Sherry is one of the most versatile and overlooked spirits in the world of cocktails. Often associated with traditional sipping or serving as an aperitif, sherry can transform cocktails, adding depth, complexity, and a unique flair. Its dry styles, in particular, are a fantastic addition to both classic and modern cocktails. Dry sherries, such as Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso, offer a wide range of flavors, from crisp and fresh to nutty and rich, making them ideal ingredients for mixing.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best dry sherries for cocktails, delving into their distinct qualities and how they can elevate your favorite drinks.
What is Dry Sherry?
Before diving into specific bottles, it’s important to understand what dry sherry is. Sherry is a fortified wine from the Jerez region in southern Spain. The dry varieties of sherry are known for their lack of sweetness, with a flavor profile that ranges from light and crisp to rich and nutty. The key types of dry sherry are:
Fino: A pale, dry, and crisp sherry.
Manzanilla: Similar to Fino but with a slightly salty, seaside character.
Amontillado: A darker, nuttier sherry with a rich, medium body.
Oloroso: A deep, rich, and full-bodied sherry with notes of nuts, caramel, and dried fruit.
The dry sherries tend to be served chilled and are an excellent base for a variety of cocktails.
1. La Gitana Manzanilla
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
La Gitana Manzanilla is one of the finest examples of Manzanilla sherry. It comes from the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where the cooler, more humid climate gives it a distinctive salty tang. This saltiness, paired with a crisp and dry profile, makes it an ideal component in cocktails that call for a delicate, saline note.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Sherry Cobbler: The combination of citrus, sweetener, and a hint of spice with La Gitana Manzanilla results in a refreshing cocktail that showcases the sherry’s finesse.
Salted Paloma: Using La Gitana as a base, the briny edge complements the grapefruit’s sharpness and the salt rim, creating a balanced drink.
2. Tio Pepe Fino
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
Tio Pepe is perhaps the most well-known brand of Fino sherry. It is light, dry, and has a vibrant character with a crisp, refreshing taste. Tio Pepe is a favorite for bartenders, as its clean and zesty profile allows it to mix well without overpowering other ingredients. This makes it ideal for cocktails that require a subtle but complex background flavor.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Fino Sour: A variation of the classic whiskey sour, substituting Fino for whiskey, which brings a sharper, dryer flavor to the drink.
Tio Tonic: A simple yet stunning cocktail made with Tio Pepe, tonic water, and a slice of lime, showcasing the sherry’s refreshing qualities.
3. Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
Lustau’s Amontillado Los Arcos is a medium-bodied sherry with a perfect balance of richness and dryness. It has a nutty, almost toasty flavor with hints of dried fruit, making it a great base for more complex cocktails. The depth and structure of this Amontillado shine through in both stirred and shaken drinks.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Sherry Manhattan: The nutty flavors of the Amontillado Los Arcos complement the sweetness of vermouth, creating a sherry-forward version of the classic Manhattan.
Amontillado Negroni: Replacing gin with Amontillado in a Negroni creates a richer, earthier version of the cocktail that retains its bitter profile.
4. Fernando de Castilla Antique Oloroso
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
Fernando de Castilla Antique Oloroso is a stunning example of Oloroso sherry. This style is rich, complex, and full-bodied, with notes of caramel, nuts, and dried fruits. The depth of this sherry makes it ideal for cocktails that benefit from its bold flavors and robust texture. It can stand up to stronger mixers and bold flavors.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Oloroso Old Fashioned: A twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, replacing bourbon with Oloroso to add a rich, nutty depth to the drink.
Sherry Flip: A rich and creamy cocktail made with Oloroso, egg, and sugar, offering a luxurious, dessert-like quality.
5. Bodegas Hidalgo La Panesa Manzanilla
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
Another Manzanilla worth noting is Bodegas Hidalgo La Panesa, which is known for its deep, complex flavors. This sherry is a little more robust than other Manzanillas, with a savory edge that works particularly well in cocktails that require a balance between dry and salty elements.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Manzanilla Martini: A dry martini made with La Panesa creates a savory, complex alternative to the traditional gin or vodka martini.
Sea Breeze with Manzanilla: The saltiness of La Panesa pairs beautifully with cranberry and grapefruit juice in a twist on the Sea Breeze.
6. Vina AB Amontillado
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
Vina AB Amontillado is an outstanding example of Amontillado sherry that delivers elegance and complexity. It offers delicate aromas of almonds, hazelnuts, and a subtle oxidation flavor that makes it unique. This style’s dry nature and nutty qualities provide a sophisticated edge to cocktails, especially those that use nutty or herbal flavors.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Amontillado Sour: The Amontillado’s nuttiness is a perfect complement to the sharpness of lemon and sweetness of sugar, creating a balanced and nuanced sour.
Nutty Sherry Highball: Pair it with soda water and a dash of bitters for a simple, refreshing highball that highlights the sherry’s complexity.
7. Sandeman Apítano Fino
Why it’s Great for Cocktails
Sandeman is a prestigious name in the sherry world, and the Apítano Fino is a wonderful example of what this brand has to offer. It is a dry, crisp, and clean sherry that offers a smooth mouthfeel and refreshing minerality. The bright acidity and delicate floral notes make it a fantastic mixer for light, citrus-based cocktails.
Cocktail Pairing Suggestions:
Fino & Ginger: A simple yet effective cocktail that combines the freshness of Fino with spicy ginger beer. It’s refreshing and vibrant, perfect for warm weather.
Fino Collins: A twist on the Tom Collins, where Fino sherry replaces gin, providing a lighter, more herbal version of the drink.
How to Use Dry Sherry in Cocktails
Dry sherries are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in cocktails. Here are a few tips for using dry sherry:
As a base spirit: Dry sherries, especially Fino and Amontillado, make excellent base spirits for cocktails that traditionally call for gin, whiskey, or rum.
In classic cocktails: Many classic cocktails, such as the Sherry Cobbler, can be made with dry sherry as the base, enhancing the complexity of the drink.
As a modifier: Dry sherry can also be used to modify other spirits, adding layers of flavor. For example, a small amount of Oloroso can enrich a whiskey cocktail with nutty notes.
For balance and complexity: Dry sherry can help balance cocktails with sharp or sweet ingredients, adding depth without overpowering the drink.
Conclusion
Dry sherry is a true gem in the world of cocktails, offering a wide range of flavors from crisp and saline to rich and nutty. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing and light cocktail or something more complex and robust, dry sherry is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any drink. The seven sherries discussed here—La Gitana Manzanilla, Tio Pepe Fino, Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos, Fernando de Castilla Antique Oloroso, Bodegas Hidalgo La Panesa Manzanilla, Vina AB Amontillado, and Sandeman Apítano Fino—are some of the best choices for mixing cocktails, each bringing its own unique qualities to the table.
So, the next time you’re looking to shake things up, reach for a bottle of dry sherry. It may just be the missing ingredient that takes your cocktail game to the next level!
Related topics:
- How Many Calories in a Glass of Sherry?
- How Many Calories in a Bottle of Sherry?
- How Many Calories in a Small Glass of Sherry?
