Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine from the Jerez region of Spain, produced in styles ranging from bone-dry and delicate fino to rich, nutty, dark oloroso. Its character varies enormously by style, from light and saline to deep and raisiny. In cocktails it adds complexity and lower-proof depth as a modifier rather than a base spirit.
Common uses
- modifier in stirred cocktails wanting savory or nutty depth
- lower-alcohol base for sherry cobblers
Buying & storage
A few days: A fortified wine, and the lighter styles oxidise fastest — a fino is effectively a white wine once opened.
Buying: check whether a recipe wants a dry fino/manzanilla or a richer oloroso/cream style before buying, as they behave very differently
Storage: refrigerate after opening and use within a few weeks, as it is wine-based and oxidizes
In depth
Understanding sherry
How it is made, where it comes from, what it pairs with, and how it behaves in an alcohol-free drink.
Origin
A fortified wine produced in the Jerez region of Andalusia, Spain, under Denominación de Origen rules.
Before it goes
Use up sherry
Ranked by how much of it each drink uses and how little else it needs — the ones at the top will not send you back to the shop.
- Sherry Cobbler
Uses 90ml. Also needs simple syrup, orange wheel, quartered.
- Bamboo Cocktail
Uses 45ml. Also needs dry vermouth, orange bitters.
- Fog Cutter
Uses 15ml. Also needs gin, white rum, brandy or cognac, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, orgeat syrup.
Recipes
Cocktails containing this ingredient
Swap it
Possible substitutions
Explore