Complete Vinegar Substitution Guide

Master vinegar substitutions with our comprehensive guide. Find perfect alternatives for every type of cooking vinegar.

Vinegar Types & Characteristics

Balsamic Vinegar

Rich, sweet, and complex vinegar from Italy

Acidity:6-7%
Best for:
Salad dressings, glazes, reductions, desserts
Substitutes:
Red wine vinegar + sugar, Apple cider vinegar, Sherry vinegar

Rice Wine Vinegar

Mild, slightly sweet vinegar from rice

Acidity:4-5%
Best for:
Asian cooking, sushi rice, pickling, stir-fries
Substitutes:
White wine vinegar, Apple cider vinegar, Lemon juice

Apple Cider Vinegar

Fruity, tangy vinegar from apples

Acidity:5-6%
Best for:
Salad dressings, marinades, baking, cleaning
Substitutes:
White wine vinegar, Lemon juice, Rice vinegar

Sherry Vinegar

Nutty, complex vinegar from sherry wine

Acidity:7-8%
Best for:
Spanish cooking, gazpacho, sauces, marinades
Substitutes:
Red wine vinegar, Balsamic vinegar, White wine vinegar + sugar

Red Wine Vinegar

Tangy, fruity vinegar from red wine

Acidity:6-7%
Best for:
Mediterranean cooking, vinaigrettes, marinades, sauces
Substitutes:
Balsamic vinegar, Apple cider vinegar, White wine vinegar

White Wine Vinegar

Clean, crisp vinegar from white wine

Acidity:6-7%
Best for:
French cooking, mayonnaise, hollandaise, pickling
Substitutes:
Apple cider vinegar, Rice vinegar, Lemon juice

Detailed Substitution Guide

Apple Cider

Fresh apple juice with sweet, tart flavor, used in beverages and cooking

6 substitutes

Apple Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
beverages, cooking, baking, marinades
Notes:Different processing, similar flavor

Pear Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
beverages, cooking, baking, marinades
Notes:Different source, similar flavor

White Grape Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
beverages, cooking, baking, marinades
Notes:Different source, similar flavor

Cranberry Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
beverages, cooking, baking, marinades
Notes:Different source, similar flavor

Pomegranate Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
beverages, cooking, baking, marinades
Notes:Different source, similar flavor

White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
beverages, cooking, baking, marinades
Notes:Different source, similar flavor
Apple Cider Vinegar

Tangy vinegar made from fermented apple cider

5 substitutes

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Salad dressings, marinades, pickling
Notes:Use the same amount as apple cider vinegar

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Salad dressings, marinades, baking
Notes:Add gradually and taste as you go

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Asian dishes, salad dressings
Notes:Less acidic than apple cider vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Salad dressings, glazes, marinades
Notes:Adds sweetness and depth of flavor

White Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1 tsp vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar
Best for:
When you need the exact flavor profile
Notes:Mix white vinegar with a pinch of sugar
Baileys

Irish cream liqueur with sweet, creamy flavor, used in cocktails and desserts

3 substitutes

Homemade Irish Cream

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, baking, general use
Notes:Different source, similar flavor - more natural

Coffee Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, baking, general use
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness - more coffee

Cream Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, baking, general use
Notes:Different flavor, similar creaminess - more generic
Balsamic Vinegar

Dark, sweet vinegar made from grape must, used in cooking and dressings

6 substitutes

Red Wine Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
dressings, marinades, glazes, sauces
Notes:Different preparation, similar acidity

Apple Cider Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
dressings, marinades, glazes, sauces
Notes:Different preparation, similar acidity

Pomegranate Molasses

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, glazes, sauces
Notes:Different source, similar sweetness

Worcestershire Sauce

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, glazes, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Sherry Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, glazes, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Rice Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
dressings, marinades, glazes, sauces
Notes:Different preparation, similar acidity
Beer

Alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains, used in cooking and baking

4 substitutes

Non-Alcoholic Beer

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
batter, marinades, stews, baking
Notes:Perfect for maintaining beer flavor without alcohol

Chicken Broth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
stews, soups, braising, marinades
Notes:Adds umami flavor, no alcohol content

Apple Cider

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
baking, marinades, glazes, sweet dishes
Notes:Adds sweetness and acidity, alcohol-free

Ginger Ale

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
batter, marinades, glazes, baking
Notes:Adds sweetness and ginger flavor, no alcohol
Bitters

Concentrated alcoholic extract with bitter, herbal flavor, used in cocktails and cooking

3 substitutes

Angostura Bitters

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar function - more herbal

Orange Bitters

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar function - more citrusy

Homemade Bitters

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different source, same function - make from scratch
Black Vinegar

Dark, complex vinegar made from rice or other grains, used in Asian cooking

3 substitutes

Balsamic Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, dressings, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity - more sweet

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, dressings, marinades, Asian dishes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity - more mild

Worcestershire Sauce

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, Asian dishes
Notes:Different form, similar flavor - more complex
Blanc Vermouth

