How to Make a Sherry Cocktail: Sherry Spritz Recipe

Sherry is a fortified wine produced in the southwest of Spain that’s made from the Palomino, Muscat, or Pedro Ximénez grape. Like vermouth, it’s fortified with brandy and typically clocks in at around 15 to 18 percent alcohol by volume, or ABV. Fino falls on the bone-dry side of the sherry spectrum, exhibiting a salty, nutty, and vegetal quality reminiscent of green olives.

The spritz is a delightful pre-dinner apéritif that layers subtle flavors without being too serious or heavy—often pairing refreshing elements like rhubarb, grapefruit, lemon peel, or an orange slice with bittersweet, botanical liqueurs softened by a splash of soda.

This Sherry cocktail recipe takes inspiration from the traditional Spanish Gin and Tonic (wherein aromatics are inserted directly into a wine glass, along with gin, tonic, and ice). Other dry sherries, like Oloroso sherry, Amontillado sherry, or Manzanilla sherry can be used as an alternative to Fino, but bear in mind that they’ll make for a heavier, nuttier spritz.