What it is and where it comes from
Wine, sherry, marsala, Shaoxing rice wine and other cooking wines are alcoholic drinks. Scholars of the four schools hold that what is forbidden to drink may not be added to food either. Cooking also leaves more alcohol than people think: US Department of Agriculture figures show about 40 percent left after 15 minutes of baking or simmering, and about 5 percent after two and a half hours.
Where you find it
Wine sauces and gravies, risotto, stews such as coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon, tiramisu, trifle, Chinese stir-fries and marinades.
What to look for on the label
Look for wine, sherry, marsala, port, brandy, Shaoxing or "cooking wine" in the ingredients. In restaurants, ask. Stock with a little vinegar or grape juice is a halal replacement.
This is a guide, not a fatwa. Recipes change, so check the label, look for halal certification, and ask your local imam where scholars differ.