Sherry is fortified wine gracing dessert wine menus worldwide, and it’s also an essential ingredient in many recipes. Its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it a sought-after addition to sweet and savory culinary creations. However, you sometimes need a suitable substitute for sherry due to dietary restrictions, availability issues, or simply to experiment with different flavors. We explore various alternatives to sherry that can be used in cooking and baking to achieve similar results without compromising taste or quality.
- 1. Vermouth
- 2. Madeira
- 3. Marsala
- 4. Port
- 5. Red Wine
- 6. White Wine
- 7. Sherry Vinegar
- 8. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 9. Grape Juice
- 10. Beef Stock with Tomato Paste
What to Use Instead of Sherry
When selecting a sherry substitute for your commercial kitchen, consider whether your recipe calls for sweet, dry, or cooking sherry. You must also evaluate the flavor profile of the dish you are preparing. Other fortified wines are natural choices, but several options can mimic the rich sherry flavor in your recipes.
1. Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, herbs, and spices. One of the reasons vermouth makes a good substitute for sherry is its versatility in both sweet and dry varieties. Sweet vermouth can be used in dishes that call for cream sherry, providing a rich and slightly sweet flavor. Dry vermouth, on the other hand, can be used in place of dry sherry to add a subtle herbal note to dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Vermouth shares some flavor notes with sherry, such as nutty, floral, and herbal undertones. This makes it an excellent option for recipes where sherry is used to enhance the depth and complexity of a dish. When substituting vermouth for sherry in a recipe, keep in mind that vermouth often has a lower alcohol content than sherry. Adjust the amount of vermouth accordingly to ensure that the dish maintains the desired flavor profile and consistency.
- How to Substitute Vermouth for Sweet Sherry - Substitute sweet vermouth 1:1 for sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Vermouth for Dry Sherry - Substitute dry vermouth 1:1 for dry sherry.
2. Madeira
Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. It is known for its rich, long aging process and complex flavors ranging from sweet to dry. Like sherry, Madeira offers a depth of flavor that enhances dishes such as sauces, soups, and stews. Both wines are fortified, which means they have a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) and a longer shelf life compared to regular wines.
For a sweet sherry substitute, consider using a Bual or Malmsey Madeira. These varieties are known for their sweetness and caramel notes, making them ideal for desserts, sauces, and glazes that require a hint of sweetness. If you are looking for a dry sherry substitute, a Sercial Madeira is a great option. Sercial Madeira is a drier style of Madeira with a crisp acidity and a nutty, citrusy flavor profile. It works well in savory dishes, soups, and stews that call for a dry sherry.
- How to Substitute Madeira for Sweet Sherry - Choose a Bual or Malmsey Madeira and substitute 1:1 sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Madeira for Dry Sherry - Use Sercial Madeira and substitute 1:1 for dry sherry.
3. Marsala
Marsala is a DOP fortified wine from Sicily, Italy. It's a good substitute for sherry due to its similar flavor profile and versatility in cooking. Like sherry, Marsala has a complex taste that can enhance savory dishes such as sauces, soups, and stews. Its slightly sweet and nutty notes resemble the flavor profile of sherry. And, like Sherry, Marsala comes in both sweet and dry varieties.
A Marsala labeled as "dolce" or "sweet" has a higher sugar content and a richer, more pronounced sweetness that can effectively mimic sweet sherry's flavor profile. A Marsala labeled as "secco" or "dry" is recommended for a dry sherry substitute. Dry Marsala has a lower sugar content and a more pronounced nutty flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for dry sherry in recipes where a less sweet and savory profile is desired.
- How to Substitute Marsala for Sweet Sherry - Choose a dolce Marsala and substitute 1:1 for sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Marsala for Dry Sherry - Choose a secco Marsala and substitute 1:1 for dry sherry.
4. Port
Port is a fortified wine that originates from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is typically a sweet and rich wine that is enjoyed as a dessert wine or an after-dinner drink. Port is a good substitute for sherry in cooking and cocktails due to its similar sweet and rich flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to dishes and drinks. To substitute port for sherry in a recipe, you can typically use a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that port is sweeter and richer than sherry, so you may need to adjust the amount used based on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are preparing.