White, sweet vermouth with herbal flavor, used in cocktails and cooking

3 substitutes

Dry Vermouth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different sweetness, similar flavor - more dry

White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, cocktails
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity - more crisp

Lillet Blanc

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness - more floral
Brandy

Distilled spirit made from fermented fruit, with rich, complex flavor

3 substitutes

Cognac

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, French dishes
Notes:Different origin, similar flavor - more refined

Rum

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, Caribbean dishes
Notes:Different base, similar sweetness - more molasses

Whiskey

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, American dishes
Notes:Different base, similar complexity - more smoky
Champagne Vinegar

Find the best alternatives to champagne vinegar for dressings and cooking

3 substitutes

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
vinaigrettes, light sauces, marinades, when you want similar acidity
Notes:Closest substitute in terms of acidity and flavor

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Asian dressings, light sauces, when you want milder acidity, sushi rice
Notes:Milder and sweeter than champagne vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
robust dressings, sauces, marinades, when you want more flavor
Notes:More pronounced flavor than champagne vinegar
Chartreuse

French herbal liqueur with complex, herbal flavor, used in cocktails and cooking

3 substitutes

Green Chartreuse

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different color, similar flavor - more herbal

Yellow Chartreuse

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different color, similar flavor - more sweet

Herbal Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different composition, similar function - varies by brand
Cherry Liqueur

Sweet, fruity liqueur made from cherries with intense cherry flavor, used in cocktails and desserts

6 substitutes

Cherry Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different alcohol content, similar flavor

Cherry Syrup

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different alcohol content, similar flavor

Raspberry Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Blackberry Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Cranberry Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Non-Alcoholic Cherry Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, cooking, beverages, non-alcoholic drinks
Notes:Different alcohol content, similar flavor
Chinese Vinegar

Traditional Chinese vinegar with mild, sweet flavor and golden color, used in cooking and as a condiment

6 substitutes

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Champagne Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Balsamic Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity
Cognac

High-quality brandy made in the Cognac region of France, with rich, complex flavor and smooth finish

6 substitutes

Brandy

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:Similar flavor profile, may be less smooth

Whiskey

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Apple Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, desserts, sauces, marinades
Notes:No alcohol content, sweeter than cognac

Grape Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, desserts, sauces, marinades
Notes:No alcohol content, similar flavor

Rum

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Sherry

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, desserts, sauces, marinades
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content
Cointreau

Orange-flavored liqueur with sweet, citrusy flavor, used in cocktails and cooking

3 substitutes

Triple Sec

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, baking
Notes:Different quality, similar flavor - more generic

Grand Marnier

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, baking
Notes:Different base, similar flavor - cognac-based

Orange Liqueur

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, desserts, baking
Notes:Different brand, similar flavor - varies by brand
Cooking Sherry

Fortified wine used in cooking, with nutty, slightly sweet flavor

3 substitutes

Dry White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, sauces, marinades, soups
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity - more crisp

Marsala Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, sauces, marinades, desserts
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness - more caramel

Sherry Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, sauces, marinades, dressings
Notes:Different form, similar flavor - more acidic
Cream Sherry

Sweet, fortified wine with rich, nutty flavor, used in cooking and baking

6 substitutes

Port Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Madeira

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Sweet Vermouth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Marsala

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Brandy + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different preparation, similar sweetness

Rum + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different preparation, similar sweetness
Dry Sherry

Find the best alternatives to dry sherry for cooking and deglazing

5 substitutes

Dry White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Most recipes, when you want similar wine
Notes:Use the same amount as dry sherry

Dry Vermouth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
When you want fortified wine
Notes:Use the same amount as dry sherry

White Wine Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
When you need acidity
Notes:Mix white wine vinegar with water

Apple Cider Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
When you want fruity acidity
Notes:Mix apple cider vinegar with water

Chicken Broth + White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:3/4 cup broth + 1/4 cup vinegar
Best for:
When you want umami and acidity
Notes:Mix chicken broth with white wine vinegar
Herbal Alcohol

Alcoholic beverage infused with herbs and botanicals, used in cooking and as a flavoring

6 substitutes

Regular Alcohol

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Herbal Tinctures

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:More concentrated, similar flavor

Herbal Teas

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Notes:No alcohol content, similar flavor

Herbal Extracts

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, desserts, sauces, beverages
Notes:No alcohol content, similar intensity

Vodka

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar alcohol content

Gin

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, cocktails, desserts, sauces
Notes:Similar herbal notes, different flavor
Irish Cream

Cream liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and coffee, used in cocktails and desserts

6 substitutes

Bailey's

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Similar flavor, similar texture

Homemade Irish Cream

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
all uses, customizing flavor, fresh ingredients
Notes:Mix whiskey, cream, and coffee to taste

Whiskey + Cream + Coffee

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Mix whiskey, cream, and coffee to taste

Kahlua + Cream

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar texture

Coffee Liqueur + Cream

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, desserts, cooking, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar texture

