In this post, we discuss if vermouth can be substituted for white wine in cooking.
What is vermouth?
Vermouth, a fortified wine imbued with a blend of botanicals such as roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs, and spices holds a prominent place in cocktail recipes. Nonetheless. Vermouth also thrives as an aperitif or digestif option. Two primary variations exist: the sweet vermilion hue and the dry pallid alternative.

Can Vermouth be Substituted for White Wine in Cooking?
Wine is a commonly used ingredient in various dishes to add flavor and acidity. However there may be instances where white wine is unavailable or not preferred for certain reasons. In such cases one might question whether vermouth can be used as a substitute for white wine in cooking. This article aims to explore this topic and provide insights on the matter.
Vermouth, a fortified wine with infused botanical flavors such as roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs, and spices comes in two main types: sweet (red) and dry (white).
While it is commonly utilized in cocktails. Vermouth can also serve as an ingredient in cooking. In fact vermouth can indeed substitute white wine when cooking.
As a fortified wine with higher alcohol content than regular wine vermouths elevated alcohol level aids in evaporating any unwanted flavors in the dish.
This process results in leaving behind a more concentrated and flavorful sauce.
When substituting vermouth for white wine while cooking. It is important to acknowledge that vermouth possesses its own distinct flavor profile. Dry vermouth boasts herbal and floral notes whereas sweet vermouth offers a caramel like taste.
To ensure successful substitution:
- For recipes that require dry white wine. Employ dry white vermouth. – For recipes that call for sweet white wine.
Utilize sweet white vermouth.
- Utilize the same quantity of vermouth as specified for white wine within the recipe.
- Keep in mind that due to its higher alcohol content compared to white wine.
You may wish to decrease the amount of other liquids present within the recipe. By adhering to these guidelines when subbing vermouth for white wine during cooking endeavors will help achieve desired outcomes while maintaining flavors within your culinary creations intact. Here are a few delightful recipes that you can enjoy using vermouth:
- Shrimp Scampi with Vermouth
- Chicken Marsala with Vermouth
- Mushroom Risotto with Vermouth
- Coq au Vin with Vermouth
To sum up vermouth serves as a suitable alternative to white wine in cooking. Its higher alcohol content aids in intensifying flavors in a dish. When swapping out white wine for vermouth its crucial to maintain the same quantity and consider the distinct taste profile of vermouth. By adhering to these suggestions you can enrich your favorite recipes with the enriching flavor and acidity of vermouth.
Here are some resources I recommend:
120 Alcoholic Drinks for Connoisseurs shows you over one hundred unique alcoholic drinks to make and show off to your friends and have a night you won’t forget.
Professional Bartender Kit is a must-have collection for anyone interested in bartending, mixology, or someone who loves to make drinks.
RUBY Decanter w/ Built-in Aerator is easily the best on the market that we recommend.
8oz Premium Flask for when you’re going out and don’t want to blow all your money on drinks.
Stainless Steel Cooling Stones for keeping your drinks cold and classy.
Bartending & Mixology Masterclass teaches you everything you need to know about mixing drinks and alcoholic beverages like a professional.