When selecting a port wine to substitute for sherry, consider using a tawny port or a ruby port. Tawny ports are aged in oak barrels, giving them a nutty and caramelized flavor profile that works well in both savory and sweet dishes. Ruby ports, on the other hand, are younger and have a fruity and vibrant flavor that can add a nice touch to cocktails and desserts. Both styles of port can be excellent substitutes for sherry in a variety of culinary applications.
- How to Substitute Port for Sweet Sherry - Choose a tawny port for savory or sweet dishes. Choose a ruby port for desserts and drinks. Substitute 1:1 for sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Port for Dry Sherry - Port wines aren’t a suitable substitute for dry sherry.
5. Red Wine
Typically aged in oak barrels, which impart complex flavors and aromas, red wine is a popular alcoholic beverage made from dark-colored grape varieties. Its full-bodied flavor makes it a good substitute for sweet sherry. Red wine's fruity and robust characteristics can complement dishes that call for sweet sherry, such as sauces, marinades, and desserts. Additionally, red wine's acidity can help balance the richness of a dish, similar to how sweet sherry adds complexity to a recipe. The flavor profile of red wine isn’t as suitable for dry sherry, and chefs would do their best to go with a dry white wine as a dry sherry substitute.
When selecting a red wine as a substitute for sweet sherry, it is essential to choose a type of wine that aligns well with the dish you are preparing. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors, is an excellent choice for hearty meat dishes and rich sauces. Merlot, with its softer tannins and plum notes, is a versatile option for both savory and sweet recipes. Malbec, characterized by its velvety texture and dark berry flavors, can add depth to stews and braised dishes.
- How to Substitute Red Wine for Sweet Sherry - Select a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec depending on the flavor of your dish. Substitute 1:1 for sherry, but this will taste best when the recipe only calls for a small amount of sweet sherry; red wine isn't as close of a substitute as fortified wine.
- How to Substitute Red Wine for Dry Sherry - Red wines aren’t suitable substitutes for dry sherry.
6. White Wine
Made from the fermentation of white grapes, white wine is characterized by its light color, crisp acidity, and various flavor profiles ranging from fruity and floral to nutty and oaky. White wine is commonly used in cooking to add depth to dishes, making it a suitable alternative to dry sherry due to its similar acidity levels and complexity. On the other hand, white wine is not an ideal substitute for sweet sherry due to its lack of richness. Sweet sherry is known for its caramel-like flavors and syrupy texture, which are not typically found in white wine varieties.
Some of the best white wines to use as a dry sherry substitute include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, and Semillon. These white wine varieties offer a range of flavors and aromas that can enhance the taste of dishes while providing a similar dryness to that of dry sherry. Each of these white wines brings its unique characteristics to the table, making them versatile options for making risotto (like in our pumpkin risotto recipe) or preparing seafood dishes. Consider the flavor profile of your recipe to select the best option for your application.
- How to Substitute White Wine for Sweet Sherry - White wines aren’t suitable substitutes for sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute White Wine for Dry Sherry - Select a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, or Semillion depending on the flavor profile of your dish. Substitute 1:1 for dry sherry.
7. Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is a type of vinegar made from sherry wine that has been aged and fermented to develop a complex flavor profile. This vinegar is characterized by its rich, nutty, and slightly sweet taste, with a subtle acidity that adds depth to dishes. It’s the closest non-alcoholic substitute for sherry, providing a similar depth of flavor and acidity. Sherry vinegar is more potent than sherry wine, so it is recommended to use it sparingly and adjust the amount based on personal taste preferences.
When substituting sherry vinegar for sherry in a recipe, consider the intensity of the flavor. Sherry vinegar is more acidic than sherry, so you may need to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and increase as desired or dilute it in water. For a sweeter sherry substitute, consider mixing grape juice with sherry vinegar. This combination can help replicate the sweetness of sherry while still providing the acidity and depth of flavor that sherry brings to a dish. Experiment with different ratios of grape juice to sherry vinegar to find the right balance for your recipe.
