Fino Sherry substitutes
The closest substitute for Fino Sherry is Amontillado Sherry, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Nuttier and richer. Dry Vermouth also works.
What to use instead of Fino Sherry
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Amontillado SherryWorks, tastes different Nuttier and richer. Same amount | Same amount | 16–22% ABV | +2 points |
Dry VermouthWorks, tastes different Same amount | Same amount | 15–18% ABV | +2 points |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Fino Sherry, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
How they compare
| Property | Fino Sherry | Amontillado Sherry |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 15–17% ABV | 16–22% ABV |
| Taste | Bone dry, Almond, Salt, Tangy | Nutty, Dry, Caramel, Complex |
| Aroma | Almonds, Bread, Saline, Yeast | Hazelnut, Caramel, Orange peel, Tobacco |
| Finish | Dry, Saline, Clean | Long, Nutty, Dry |
| Property | Fino Sherry | Dry Vermouth |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 15–17% ABV | 15–18% ABV |
| Taste | Bone dry, Almond, Salt, Tangy | Dry, Herbal, Citrus zest, Subtle bitterness |
| Aroma | Almonds, Bread, Saline, Yeast | Herbs, Citrus, Chamomile, Light floral |
| Finish | Dry, Saline, Clean | Dry, Clean, Delicate herbal |
Already have one of these?
If you have Tio Pepe, La Gitana Manzanilla or Lustau Puerto Fino, you don't need a substitute: they are all Fino Sherry. How they differ
What is Fino Sherry?
Fino is the driest, palest style of sherry, aged under flor (a layer of yeast) that protects it from oxidation. Excellent in cocktails for saline, nutty notes.
Got Fino Sherry? It also replaces
Questions about Fino Sherry substitutes
What is the best substitute for Fino Sherry?
Amontillado Sherry is the closest substitute for Fino Sherry, though the drink will taste a little different. Nuttier and richer. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Fino Sherry in an Adonis?
Amontillado Sherry: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Fino Sherry for 45ml (1½ oz) of Amontillado Sherry. It ends up about 14% ABV instead of about 12%.
Which Fino Sherry brands can I use?
If you have Tio Pepe, La Gitana Manzanilla or Lustau Puerto Fino, you don't need a substitute: they are all Fino Sherry. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Amontillado Sherry instead of Fino Sherry change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Adonis, which goes from about 12% to about 14% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More fortified wine substitutes
Out of Fino Sherry?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.