🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Non-Alcoholic Sherry Substitute for Cooking

Find the best non-alcoholic substitutes for sherry in cooking, including vinegar-based alternatives, fruit juices, and other alcohol-free options.

✓

Quick Answer

Apple cider vinegar with water and sugar is the best non-alcoholic substitute for sherry. Use 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 teaspoon sugar for every 1 cup of sherry needed.

Best Substitutes

Apple Cider Vinegar + Water + Sugar

1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water + 1 tsp sugar

Best non-alcoholic alternative with acidity and sweetness

Best for:

most cooking applicationssaucesmarinadeswhen you need acidityvegetarian dishes

Most versatile non-alcoholic option

White Wine Vinegar + Water + Sugar

1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water + 1 tsp sugar

Vinegar-based alternative with wine-like flavor

Best for:

when you want wine flavor without alcoholsalad dressingslight saucesdelicate dishes

More wine-like than apple cider vinegar

Red Wine Vinegar + Water + Sugar

1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water + 1 tsp sugar

Rich vinegar alternative with depth of flavor

Best for:

rich sauceswhen you want depth of flavorbeef dishesmushroom sauces

Richer flavor than white wine vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar + Water

1/3 cup vinegar + 2/3 cup water

Rich, sweet alternative with complex flavor

Best for:

rich sauceswhen you want sweetnessMediterranean dishesglazes

Much sweeter than sherry, adjust other ingredients

Grape Juice + Lemon Juice

3/4 cup grape juice + 1/4 cup lemon juice

Fruity alternative with natural sweetness

Best for:

when you want fruity flavordessertssweet sauceswhen you want natural sweetness

Much sweeter than sherry, very fruity

Rice Wine Vinegar + Water + Sugar

1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water + 1 tsp sugar

Mild, slightly sweet alternative

Best for:

Asian-inspired disheswhen you want mild aciditydelicate flavorslight sauces

Much milder than sherry

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Non-alcoholic substitutes won't have the same complexity as sherry, but they can provide acidity and sweetness
  • 💡Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness to match your preference
  • 💡For richer flavor, use balsamic vinegar with water
  • 💡For lighter flavor, use white wine vinegar with water and sugar
  • 💡The quality of your substitute will greatly affect the final dish
  • 💡Non-alcoholic substitutes work best in dishes where sherry is used in small amounts

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best non-alcoholic substitutes for sherry in cooking. Learn about vinegar-based alternatives, fruit juices, and other alcohol-free options with proper ratios.