Out of Bourbon, one case
Bourbon substitute, in depth
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Whiskey (any type)
Same amount as the bourbon
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cocktails
One casethe full bourbon card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bourbon | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whiskey (any type)cocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Brandycocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Rumcocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cognaccocktails | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Apple juice + vanilla extractbaking | Same amountPlus ½ tsp vanilla per ¼ cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Bourbon extractbaking | ¼ tsp per ¼ cup liquid | No verdict on record |
Whiskey (any type)
similar taste and texture
Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in most recipes
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, baking, sauces, marinades
Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well.
Brandy
different taste, similar texture
Fruit-based spirit with similar complexity and warmth
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, baking, desserts, sauces
Slightly sweeter and fruitier than bourbon.
Rum
different taste, similar texture
Sugarcane-based spirit with similar sweetness
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Darker rum works best for closer flavor match.
Cognac
similar taste and texture
Premium brandy with similar complexity and oak aging
- Best for
- cocktails, cooking, baking, desserts, sauces
More expensive but very similar flavor profile.
Apple juice + vanilla extract
different taste and texture
Non-alcoholic substitute that mimics bourbon's sweetness and depth
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes, non-alcoholic recipes
Best non-alcoholic option for most recipes.
Bourbon extract
very similar · different texture
Concentrated bourbon flavoring without alcohol
- Best for
- baking, desserts, frostings, ice cream, non-alcoholic recipes
Very concentrated - use sparingly.
The longer answer
About this case
Learn the best ratios, techniques, and when to use each substitute.
Tips for substituting bourbon
8 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
Questions
10 questionsWhat 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 ½ teaspoon vanilla per ¼ 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.