🔧 General

Bourbon Substitute for Cooking: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for bourbon in cooking recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect dishes without bourbon.

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Quick Answer

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

Best Substitutes

Whiskey (any type)

1:1

Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in cooking

Best for:

saucesmarinadesglazespan saucesstews

Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well

Brandy

1:1

Fruit-based spirit with similar complexity

Best for:

saucesglazesdessertspan sauces

Slightly sweeter and fruitier than bourbon

Rum

1:1

Sugarcane-based spirit with similar sweetness

Best for:

glazessaucesmarinadesdesserts

Darker rum works best for closer flavor match

Apple Juice + Vanilla Extract

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

Non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon

Best for:

glazessaucesmarinadesfamily-friendly recipes

Best non-alcoholic option for most recipes

Cognac

1:1

Premium brandy with similar complexity

Best for:

saucesglazespan saucesdesserts

More expensive but very similar flavor profile

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Bourbon is excellent for deglazing pans after searing meat
  • 💡It adds depth to barbecue sauces and glazes
  • 💡Bourbon works well in marinades for chicken, pork, and beef
  • 💡For non-alcoholic cooking, apple juice with vanilla is the best substitute
  • 💡Bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes enhance both sweet and savory dishes
  • 💡Use bourbon in slow-cooked dishes where it has time to mellow
  • 💡Bourbon pairs beautifully with brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices
  • 💡For pan sauces, add bourbon after removing meat, then reduce by half

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for bourbon in cooking?

The best substitutes for bourbon in cooking 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 cooking recipes. Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well with a 1:1 ratio.

What's a good substitute for bourbon in chicken recipes?

For chicken recipes, whiskey, brandy, or rum all work well as bourbon substitutes. For non-alcoholic options, use apple juice with vanilla extract.

Can I substitute brandy for bourbon in cooking?

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

What can I substitute for bourbon in BBQ sauce?

For BBQ sauce, whiskey, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract all work well as bourbon substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio and adjust other ingredients as needed.

Can I substitute rum for bourbon in cooking?

Yes, rum can substitute for bourbon in cooking, especially dark rum which has similar sweetness and depth. Use a 1:1 ratio.

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

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