🔧 General

Bourbon Substitute: Complete Guide for Every Recipe & Use Case

Find the best substitutes for bourbon in any recipe. Complete guide covering cocktails, cooking, baking, and non-alcoholic alternatives with detailed ratios and techniques.

✓

Quick Answer

The best substitutes for bourbon are whiskey, brandy, rum, or non-alcoholic alternatives like apple juice with vanilla extract. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes, but adjust based on your specific use case.

Best Substitutes

Whiskey (any type)

1:1

Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in most recipes

Best for:

cocktailscookingbakingsaucesmarinades

Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well

Brandy

1:1

Fruit-based spirit with similar complexity and warmth

Best for:

cocktailscookingbakingdessertssauces

Slightly sweeter and fruitier than bourbon

Rum

1:1

Sugarcane-based spirit with similar sweetness

Best for:

cocktailscookingbakingdessertssaucesglazes

Darker rum works best for closer flavor match

Cognac

1:1

Premium brandy with similar complexity and oak aging

Best for:

cocktailscookingbakingdessertssauces

More expensive but very similar flavor profile

Apple Juice + Vanilla Extract

1:1 + 1/2 tsp vanilla per 1/4 cup

Non-alcoholic substitute that mimics bourbon's sweetness and depth

Best for:

bakingdessertssaucesglazesnon-alcoholic recipes

Best non-alcoholic option for most recipes

Bourbon Extract

1/4 tsp per 1/4 cup liquid

Concentrated bourbon flavoring without alcohol

Best for:

bakingdessertsfrostingsice creamnon-alcoholic recipes

Very concentrated - use sparingly

Cooking Tips

💡Bourbon adds warmth, sweetness, and complexity to dishes
💡It's excellent for deglazing pans and creating rich sauces
💡Bourbon pairs beautifully with brown sugar, vanilla, and spices
💡Use bourbon in marinades for meats, especially chicken and pork
💡Bourbon works well in both sweet and savory applications
💡For non-alcoholic cooking, apple juice with vanilla is the best substitute
💡Bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes enhance desserts and baked goods
💡In cocktails, bourbon provides a smooth, sweet base for many drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for bourbon in a recipe?

The best substitutes for bourbon in recipes are whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract for non-alcoholic options. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Can I substitute whiskey for bourbon in a recipe?

Yes, any type of whiskey can substitute for bourbon in recipes. Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well with a 1:1 ratio.

What's a good substitute for bourbon?

The best substitutes for bourbon are whiskey, brandy, rum, or cognac for alcoholic options, and apple juice with vanilla extract for non-alcoholic options.

Can I substitute brandy for bourbon?

Yes, brandy can substitute for bourbon in most recipes. It's slightly sweeter and fruitier, but works well in cooking, baking, and cocktails.

What can I substitute for bourbon in cooking?

For cooking, whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract all work well as bourbon substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Can I substitute rum for bourbon in a recipe?

Yes, rum can substitute for bourbon in most recipes. Dark rum works best for closer flavor match. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What's the best non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

Apple juice with vanilla extract is the best non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon. Use 1:1 ratio of apple juice to bourbon, plus 1/2 teaspoon vanilla per 1/4 cup.

Can I substitute cognac for bourbon?

Yes, cognac can substitute for bourbon in most recipes. It's more expensive but has a very similar flavor profile. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What can I substitute for bourbon in baking?

For baking, whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract all work well as bourbon substitutes. The alcohol cooks off during baking anyway.

Can I substitute bourbon for brandy?

Yes, bourbon can substitute for brandy in most recipes. Bourbon is slightly more smoky and less fruity than brandy, but they work interchangeably.