Out of Bourbon, one case
Bourbon substitute for cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Whiskey (any type)
Same amount as the bourbon
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full bourbon card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bourbon | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whiskey (any type)sauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Brandysauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Rumglazes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Apple juice + vanilla extractglazes | Same amountPlus ½ tsp vanilla per ¼ cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Cognacsauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
Whiskey (any type)
similar taste and texture
Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in cooking
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, glazes, pan sauces, stews
Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well.
Brandy
different taste, similar texture
Fruit-based spirit with similar complexity
- Best for
- sauces, glazes, desserts, pan sauces
Slightly sweeter and fruitier than bourbon.
Rum
different taste, similar texture
Sugarcane-based spirit with similar sweetness
- Best for
- glazes, sauces, marinades, desserts
Darker rum works best for closer flavor match.
Apple juice + vanilla extract
different taste and texture
Non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon
- Best for
- glazes, sauces, marinades, family-friendly recipes
Best non-alcoholic option for most recipes.
Cognac
similar taste and texture
Premium brandy with similar complexity
- Best for
- sauces, glazes, pan sauces, desserts
More expensive but very similar flavor profile.
The longer answer
About this case
Bourbon adds warmth, sweetness, and complexity to many dishes, but you don't always have it on hand. Whether you're making sauces, marinades, glazes, or main dishes, these bourbon substitutes will help you achieve the same delicious results.
Tips for substituting bourbon
8 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
Questions
7 questionsWhat 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 ½ teaspoon vanilla per ¼ cup.