Out of Apple cider, one case
Apple cider substitutes, case by case
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Apple juice
Same amount as the apple cider
The best substitutes for apple cider are apple juice, white wine, chicken broth, or a mixture of apple juice and vinegar. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these techniques for optimal results.
- Best for —
- baking
Why it works
Apple ciderApple cider is made from pressed apples and has a sweet, tangy flavor with natural acidity. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar flavor profiles and can be used in the same cooking applications. Each substitute offers different benefits depending on your specific needs and dietary requirements.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of apple cider |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple juicebaking | Same amount |
| 2 | White winemarinades | Same amount |
| 3 | Chicken brothsavory dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Apple juice + vinegarwhen you want apple flavor with tang | 3 parts apple juice to 1 part vinegar |
| 5 | Hard apple cidercooking | Same amount |
Apple juice
sweet · similar texture
Fresh apple juice provides similar flavor to apple cider but without the fermentation. Good for most cooking applications.
- Best for
- baking, sauces, marinades, when you want apple flavor
Use unsweetened apple juice for best results. Add a splash of vinegar for tanginess if needed.
White wine
dry · similar texture
Dry white wine provides acidity and depth similar to apple cider. Good for savory dishes and marinades.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, savory dishes, when you want acidity
Use dry white wine for best results. Avoid sweet wines as they may be too sweet.
Chicken broth
savory · similar texture
Chicken broth provides savory depth and moisture. Good substitute for cooking applications.
- Best for
- savory dishes, soups, stews, when you want savory flavor
Use low-sodium chicken broth for best results. Add a splash of vinegar for acidity if needed.
Apple juice + vinegar
tangy · similar texture
Mix apple juice with vinegar to recreate the tangy flavor of apple cider.
- Best for
- when you want apple flavor with tang, marinades, sauces
Mix 3 parts apple juice with 1 part vinegar. Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Hard apple cider
complex · similar texture
Alcoholic apple cider provides similar flavor with added complexity. Good for cooking applications.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, when alcohol is acceptable
Use dry hard apple cider for best results. The alcohol will cook off during cooking.
How apple cider compares
When substituting apple cider, consider the flavor profile and acidity you want. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to apple cider in various cooking applications.
Tips for substituting apple cider
5 tips- Apple cider adds sweet, tangy flavor to marinades, sauces, and baked goods
- Use unsweetened apple juice for best results when substituting
- Add a splash of vinegar to apple juice for tanginess
- Store apple cider in the refrigerator and use within a week
- Shake well before using as sediment may settle at the bottom
Notes on apple cider
- Mix different liquids for complex flavor profiles
- Add vinegar to apple juice for tanginess
- Consider the dish type when choosing your substitute
- Use fresh apple juice for the best apple flavor
Questions
5 questionsCan I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, apple juice is a good substitute for apple cider in a 1:1 ratio. Use unsweetened apple juice for best results and add a splash of vinegar for tanginess if needed.
What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Apple cider is unfiltered and may contain sediment, while apple juice is filtered and clear. Apple cider often has a more complex flavor due to the inclusion of apple solids.
Can I use white wine instead of apple cider?
Yes, white wine can substitute for apple cider in a 1:1 ratio, especially in savory dishes. Use dry white wine for best results.
Can I use hard apple cider instead of regular apple cider?
Yes, hard apple cider can substitute for regular apple cider in a 1:1 ratio. The alcohol will cook off during cooking, leaving behind the apple flavor.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting apple cider?
Generally no ratio adjustment is needed, but consider the flavor differences. Apple juice is sweeter, while white wine is more acidic. Adjust other ingredients accordingly.