooking sherry often contains salt and preservatives. It's better to use regular dry sherry or a substitute and adjust seasoning separately.
Is dry white wine a good substitute for dry sherry?
Yes, dry white wine is the best substitute for dry sherry. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness and complexity.
Can I use vermouth instead of dry sherry?
Yes, dry vermouth works well as a substitute for dry sherry. It has a more herbal flavor but provides similar complexity and acidity.
What's the best non-alcoholic substitute for dry 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.