Out of Balsamic vinegar, one case
Balsamic vinegar substitutes, case by case
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red wine vinegar + sugar
Same amount as the balsamic vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar
The best substitutes for balsamic vinegar are red wine vinegar with sugar, apple cider vinegar with sugar, or pomegranate molasses. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these techniques for optimal results.
- Best for —
- salad dressings
One casethe full balsamic vinegar card
Why it works
Balsamic vinegarBalsamic vinegar is made from grape must and has a sweet, complex flavor with acidity. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar sweetness and acidity. Each substitute offers different benefits depending on your specific needs and available ingredients.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of balsamic vinegar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red wine vinegar + sugarsalad dressings | Same amount1 cup red wine vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
| 2 | Apple cider vinegar + sugarsalad dressings | Same amount1 cup apple cider vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
| 3 | Pomegranate molassesglazes | Same amount |
| 4 | Worcestershire saucemarinades | Same amount |
| 5 | Sherry vinegarSpanish dishes | Same amount |
Red wine vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix red wine vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want sweetness, general cooking
Mix red wine vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want sweetness, general cooking
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.
Pomegranate molasses
sweet
Thick, sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice. Similar sweetness and tang to balsamic vinegar.
- Best for
- glazes, when you want sweetness, when you want thickness, Middle Eastern dishes
- Texture
- thicker
Thicker than balsamic vinegar. May need to thin with water or oil for dressings. Good for glazes.
Worcestershire sauce
savory · similar texture
More savory than balsamic vinegar. Use in marinades and sauces where you want depth of flavor.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, when you want savory flavor, when you want depth
More savory than balsamic vinegar. Use in marinades and sauces where you want depth of flavor.
Sherry vinegar
complex · similar texture
Similar complexity to balsamic vinegar but different flavor profile. Good for Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.
- Best for
- Spanish dishes, Mediterranean dishes, when you want complexity, when you want acidity
Similar complexity to balsamic vinegar but different flavor profile. Good for Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting balsamic vinegar, consider the sweetness and acidity you want. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to balsamic vinegar in various cooking applications.
Tips for substituting balsamic vinegar
5 tips- Balsamic vinegar adds sweet, tangy flavor to salad dressings, marinades, and glazes
- Store in cool, dry place away from light - balsamic vinegar keeps indefinitely and improves with age
- Use balsamic vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, and glazes
- Balsamic vinegar pairs well with olive oil, herbs, and cheese
- Balsamic vinegar can be reduced to make a thick, sweet glaze
Notes on balsamic vinegar
- Use red wine vinegar with sugar for similar sweetness and acidity
- Use pomegranate molasses for similar sweetness and thickness
- Consider the specific dish when choosing your substitute
- Use apple cider vinegar with sugar for similar sweetness and acidity
Questions
5 questionsCan I use red wine vinegar with sugar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar with sugar is a good substitute for balsamic vinegar. It provides similar acidity and sweetness and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar with sugar?
Balsamic vinegar is made from grape must and has a complex flavor, while red wine vinegar with sugar is a simple combination. Both add acidity and sweetness but have different taste profiles.
Can I use pomegranate molasses instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, pomegranate molasses can substitute for balsamic vinegar. It's thicker and sweeter, so you may need to thin it with water or oil for dressings.
Why is balsamic vinegar so popular in cooking?
Balsamic vinegar is popular because it adds sweet, tangy flavor and is versatile in many different types of cuisine and dishes.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting balsamic vinegar?
Generally no ratio adjustment is needed, but consider the sweetness level. Some substitutes may be sweeter or less sweet than balsamic vinegar, so adjust other ingredients accordingly.