Out of Red wine vinegar, one case
Can you substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar?
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Apple cider vinegar
Same amount as the red wine vinegar
Up to 1 tbsp + 1 tsp per 1 tbsp for full sharpness
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Apple cider vinegar has a slightly different flavor profile but works well in most recipes that call for red wine vinegar. Cider vinegar is usually 5% acid and many red wine vinegars are 6 to 7%, so if the dish tastes flat, add up to 1 extra teaspoon per tablespoon.
- Best for —
- salad dressings
One casethe full red wine vinegar card
Why it works
Red wine vinegarApple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar are both acidic vinegars that can be used in similar dishes. The substitution works because they provide similar acidity levels and can be used in the same applications, though they have different flavor profiles.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of red wine vinegar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple cider vinegarsalad dressings | Same amountUp to 1 tbsp + 1 tsp per 1 tbsp for full sharpness |
| 2 | White wine vinegarsalad dressings | Same amount |
| 3 | Rice vinegarAsian cooking | Same amountUp to 1 ½ tbsp per 1 tbsp red wine vinegar |
| 4 | Lemon juicesalad dressings | Same amount |
Apple cider vinegar
fruity · similar texture
Fruity, tangy vinegar that can substitute for red wine vinegar. Good for when you want fruity acidity.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want fruity acidity, general cooking, quick pickles
Apple cider vinegar has a slightly different flavor and is usually a little weaker: 5% acid, against 6 to 7% on many red wine vinegar labels. Start with the same amount and go up to 1 tbsp + 1 tsp per tablespoon if the dish tastes flat.
White wine vinegar
clean · similar texture
Clean vinegar that can substitute for both apple cider and red wine vinegar. Good for when you want light color.
- Best for
- salad dressings, when you want light color, when you want clean flavor, general cooking
White wine vinegar is cleaner than both apple cider and red wine vinegar.
Rice vinegar
mild · similar texture
Mild vinegar that can substitute for both apple cider and red wine vinegar. Good for Asian cooking.
- Best for
- Asian cooking, when you want mild flavor, salad dressings, marinades
Rice vinegar is milder and weaker than both apple cider and red wine vinegar, at about 4% acid. Start with the same amount and add more to taste; matching red wine vinegar takes about 1 ½ tbsp per tablespoon. Use plain rice vinegar, not seasoned, which has sugar and salt added.
Lemon juice
citrus · different texture
Fresh acidity that can substitute for both apple cider and red wine vinegar. Good for when you want citrus flavor.
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want citrus flavor, finishing dishes
Lemon juice provides fresh acidity but with citrus flavor instead of vinegar. To match red wine vinegar, use 1 tbsp + ½ tsp per tablespoon. In a tested canning recipe, use the acid the recipe names.
Red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar
wine-like · similar texture
Wine-based vinegar that can substitute for apple cider vinegar. Good for when you want wine flavor.
- Amount
- Same amount
- Best for
- salad dressings, marinades, when you want wine flavor, Mediterranean cooking
Red wine vinegar has a different flavor profile and is often slightly stronger than apple cider vinegar, so start with the same amount or slightly less, and taste.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting between apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar, consider the flavor profile you want. Apple cider vinegar is fruity while red wine vinegar is wine-like.
Tips for substituting red wine vinegar
5 tips- Apple cider vinegar has a slightly fruity flavor compared to red wine vinegar
- Both vinegars work well in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces
- Store both vinegars in cool, dry places away from light
- Consider the final flavor you want when choosing your substitute
- Apple cider vinegar at 5% acidity is a standard pickling vinegar, but in a tested canning recipe keep to the vinegar and strength the recipe names: acidity is what keeps the jar safe
Notes on red wine vinegar
- Use white wine vinegar for clean flavor that works in both applications
- Use rice vinegar for mild flavor that works in both applications
- Consider the specific dish when choosing your substitute
- Use lemon juice for fresh acidity with citrus flavor
Questions
5 questionsCan I use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can substitute for red wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. It has a slightly different flavor but similar acidity.
What's the difference between apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has a fruity flavor from apples, while red wine vinegar has a wine-like flavor. Both have similar acidity levels.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. It has a different flavor profile but similar acidity.
Can you substitute red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar?
Yes, red wine vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Both provide similar acidity for cooking.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting between apple cider and red wine vinegar?
Start with the same amount and consider the flavor differences: apple cider vinegar is fruity while red wine vinegar is wine-like. Cider vinegar is usually a little weaker, so when it replaces red wine vinegar you can add up to 1 extra teaspoon per tablespoon if the dish tastes flat.