12 Substitutes for Marsala Wine

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If you’ve ever tried making a recipe like veal marsala or savory chicken marsala, you know that marsala wine is one of the main ingredients. But what happens if you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you need a marsala wine substitute?

If you’re out of marsala wine, there are plenty of great substitutes that can step in and save your recipes. Here’s a guide to finding the best marsala wine substitute, whether you’re looking for an alcoholic swap or a non-alcoholic alternative.

Alcoholic Marsala Wine Substitute

1. Dry Sherry

Dry sherry is one of the best marsala wine substitutes. It has a similar nutty flavor and works well in savory dishes. Cooking sherry from your local grocery store can also be a good alternative, but if you have dry sherry on hand, it’s the better choice because of its richer flavor.

2. Madeira Wine

Madeira wine is another excellent substitute. Its taste is really similar to marsala, and it’s perfect for adding that unique flavor to your dishes. It also has a higher alcohol content, similar to marsala, which makes it a suitable stand-in for both dry and sweet marsala wine.

3. Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth can be a great substitute, especially for recipes that call for sweet marsala wine. Its sweet nuttiness can complement savory dishes like marsala sauce or sautéed mushrooms.

4. Dry White Wine

Dry white wine, like a sauvignon blanc or a chardonnay, can also be used. Adding a little bit of sugar can help mimic the sweetness of Marsala. If you’re looking for a well-balanced tanginess, a cup of dry white wine combined with a teaspoon of brown sugar can be a good substitute.

5. Port Wine

Port wine, especially the ruby or tawny varieties, can also work as a marsala substitute. It’s sweeter and heavier, making it suitable for sweeter dishes or when you need an extra oomph of flavor.

6. Red Wine

Medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or a red blend can work in a pinch. These wines will add depth and complexity to your savory recipes. Heavy cabernet sauvignons might be too overpowering, so stick to more balanced reds.

7. Sweet Sherry

Sweet sherry, which is sweeter than dry sherry, can also be a good alternative for recipes requiring sweet marsala wine. It’s readily available in most liquor stores and grocery stores.

Non-Alcoholic Marsala Wine Substitutes

1. Fruit Juices

Fruit juices like white grape juice or red grape juice can be a suitable stand-in. For a cup of marsala wine, try using a cup of white grape juice with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This mix can replicate the acidity and sweetness of marsala. Cranberry juice can also be used, but it will introduce a slightly different flavor.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, combined with a little brown sugar, can mimic the tangy sweetness of marsala wine. Use this in a 1:1 ratio but dilute it slightly with water to reduce its sharpness.

3. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is another great non-alcoholic alternative. Its rich, complex flavors and slight sweetness make it a good choice. Be careful with the amount because balsamic can be quite potent.

4. Sherry Vinegar

Sherry vinegar, especially when combined with a bit of fruit juice or sugar, can closely imitate the taste of marsala wine. It’s tangy and nutty, much like marsala, and works well in savory dishes.

5. Vanilla Extract and Water

A blend of vanilla extract and water can also be used as a marsala substitute. Use 1/4 cup of vanilla extract with 3/4 cup of water to replace a cup of marsala wine. This mixture works best in desserts or sweeter dishes due to the sweetness of the vanilla.

Making chicken marsala? Be sure to explore our favorite side dishes for chicken marsala too!

Choosing the Best Marsala Wine Substitute

When selecting a substitute for marsala wine, consider the overall flavor profile you’re aiming for in your dish. For savory recipes like veal marsala or chicken marsala sauce, dry sherry, Madeira wine, or dry white wine are excellent choices. For sweeter dishes, sweet vermouth, port wine, or sweet sherry work well.

For non-alcoholic alternatives, white grape juice with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar with brown sugar, or balsamic vinegar can provide similar depth of flavor. And don’t forget, you can always find a bottle of non-alcoholic marsala wine substitute at your local grocery store.

Quick Reference for Marsala Substitutes

• Best for Savory Dishes: Dry Sherry, Madeira Wine, Dry White Wine
• Best for Sweet Dishes: Sweet Vermouth, Port Wine, Sweet Sherry
• Non-Alcoholic Options: White Grape Juice with Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar

No matter the substitute you choose, remember to adjust the quantity to match the flavor intensity of marsala wine. With a little creativity, you can achieve delicious results and continue enjoying flavorful recipes without missing a beat.