Out of Sherry, one case
Sherry substitute for French onion soup
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 French onion soup. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's complexity and slight sweetness.
- The tweak —
- Add to the soup after the onions are caramelized. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
- Best for —
- French onion soup
One casethe full sherry card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sherry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry white wineFrench onion soup | Same amount |
| 2 | Dry vermouthFrench onion soup | Same amount |
| 3 | Dry Madeira wineFrench onion soup | Same amount |
| 4 | White wine + brandyFrench onion soup | 3:1 wine to brandy |
| 5 | Apple cider vinegar + water + sugarnon-alcoholic French onion soup | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water + 1 tsp sugar |
| 6 | Red wineFrench onion soup | Same amount |
Dry white wine
Similar wine flavor with good acidity
Most similar flavor profile to sherry with good acidity
- Best for
- French onion soup, when you want similar wine flavor, most soup applications, deglazing the pan
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add to the soup after the onions are caramelized. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
Closest substitute for French onion soup.
Dry vermouth
Herbal and complex, similar to sherry
Fortified wine with herbal complexity similar to sherry
- Best for
- French onion soup, when you want herbal complexity, French cooking, rich soups
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add to the soup after the onions are caramelized. Vermouth has a more herbal flavor than sherry.
More herbal than sherry, adds complexity.
Dry Madeira wine
Rich and complex, deeper than sherry
Fortified wine with rich, complex flavor
- Best for
- French onion soup, when you want depth of flavor, rich soups, when you want complexity
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add to the soup after the onions are caramelized. 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
- French onion soup, when you want to replicate sherry's fortified nature, rich soups, when you have both ingredients available
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mix dry white wine with a small amount of brandy or cognac, then add to the soup.
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 French onion soup, when you need acidity, vegetarian soups, when alcohol isn't desired
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mix ingredients together and add to the soup. Adjust sugar to taste.
Non-alcoholic option, more acidic than sherry.
Red wine
Richer and more intense than sherry
Richer alternative with more intense flavor
- Best for
- French onion soup, when you want richer flavor, when you want more intensity, hearty soups
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add to the soup after the onions are caramelized. May add color to the soup.
Richer flavor than sherry, may add color.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sherry is traditionally used in French onion soup to add depth and complexity to the caramelized onions. The best substitutes maintain the right balance of acidity, subtle sweetness, and complexity while providing the depth that sherry brings to this classic soup.
Tips for substituting sherry
6 tips- Add the sherry substitute after the onions are fully caramelized
- Let the alcohol cook off before adding the broth
- Sherry adds depth and complexity to French onion soup
- The quality of your substitute wine will greatly affect the final soup
- Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness to match your preference
- For authentic French onion soup, try to find actual sherry if possible
Notes on sherry
- For the most authentic flavor, use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar
- For herbal complexity, try dry vermouth
- For richer flavor, use dry Madeira wine
- For non-alcoholic cooking, use apple cider vinegar with water and sugar
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sherry in French onion soup?
Dry white wine is the best substitute for sherry in French onion soup. Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness and complexity.
Can I use vermouth instead of sherry in French onion soup?
Yes, dry vermouth works well as a substitute for sherry in French onion soup. It has a more herbal flavor but provides similar complexity and depth.
Is red wine a good substitute for sherry in French onion soup?
Yes, red wine can work as a substitute for sherry in French onion soup, but it will add more color and intensity to the soup. It's a good option if you want a richer flavor.
Can I make French onion soup without any alcohol?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar with water and sugar as a non-alcoholic substitute. The soup will have a different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
When should I add the sherry substitute to French onion soup?
Add the sherry substitute after the onions are fully caramelized and before adding the broth. Let the alcohol cook off before adding the liquid.