Dry sherry substitutes
Dry sherry substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry white wine
Same amount as the dry sherry
Dry white wine is the best substitute for dry sherry.
Dry sherry adds a nutty, faintly oxidised flavour that nothing else in the cupboard has, plus mild tartness and liquid volume. Every swap below can cover the tartness and the liquid; none of them tastes of sherry, so choose on what the dish needs and expect the flavour to shift.
- Best for —
- Most recipes, when you want similar wine
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Acidsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of dry sherry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry white wineMost recipes, when you want similar wine | Same amount |
| 2 | Dry vermouthWhen you want fortified wine | Same amount |
| 3 | White wine vinegar + waterWhen you need acidity | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water |
| 4 | Apple cider vinegar + waterWhen you want fruity acidity | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water |
| 5 | Chicken broth + white wine vinegarWhen you want umami and acidity | ¾ cup broth + ¼ cup vinegar |
Dry white wine
Similar acidity and depth
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- Most recipes, when you want similar wine
Use the same amount as dry sherry.
Dry vermouth
Fortified wine with similar characteristics
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want fortified wine
Use the same amount as dry sherry.
White wine vinegar + water
Acidic alternative
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you need acidity
Mix white wine vinegar with water.
Apple cider vinegar + water
Fruity acidic alternative
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want fruity acidity
Mix apple cider vinegar with water.
Chicken broth + white wine vinegar
Umami with acidity
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want umami and acidity
Mix chicken broth with white wine vinegar.
Questions
2 questionsWhat type of sherry should I use for cooking?
Dry sherry (like fino or manzanilla) is best for most cooking applications, while sweet sherry works well in desserts.
Can I use cooking sherry?
Cooking sherry often contains salt and preservatives. It\
Tips for substituting dry sherry
3 tips- Dry sherry is a fortified wine with a distinctive flavor
- It adds depth and complexity to sauces and soups
- There are different types of sherry - dry and sweet