The secret to low-alcohol cocktails that don’t sacrifice complexity? Sherry cocktails. Often relegated to an after-dinner beverage, the Spanish fortified wine is just as versatile as vermouth. Not all sherries are saccharinely sweet, and partially thanks to the low-ABV cocktail movement, sherry is making a comeback in the mixology scene. From classics like Adonis and Bamboo to lesser-known gems like the Latin Trifecta and William Wallace, sherry cocktails offer distinct flavor with varying alcohol levels.
Different Types of Sherry
Understanding the nuances of various types of sherry is key to making cocktails. Although all are from Spain, and most are made with the same Palamino grape, the difference in climate and process can make sherry vary from bone dry to cloyingly sweet.
Fino sherry is a dry fortified wine, an ideal swap for dry vermouth, with a delicate, saline flavor.
Manzanilla sherry is also dry, but it’s from a cooler climate, which lends bright notes to the fortified wine, a welcome addition to a low-proof Margarita variation.
A spicier take on sherry, Amontillado sherry is balanced with nuttiness and sweetness. It’s a delicious addition to tropical cocktails or paired with warm spices.
Oloroso sherry is a sweet, full-bodied fortified wine. Its dessert notes lend themselves well to nightcaps and creamy cocktails.
The sweetest sherry, Pedro Ximénez or “PX”, owes its sugar content to the dried grapes used in its creation. It’s best used in place of sweet vermouth or sweetener in cocktail recipes.
Sherry Cocktails to Try at Home
From classic cocktail recipes to modern low-ABV riffs, here are our favorite sherry cocktails.
1. Adonis
This easy-drinking sherry cocktail dates to the 1800s. Named after the musical of the same name, the cocktail is a mix of Fino sherry, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters for a celebration of flavors, reminiscent of a Manhattan without the high ABV.
2. Bamboo
One of Japan’s original cocktails, this mid-1800s riff on the Adonis is a low-alcohol cocktail recipe. Bamboo has all the complexity of a boozy libation with the same ABV as wine. It’s made with Fino sherry, dry vermouth, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
3. Sherry Cobbler
The Sherry Cobbler was first recorded in 1838 but was likely enjoyed before then. Credited with introducing the straw to the general public, this sherry cocktail is simply Amontillado sherry with muddled orange slices, sugar, and crushed ice.
4. Tuxedo
A riff on the Martini, the Tuxedo is a bone-dry sherry cocktail. Named after the exclusive community, Tuxedo Park outside of New York City, the recipe combines gin, Fino sherry, and orange bitters for a drink just as elegant as its namesake. This recipe is the original, Tuxedo No. 2 adds maraschino liqueur and an absinthe rinse.
5. Sherry Flip
A modern sherry cocktail inspired by the old flip recipes, the Sherry Flip is made with just three ingredients. The dry, nutty Oloroso sherry, the egg’s creaminess, and the simple syrup’s sweetness create a lighter alternative to eggnog.
6. Latin Trifecta
A blend of spirits from three different Romance-language-speaking countries come together in the Latin Trifecta. The Mexican tequila, Italian Cynar, and Spanish dry Oloroso sherry are balanced by orange bitters to create a savory, bittersweet cocktail.
7. Coronation Cocktail No. 1
This pre-Prohibition concoction is an under-the-radar, low-alcohol cocktail. Herbal dry vermouth and nutty Fino sherry combine with a few dashes of sweet and complex maraschino liqueur and zesty orange bitters.
8. William Wallace
This Scotch and sherry cocktail is a spirit-forward take on a Rob Roy. It’s sophisticated and complex with blended Scotch, sweet vermouth, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and orange bitters. Add a splash of water, if desired, for added dilution to achieve a low-ABV option.
9. Better Half
Instead of cutting out boozy cocktails, consider flipping the proportions for a low-proof option. The Better Half does that in a low-alcohol riff on the Martini made with Amontillado sherry, vodka, white wine, and Grand Marnier. It’s flavorful without being overpowering.
10. 50/50 Margarita
