When it comes to cooking, there are many different types of vinegar that can be used as a substitute for sherry vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, and rice vinegar are all good substitutes, and each has its own unique flavor that can enhance the taste of your food.

Jump to:
- What Is Sherry Vinegar?
- 1. Balsamic Vinegar
- 2. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3. Rice Vinegar
- 4. Brown Rice Vinegar
- 5. Red Wine Vinegar
- 6. White Wine Vinegar
- 7. Champagne Vinegar
- 8. Coconut Vinegar
- 9. Distilled White Vinegar
- 10. Fruit Vinegar
- 11. Herbal Vinegar
- 12. Malt Vinegar
- 13. White Balsamic Vinegar
- 15. Sherry Wine
- People Also Ask [FAQs]
- Wrap Up: Sherry Vinegar Substitute
- Recipe
What Is Sherry Vinegar?
Sherry vinegar is a type of vinegar made from sherry wine. It has a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for adding complexity to sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.
When shopping for sherry vinegar, look for a bottle that is labeled “Aged” or “Vieux”—this indicates that the vinegar has been aged for at least six months, resulting in a deeper flavor.
If you can't find sherry vinegar, you can substitute red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Just keep in mind that these substitutes will have a different flavor profile, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your recipe accordingly. We have compiled a list of the best 15 sherry vinegar substitutes you can use in your recipes.
1. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, syrupy vinegar that originates from Modena, Italy. Unlike other types of vinegar, balsamic vinegar is made from grapes that have been crushed and aged for several years in wooden barrels.
This aging process gives balsamic vinegar its distinct flavor, which is both sweet and tart. Balsamic vinegar also has a thicker consistency than other vinegar, making it ideal for drizzling over salads and cooked vegetables.
If you're looking for a sherry vinegar substitute, balsamic vinegar is a good option. Here are some tips for using balsamic vinegar:
- Add a few drops of olive oil to make a simple dressing for salads;
- Drizzle them over cooked vegetables such as roasted potatoes or sautéed greens;
- Use as a marinade for meat or poultry;
- Make a reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it's thick and syrupy. Serve over ice cream or fresh fruit.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular pantry staple that can be used in a variety of ways, from adding acidity to cooked dishes to using it as a natural cleaning agent. But did you know that apple cider vinegar can also be used as a substitute for sherry vinegar? Here are some reasons why:
- Apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweeter taste than sherry vinegar, making it a good option for adding sweetness to savory dishes;
- Apple cider vinegar is thinner than sherry vinegar, so it can be used to create a lighter-bodied dish;
- When substituting apple cider vinegar for sherry vinegar, use the same amount of vinegar called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that apple cider vinegar is less acidic than sherry vinegar, so you may need to add a little extra acidity to balance out the flavors in your dish.

3. Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, and it's also a great substitute for sherry vinegar. It has a similar taste and texture to sherry vinegar, but it's lower in acidity.
This makes it a good choice for dishes that need a little bit of acidity, but not too much. Rice wine vinegar is also a good choice for dishes that are being made ahead of time, as it won't become bitter like sherry vinegar can.
To substitute rice vinegar for sherry vinegar, use the following measurements:
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar = 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar;
- When substituting rice wine vinegar for sherry wine vinegar in a recipe, you may need to adjust the other ingredients to compensate for the difference in acidity. If you're substituting rice wine vinegar for sherry wine vinegar in a marinade or dressing, add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity or you could use seasoned rice vinegar which is flavorful and sweeter than rice vinegar.
4. Brown Rice Vinegar
Brown rice vinegar is a great substitute for sherry vinegar. You can use brown rice vinegar in the same way that you would use sherry vinegar, but it is important to remember that it is more potent, so you may need to adjust the amount you use.
- Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you get the desired flavor;
- Use it in place of sherry vinegar in any recipe;
- Add it to salads, soups, or sauces for a flavorful boost;
- Drizzle it over cooked vegetables or meats;
- Make a simple dressing by mixing brown rice vinegar with olive oil and salt.
5. Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is a popular substitute for sherry vinegar, and it's easy to see why. It has a similar deep, rich flavor, and it can be used in the same way.
- Add it to marinades for meat or vegetables;
- Use it in salad dressings or to make vinaigrette;
- Drizzle it over cooked meats or vegetables;
- Add a splash to soup or stew to add depth of flavor.
Remember, red wine vinegar is quite strong, so start with a little and add more to the taste.

