Substitute for Sherry: 8 Smart Options
The best substitute for sherry is White Wine at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. There are 7 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
White Wine
Same amount (1:1)
White Wine is a workable stand-in for sherry. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
What are the other substitutes for sherry?
Apple Juice
Same amount (1:1)
Apple Juice is a workable stand-in for sherry. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Brandy
Use 75%
You can use Brandy in place of sherry when needed. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than sherry, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in sauces. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Dry Sherry
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Dry Sherry in place of sherry when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It still gives the dish useful savory depth. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Red Wine
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Red Wine in place of sherry when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Rice Wine
Same amount (1:1)
Rice Wine is a workable stand-in for sherry. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Sake
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Sake in place of sherry when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It still gives the dish useful savory depth.
Sherry Vinegar
Use 50%
Sherry Vinegar is a workable stand-in for sherry. Use 50% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than sherry, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference.
What should you know before substituting sherry?
White Wine is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to sherry in everyday cooking. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Think about what the original contributes, acidity, sweetness, aroma, or depth, before choosing a replacement.
How do you substitute sherry in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for sherry and you need an alternative, there are 8 tested substitutes available. White Wine is the best overall replacement, used at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. The right substitute depends on the role sherry plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for sherry depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is White Wine (Same amount (1:1)), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Apple Juice (Same amount (1:1)) is another reliable choice. Apple Juice is a workable stand-in for sherry. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
When substituting sherry, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Sherry?
White Wine is the best place to start for sherry. Use a 1:1 swap and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Sherry?
This page lists 8 substitutes for sherry. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.