- How to Substitute Sherry Vinegar for Sweet Sherry - Mix grape juice with sherry vinegar (adjust grape juice to match desired sweetness) and substitute the mixture 1:1 for sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Sherry Vinegar for Dry Sherry - Substitute water-diluted or undiluted sherry vinegar for dry sherry 1:1.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Known for its acidity with a hint of sweetness, apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. From salad dressings to marinades, it’s commonly used in various culinary applications. When it comes to sherry substitutes in cooking, apple cider vinegar is an excellent non-alcoholic option. It provides a similar tangy and slightly sweet taste that sherry adds to dishes, making it a versatile alternative for those looking to avoid alcohol in their cooking.
If you only need a small amount of sherry in your recipe, you can use undiluted apple cider vinegar as a substitute. However, when a recipe calls for a larger amount of sherry, it's important to dilute the apple cider vinegar to achieve the right balance of acidity. To do this, simply mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water. Diluting the vinegar will help prevent it from overpowering the other flavors in the dish, ensuring that the result is well-balanced and delicious. Additionally, you can add a touch of your favorite type of sweetener to the apple cider vinegar to mimic a sweet sherry if that is what your recipe requires.
- How to Substitute Apple Cider Vinegar for Sweet Sherry - Add sugar to diluted or undiluted apple cider vinegar.
- How to Substitute Apple Cider Vinegar for Dry Sherry - Use diluted or undiluted apple cider vinegar depending on the quantity needed.
9. Grape Juice
Made from the pressing of grapes, grape juice offers a sweet and fruity flavor profile that can mimic the depth and complexity of sherry in dishes without the alcohol. One of the main reasons grape juice is a good substitute for sherry is its natural sweetness and acidity, which can help balance and enhance the flavors of a dish. To substitute grape juice for sherry in a recipe, you can use a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that grape juice may add more sweetness to a dish compared to sherry, so you may need to adjust the other seasonings or ingredients accordingly.
When choosing grape juice as a sherry substitute, opt for unsweetened grape juice to maintain a more balanced flavor profile. Look for 100% pure grape juice without any added sugars or sweeteners. White grape juice is a popular choice for mimicking the light and dry characteristics of dry sherry, and red grape juice can be used to replicate the richer and fuller-bodied qualities of sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Grape Juice for Sweet Sherry - Substitute unsweetened red grape juice 1:1 for dry sherry.
- How to Substitute Grape Juice Dry Sherry - Substitute unsweetened white grape juice 1:1 for sweet sherry.
10. Beef Stock with Tomato Paste
When looking for a non-alcoholic substitute for sherry in savory dishes, consider using a combination of beef stock and tomato paste. Beef stock is a rich, savory liquid made by simmering beef bones, vegetables, and herbs, resulting in a deeply flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, and more. Tomato paste, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of tomatoes that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to dishes. Together, beef stock and tomato paste create a complex flavor profile that can mimic the depth and complexity of sherry in cooking.
To use beef stock with tomato paste as a sherry substitute, mix one cup of beef stock with two tablespoons of tomato paste. The umami-rich quality of beef stock enhances the savory notes of dishes, while the acidity of tomato paste provides a hint of brightness and tanginess. This combination can be especially useful in recipes that call for sherry as a flavor enhancer or deglazing agent but alcohol is not suitable or available.
- How to Substitute Beef Stock with Tomato Paste for Sweet Sherry - Beef stock with tomato paste is not a suitable substitute for sweet sherry.
- How to Substitute Beef Stock with Tomato Paste for Dry Sherry - Mix 1 cup beef stock + 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Substitute the required amount 1:1 for dry sherry.
What Is Cooking Sherry?
Similar to regular sherry, cooking sherry is a type of grape wine that has been fortified with brandy. However, cooking sherry contains additives such as salt, potassium metabisulfite, and potassium sorbate. These additives help to extend the shelf life of the cooking sherry, making it a convenient pantry staple for commercial kitchens. If your recipe calls for cooking sherry, you'll need to add a pinch of salt to your substitute to mimic its flavor.
While no replica of sherry exists, various alternatives can be used in cooking and mixology to achieve similar results. Whether opting for other fortified wines like port or Madeira, utilizing different types of vinegar, or experimenting with non-alcoholic substitutes, there are plenty of choices available. By understanding the flavor profiles of different sherry substitutes and their applications in various recipes, chefs and bartenders can confidently make substitutions when needed without compromising the overall taste and quality of their creations.
