Cooking sherry is an alcoholic beverage that is made from wine that has been flavored and preserved with salt and other additives. It is designed for use as an ingredient in food preparation, but some people do drink it on its own. There are several reasons why someone may choose to drink cooking sherry rather than wine or other alcoholic beverages:
It’s inexpensive
Cooking sherry is very affordable, often costing just a few dollars for a bottle. For people on a tight budget who want an alcoholic drink, cooking sherry can provide that experience at a lower cost than wine or liquor. The low price makes it easy to obtain and consume regularly.
It’s convenient
Since cooking sherry is sold alongside other cooking ingredients in the grocery store, it can be picked up conveniently during routine shopping. There’s no need to make a special trip to the liquor store. The ease of grabbing a bottle while grocery shopping makes drinking cooking sherry simpler.
It’s accessible
Unlike liquor, cooking sherry can be purchased by anyone age 18 and over in most regions. The legal drinking age for hard liquor in the U.S. is 21. So for some, drinking cooking sherry may be one of the only legal options for obtaining alcohol.
It’s flavored
The added flavors and salts used in cooking sherry can make it more palatable and interesting to drink straight than a dry wine. The flavors add variety and novelty that some find appealing.
Popularity among Certain Groups
While many people view drinking cooking sherry as unusual, it is common in certain demographics. Some groups known to regularly drink cooking sherry include:
College students
College students often have limited budgets and look for cheap ways to drink alcohol. Cooking sherry provides an affordable option. The youth may also be drawn to it for the novelty and flavors.
Elderly individuals
Older people may rely on cooking sherry for alcohol if they have mobility issues that prevent them from going out to purchase regular liquor. The convenience of cooking sherry makes it a viable choice.
People with alcohol addiction
For those with severe alcoholism, cooking sherry can feed their addiction when other sources of alcohol are not available. Its low cost and accessibility at grocery stores makes it an easy way to get alcohol quickly.
Underage drinkers
One survey found that 10% of underage drinkers have consumed cooking sherry since it is easier to obtain than regulated liquor. The legal loophole allows teens to drink without proper ID.
| Group | Reasons for Drinking Cooking Sherry |
|---|---|
| College Students | Cheap, novelty/flavors |
| Elderly | Convenience and accessibility |
| Alcoholics | Cheap and easy to obtain |
| Underage Drinkers | Easy to obtain without ID |
Health Concerns
While some people mistakenly believe cooking sherry is safe to drink, there are in fact several health risks associated with consuming it regularly:
High sodium content
Cooking sherry contains very high amounts of sodium, with some brands providing up to 10% of the recommended daily sodium per serving. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure and heart disease risk.
Adverse reactions
The preservatives and flavorings in cooking sherry can cause nausea, vomiting, headache or other adverse reactions when consumed straight, especially in large quantities. These additives are meant for cooking, not drinking.
Safety standards
Since it’s viewed as a cooking ingredient, cooking sherry is not held to the same safety and production standards as wine and liquor. Consuming it regularly could expose people to contaminants, preservatives or low quality ingredients.
Alcohol abuse
Because of its low cost and widespread availability, cooking sherry can easily enable alcohol abuse and addiction. People can quickly become dependent on it.
| Health Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| High Sodium | Excessive sodium intake from high amounts in cooking sherry |
| Adverse Reactions | Nausea, vomiting, headache from preservatives and flavors |
| Safety Standards | Not held to same standards as wine/liquor when produced |
| Alcohol Abuse | Cheap, accessible nature promotes alcohol abuse |
Safer Alternatives
For those looking for an inexpensive alcoholic drink, there are safer alternatives than cooking sherry:
Cheap wine
Low-cost bottles of traditional wine offer a similar drinking experience without high sodium and questionable additives. Options like boxed wine provide economy.
Beer and malt beverages
Cheap beers, ciders and malt coolers have more quality control than cooking sherry. They offer a safer way to drink affordably.
Liquor mixers
Making mixed drinks with a small amount of liquor mixed with juice or soda can provide an affordable way to drink safely. Mixers stretch the liquor.
Non-alcoholic beverages
To avoid health risks, switching to non-alcoholic drinks is the safest option. Seltzer, juices, soda and mocktails allow the enjoyment of a drink without alcohol.
Conclusion
Cooking sherry is sometimes drank due to its low cost, novelty and accessibility. However, it poses several health risks like high sodium, poor quality standards, and enabling addiction. Safer alternatives for inexpensive drinking include cheap regular wine, beer, liquor mixers and non-alcoholic beverages. Moderation and safety should be the priorities when consuming alcohol on a budget.