Port Wine substitutes
The closest substitute for Port Wine is Oloroso Sherry, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Drier and nuttier. In a pinch, use Sweet Vermouth.
What to use instead of Port Wine
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Oloroso SherryWorks, tastes different Drier and nuttier. Same amount | Same amount | 17–22% ABV | About the same |
Sweet VermouthLast resort Lighter and more herbal. 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 Port Wine, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Devil's Cocktail
60ml (2 oz) Port Wine → 60ml (2 oz) Oloroso Sherry
Same strength
- Porto Flip
45ml (1½ oz) Port Wine → 45ml (1½ oz) Oloroso Sherry
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Port Wine | Oloroso Sherry |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 19–22% ABV | 17–22% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet, Berry, Chocolate, Rich | Rich, Walnut, Raisin, Complex |
| Aroma | Dark fruit, Chocolate, Spice, Sweet | Walnut, Dried fruit, Tobacco, Leather |
| Finish | Long, Sweet, Warming | Long, Dry, Nutty, Warming |
Already have one of these?
If you have Taylor's Fine Ruby, Graham's Six Grapes or Sandeman Tawny 10 Year, you don't need a substitute: they are all Port Wine. How they differ
What is Port Wine?
Port is a Portuguese fortified wine from the Douro Valley, known for rich, sweet character. Ruby and tawny styles are used in cocktails and as dessert wines.
Questions about Port Wine substitutes
What is the best substitute for Port Wine?
Oloroso Sherry is the closest substitute for Port Wine, though the drink will taste a little different. Drier and nuttier. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Port Wine in a Porto Flip?
Oloroso Sherry: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Port Wine for 45ml (1½ oz) of Oloroso Sherry.
Which Port Wine brands can I use?
If you have Taylor's Fine Ruby, Graham's Six Grapes or Sandeman Tawny 10 Year, you don't need a substitute: they are all Port Wine. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Oloroso Sherry instead of Port Wine change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 2 drinks on this page that use Port Wine, Oloroso Sherry changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More fortified wine substitutes
Out of Port Wine?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.