Dry sherry is a type of fortified wine that is produced in the Jerez region of southern Spain. It is made from white grapes that are grown in the region, and it is fortified with brandy or grape spirit to increase its alcohol content.
Dry sherry is produced using the solera system, which is a method of blending and aging different vintages of sherry in a series of barrels. This process creates a consistent flavor profile that is unique to each producer.
Dry sherry is characterized by its pale straw color, and it has a dry, nutty, and slightly saline flavor profile. It is typically served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or paired with food, such as seafood, cured meats, or cheese.
In cocktails, dry sherry is often used as a substitute for vermouth, adding a distinct nutty flavor and depth to the drink. The Adonis cocktail, for example, is a classic cocktail that is made with equal parts sweet vermouth and dry sherry.
What Can Dry Sherry Wine be Mixed With?
- Soda water or tonic water: A simple way to enjoy dry sherry is to mix it with soda water or tonic water for a refreshing and low-alcohol drink.
- Fruit juices: Sherry can be mixed with a variety of fruit juices such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice to create a fruity and refreshing cocktail.
- Vermouth: Sherry and vermouth can be mixed together to create a tasty aperitif known as a Bamboo cocktail.
- Bitters: Adding a few dashes of bitters to sherry can create a complex and flavorful drink.
- Sparkling wine: Dry sherry can be mixed with sparkling wine to create a festive and bubbly drink.
- Brandy or cognac: Sherry can be mixed with brandy or cognac to create a fortified wine that is perfect for sipping after a meal.
- Broth or stock: Sherry can be added to broth or stock to add depth of flavor to soups and stews.
- Soy sauce: Sherry can be mixed with soy sauce to create a flavorful marinade for meats and vegetables.
- Vinegar: Sherry vinegar is a common ingredient in many dishes, and adding a splash of dry sherry can enhance the flavor of dishes that call for vinegar.
- Olive oil: Sherry can be mixed with olive oil to create a flavorful vinaigrette for salads.
Dry Sherry Wine Cocktails Recipes
- Sherry Cobbler: In a shaker, mix 2 oz dry sherry, 1 oz simple syrup, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and crushed ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with more crushed ice. Garnish with seasonal fruit.
- Bamboo Cocktail: In a mixing glass, stir 2 oz dry sherry, 2 oz dry vermouth, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Adonis Cocktail: In a mixing glass, stir 1.5 oz dry sherry, 1.5 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.
- Sherry Flip: In a shaker, mix 2 oz dry sherry, 1 oz heavy cream, 1 tsp powdered sugar, and 1 egg yolk. Shake well and strain into a small glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
- Tuxedo Cocktail: In a mixing glass, stir 1.5 oz dry gin, 1.5 oz dry sherry, 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist and a cherry.
- Andalusian Buck: In a shaker, mix 1.5 oz dry sherry, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz ginger syrup, and ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wheel.
- The Strider: In a mixing glass, stir 1.5 oz dry sherry, 1 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz amontillado sherry, and 1/2 oz honey syrup. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.
- Almond Sour: In a shaker, mix 1.5 oz dry sherry, 1 oz orgeat syrup, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Vina del Mar: In a mixing glass, stir 2 oz dry sherry, 1 oz pineapple juice, 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
- Oloroso Sour: In a shaker, mix 1.5 oz oloroso sherry, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, 1/4 oz Cointreau, and ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- Sherry Manhattan: In a mixing glass, stir 2 oz dry sherry, 1 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.
- Tiojito: In a shaker, muddle 1/2 lime cut into wedges with 1/2 oz simple syrup. Add 2 oz dry sherry, ice, and shake well. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with mint sprigs.
- Ruby Cocktail: In a mixing glass, stir 1.5 oz dry sherry, 3/4 oz raspberry syrup, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- La Rosita: In a mixing glass, stir 1.5 oz reposado tequila, 1 oz dry sherry, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 dash of Angostura bitters. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
- Sherry Negroni: In a mixing glass, stir 1 oz gin, 1 oz dry sherry, 1 oz Campari, and ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.
About Dry Sherry Wine
Origin:
Dry sherry wine is produced in the “sherry triangle” of Spain, which includes the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María. The wine has been produced in this region for over 3,000 years, and its production is regulated by the Consejo Regulador, a governing body that ensures the wine’s quality and authenticity.
Ingredients:
Dry sherry wine is made from the Palomino grape variety, which is grown in the sherry triangle region. The wine is fortified with brandy, which is added during the fermentation process to increase the alcohol content and stabilize the wine.
Flavor and Proof:
Dry sherry wine has a unique flavor that is influenced by the aging process and the type of sherry. Fino sherry is pale, dry, and has a nutty flavor, while Oloroso sherry is darker, richer, and has a nutty and caramel-like flavor. The proof of dry sherry wine varies depending on the type of sherry, but it typically ranges from 15% to 20% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Usage and Serving:
Dry sherry wine is typically served as an aperitif or digestif, and it pairs well with a variety of foods, including tapas, seafood, and desserts. It can also be used in cocktails and as a cooking ingredient in sauces and marinades.
Sherry is traditionally served in Spain, where it is produced, in small glasses called “copas” or “catavinos”. In Spain, sherry is often enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal or as a digestif after a meal. It is also commonly paired with tapas and other small dishes.
When serving sherry, it’s important to chill it slightly, as it’s generally served at a cooler temperature than other wines. The type of sherry being served will also affect how it’s served and enjoyed. For example, fino and manzanilla sherry are often served chilled and consumed as an aperitif, while richer and sweeter styles of sherry like oloroso and Pedro Ximenez are often served at room temperature and enjoyed as a dessert wine or digestif.
Production and Manufacturers:
Dry sherry wine is produced by a number of wineries in the sherry triangle region, including Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, Bodegas Lustau, and Bodegas Tradición. The production process involves aging the wine in a series of barrels called “soleras”, which is a complex process that can take several years.
Variations:
There are several types of dry sherry wine, including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado. Each type has a distinct flavor and aging process, which contributes to its unique character. Additionally, some wineries produce special blends or limited-edition bottlings of dry sherry wine.