What's the Best Substitute for Sweet Vermouth?
Whether you're out of Sweet Vermouth or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Fortified wine flavored with herbs and spices, essential in classic cocktails like Manhattans and Negronis In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for sweet vermouth are dry vermouth with sugar, white wine with herbs, or sherry with bitters.
Best Substitutes for Sweet Vermouth
Dry Vermouth + Sugar
Ratio
1:1 with 1 tsp sugar per 2 oz
Best For
- cocktails
- cooking
- marinades
- sauces
Description
Add sweetness to dry vermouth to approximate sweet vermouth's profile
Dissolve sugar in vermouth before using. May need to adjust sweetness to taste.
White Wine + Herbs
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- sauces
- cocktails
Description
Infuse white wine with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to mimic vermouth's complexity
Steep herbs in wine for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Strain before using.
Sherry + Bitters
Ratio
1:1 with 2-3 dashes bitters
Best For
- cocktails
- cooking
- desserts
- sauces
Description
Rich, fortified wine with added complexity from bitters
Use medium or sweet sherry. Angostura bitters work well for complexity.
Port Wine
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- desserts
- cooking
- sauces
- cocktails
Description
Sweet, fortified wine with similar richness and depth
Much sweeter than vermouth, so reduce other sweeteners in recipes.
Madeira Wine
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- cooking
- sauces
- marinades
- desserts
Description
Fortified wine with nutty, complex flavors similar to vermouth
Rich and complex flavor. Good for cooking applications.
Red Wine + Herbs + Sugar
Ratio
1:1 with herbs and 1 tsp sugar per 2 oz
Best For
- cooking
- marinades
- sauces
- cocktails
Description
Infuse red wine with herbs and add sweetness for a closer match
Use a medium-bodied red wine. Steep herbs for 1-2 hours before using.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Sweet Vermouth, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Sweet vermouth adds complexity and depth to both cocktails and savory dishes
Use in classic cocktails like Manhattans, Negronis, and Americanos
Perfect for deglazing pans when making pan sauces
Add to risotto for depth of flavor
Use in marinades for meats, especially pork and chicken
Sweet vermouth pairs well with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage
Store opened vermouth in the refrigerator to preserve flavor
Add a splash to tomato-based sauces for complexity
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications