Vermouth substitutes
Vermouth substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry white wine
Same amount as the vermouth
Similar wine with clean, crisp flavor.
The best substitutes for vermouth are dry white wine, sherry, or non-alcoholic alternatives like white grape juice with herbs, depending on the use.
Vermouth is white wine that has been fortified and steeped with herbs, so on top of the tartness and liquid volume a plain wine gives you it carries a distinctly herbal, slightly bitter aroma. The herbs are the part almost every swap loses, and in a cocktail that is the whole drink.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Acidsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vermouth | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry white winecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Sherrycooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | White grape juice + herbscooking | 1 cup white grape juice + 1 tsp mixed herbs per 1 cup vermouthTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Sakecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | White wine vinegar + watercooking | ½ cup white wine vinegar + ½ cup water per 1 cup vermouthTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Champagnecocktails | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Dry white wine
different taste, similar texture
Similar wine with clean, crisp flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, cocktails
Different flavor profile but similar alcohol content.
Sherry
different taste, similar texture
Fortified wine with similar depth and complexity.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, cocktails
Similar fortified wine, different flavor profile.
White grape juice + herbs
different taste, similar texture
Non-alcoholic alternative with herbal notes.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces
No alcohol content, add herbs for flavor.
Sake
different taste, similar texture
Japanese rice wine with clean, slightly sweet flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Acid — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, stir-fries
Different flavor profile but similar alcohol content.
White wine vinegar + water
different taste, similar texture
Tangy alternative with similar acidity.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces
More acidic, no alcohol content.
Champagne
different taste and texture
Sparkling wine with similar alcohol content.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, marinades
More expensive, different flavor profile.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use dry white wine instead of vermouth?
Yes, dry white wine is a good substitute for vermouth in cooking. It has similar alcohol content and can be used in most recipes that call for vermouth.
What's the difference between dry and sweet vermouth?
Dry vermouth is less sweet and more herbal, while sweet vermouth is sweeter and more aromatic. Dry vermouth is typically used in martinis, while sweet vermouth is used in Manhattans.
Can I use sherry instead of vermouth?
Yes, sherry can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor profile. It's also a fortified wine and can add similar depth to dishes.
Why is vermouth so popular in cocktails?
Vermouth is popular in cocktails because it adds complexity, depth, and herbal notes. It's a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the martini and Manhattan.
Tips for substituting vermouth
6 tips- Vermouth adds depth and complexity to dishes
- Vermouth pairs well with herbs, spices, and citrus
- Vermouth can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Vermouth can be used to deglaze pans and create flavorful sauces
- Vermouth can be used in marinades to tenderize meat
- Store vermouth in the refrigerator after opening