6. White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar can be used in many recipes that call for sherry vinegar, such as salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
- When substituting white wine vinegar for sherry vinegar, it is important to use the same amount of vinegar called for in the recipe;
- In addition, white wine vinegar can be used to add acidity to cooked dishes, such as soups and stews;
- Keep in mind that white wine vinegar is less acidic than sherry vinegar, so you may need to adjust the amount of other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.
7. Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar is a good substitute for sherry vinegar. It has a similar taste profile, with a slightly fruity flavor and an acidic kick.
- To substitute Champagne vinegar for sherry vinegar in a recipe, simply use an equal amount of Champagne vinegar;
- You may need to make some adjustments to the other ingredients in the recipe to account for the slightly different flavor of Champagne vinegar. For example, if you're using it in a salad dressing, you may want to add a bit more sugar or oil to balance out the acidity;
- When cooking with Champagne vinegar, keep in mind that it has a lower acidity than other types of vinegar, so it's best to use it at the end of the cooking process. Adding it at the end of cooking will help preserve its delicate flavor.
8. Coconut Vinegar
Coconut vinegar is made from the sap of coconut palm, and it has a slightly sweet, slightly acidic flavor. When used in cooking, it can add a touch of sweetness to dishes without making them too sugary. Coconut vinegar is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, so it can help to boost your immune system.
- To use coconut vinegar as a substitute for sherry vinegar, simply use the same amount of vinegar in your recipe;
- You can also use it to make salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. Just be sure to taste your dish before serving, as coconut vinegar can be quite strong;
- If you find that the flavor is too strong, you can dilute it with water or add more coconut milk to balance out the acidity.
Here are some tips for using coconut vinegar:
- Add it to soups and stews for a touch of sweetness and acidity;
- Use it in salad dressings or marinades for chicken or fish;
- Drizzle it over fresh fruit or vegetables as a healthy snack.
9. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for sherry vinegar. Here are some tips for using distilled white vinegar as a substitute for sherry vinegar:
- Use the same amount of vinegar as you would sherry vinegar;
- Add a bit of sugar or honey to taste, if desired;
- Use it in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces;
- Deglaze pan sauces with it;
- Use it to pickle vegetables or fruits.
10. Fruit Vinegar
Fruit vinegar is made from, you guessed it, fruit! This gives it a similar sweetness to sherry vinegar, but it also has a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Try substituting it in vinaigrettes, marinades, or sauces;
- You can also use it to deglaze a pan or add some acidity to a dish. Just remember to start with a little bit of vinegar and then add more to taste;
- Substitution measurement, 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar can be replaced with 2 tablespoons of fruit vinegar.
11. Herbal Vinegar
Herbal vinegar is a great substitute for sherry vinegar. Here are some tips for using herbal vinegar:
- Use it in place of sherry vinegar in any recipe;
- Add a splash to soups or stews for extra flavor;
- Use it to make a vinaigrette or marinade;
- Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or grilled meats;
- Add it to homemade pickles or relishes.
12. Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made by fermenting malt syrup or beer. It has a dark brown color and a strong, slightly sweet flavor. Malt vinegar is a good substitute for sherry vinegar because it has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same way.
- To add flavor to food, use it as a marinade or dressing;
- To clean surfaces, Dilute it with water and use it as a natural cleaning solution;
- To remove stains, soak the affected area in malt vinegar for 30 minutes before washing as normal;
- Malt vinegar can be used in place of sherry vinegar in any recipe;
- When substituting, use an equal amount of malt vinegar for sherry vinegar.

13. White Balsamic Vinegar
White balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from white grapes. It has a delicately sweet flavor with a slightly acidic taste.
- Use it in salad dressings or as a marinade for chicken or fish;
- Add it to sauces or soups to add depth of flavor;
- Dip fresh bread in olive oil and white balsamic vinegar;
- Drizzle it over fresh fruit or grilled vegetables.
15. Sherry Wine
Sherry wine is a type of fortified wine that is made in the province of Jerez de la Frontera region of Spain. It is made from white grapes that are grown in this region and have high alcohol content.
Sherry vinegar is made from red grapes, so it has a slightly different taste. However, sherry wine can be used in the same way as sherry vinegar.
- When cooking with sherry wine, use less than you would use of sherry vinegar. This is because sherry wine is more potent than sherry vinegar;
- Sherry wine can be used in salad dressings and marinades;
- You can also use sherry wine to deglaze a pan or to make a sauce;
- Sherry wine can also be used in place of red wine in recipes.

People Also Ask [FAQs]
The best substitute for sherry vinegar in gazpacho is red wine because it has a similar acidity and sweetness.
The best non-alcoholic substitute for sherry vinegar is apple cider vinegar. This is because apple cider has a similar tart and acidic taste as sherry vinegar, without the alcohol content.
Wrap Up: Sherry Vinegar Substitute
- Sherry vinegar is a type of vinegar made from sherry wine. It has a strong, slightly sweet flavor and can be used in the same way as other types of vinegar.
- There are many sherry vinegar substitutes, depending on what you need them for.
- For cooking, distilled white vinegar, malt vinegar, or white balsamic vinegar can be used.
- If you want something sweeter, try fruit vinegar or herbal vinegar.
- Sherry wine can also be used in place of sherry vinegar, but it is more potent so use less. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which substitute will work best in your recipe.
- You can also make your own sherry vinegar at home by fermenting sherry wine with just a few simple ingredients, and by following the recipe in this article.
Recipe
How To Make Sherry Vinegar
Ingredients
- 2 cups Sherry dry sherry
- 1 cup Water distilled water
- 1 each Vinegar Mother
Instructions
- To make sherry vinegar, you'll need to start with a good quality sherry wine. Choose a dry sherry for the best results.
- You'll also need a vinegar mother, which you can find at a specialty retailer or online.
- To get started, combine sherry with distilled water in a clean glass jar.
- Add the vinegar mother and screw on the lid tightly.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks, checking on it occasionally to make sure the mother is still submerged.
- After 6-8 weeks, strain the vinegar into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
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