Non-Alcoholic Irish Cream

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, cooking, beverages, non-alcoholic drinks
Notes:Different alcohol content, similar flavor
Mezcal

Smoky agave spirit with earthy, complex flavor, used in cocktails and cooking

6 substitutes

Tequila

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Notes:Different preparation, similar base

Smoky Scotch

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Notes:Different source, similar smokiness

Smoky Vodka

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Notes:Different source, similar smokiness

Sotol

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Notes:Different source, similar flavor

Raicilla

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Notes:Different source, similar flavor

Bacanora

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Notes:Different source, similar flavor
Red Wine

Alcoholic beverage made from fermented red grapes, used in cooking and drinking

6 substitutes

Beef Broth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stews
Notes:No alcohol content, adds umami flavor

Grape Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stews
Notes:No alcohol content, sweeter than wine

Non-Alcoholic Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stews
Notes:Similar flavor, no alcohol content

Balsamic Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stews
Notes:More acidic, adjust sweetness

Cranberry Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stews
Notes:More tart, no alcohol content

Pomegranate Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stews
Notes:More tart, no alcohol content
Red Wine Vinegar

Tangy vinegar made from red wine with complex flavor

5 substitutes

Balsamic Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
When you want sweet-tart balance
Notes:Use the same amount as red wine vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Most recipes, when you want fruity acidity
Notes:Use the same amount as red wine vinegar

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
When you want similar acidity without color
Notes:Use the same amount as red wine vinegar

Sherry Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
When you want similar wine vinegar
Notes:Use the same amount as red wine vinegar

Red Wine + White Vinegar

Ratio:1/2 cup wine + 1/2 cup white vinegar
Best for:
When you want to recreate the flavor
Notes:Mix red wine with white vinegar
Rice Vinegar

Mild, slightly sweet vinegar made from fermented rice

5 substitutes

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, pickling, Asian cooking
Notes:Slightly more acidic, adjust amount if needed

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, pickling, Asian cooking
Notes:Slightly more acidic, add pinch of sugar if needed

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, Asian cooking, finishing dishes
Notes:Add pinch of sugar to balance acidity

Champagne Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, Asian cooking, delicate sauces
Notes:Similar mildness to rice vinegar

Seasoned Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
sushi rice, Asian cooking, salad dressings, marinades
Notes:Already seasoned, adjust other seasonings accordingly
Rice Wine

Sweet rice wine used in Asian cooking

5 substitutes

Sake

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Asian cooking, marinades, sauces
Notes:Use the same amount as rice wine

Dry White Wine + Sugar

Ratio:1 cup wine + 1 tsp sugar
Best for:
Stir-fries, marinades, sauces
Notes:Add sugar to white wine to match sweetness

Mirin

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Japanese dishes, glazes, teriyaki sauce
Notes:Slightly sweeter than regular rice wine

White Wine + Honey

Ratio:1 cup wine + 1 tbsp honey
Best for:
Marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Mix white wine with honey for sweetness

Chicken Broth + Sugar

Ratio:1 cup broth + 1 tsp sugar
Best for:
When avoiding alcohol
Notes:Add sugar to chicken broth for sweetness
Rice Wine Vinegar

Mild, slightly sweet vinegar made from rice wine

5 substitutes

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, pickling, Asian cooking
Notes:Slightly more acidic, adjust amount if needed

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, pickling, Asian cooking
Notes:Slightly more acidic, add pinch of sugar if needed

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, Asian cooking, finishing dishes
Notes:Add pinch of sugar to balance acidity

Champagne Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, Asian cooking, delicate sauces
Notes:Similar mildness to rice wine vinegar

Seasoned Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
sushi rice, Asian cooking, salad dressings, marinades
Notes:Already seasoned, adjust other seasonings accordingly
Ruby Port

Sweet, fortified wine with fruity flavor, used in cooking and baking

6 substitutes

Tawny Port

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different aging, similar sweetness

Madeira

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Sweet Vermouth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Marsala

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar sweetness

Brandy + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different preparation, similar sweetness

Rum + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
desserts, sauces, marinades, glazes
Notes:Different preparation, similar sweetness
Sake

Japanese rice wine with clean, slightly sweet flavor, used in cooking and drinking

6 substitutes

Dry White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stir-fries
Notes:Different flavor profile but similar cooking properties

Mirin

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Japanese dishes, teriyaki, glazes, marinades
Notes:Sweeter than sake, adjust other sweeteners

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, dressings, pickling
Notes:No alcohol content, more acidic than sake

White Grape Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, glazes
Notes:No alcohol content, sweeter than sake

Chicken Stock + Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1 cup sake = 3/4 cup chicken stock + 1/4 cup rice vinegar
Best for:
cooking, soups, stews
Notes:Adds umami and slight acidity

Vodka

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces
Notes:No sweetness, adjust other ingredients
Seasoned Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar with added sugar and salt, used in Asian cooking and salad dressings

6 substitutes

Unseasoned Rice Vinegar + Sugar + Salt

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar + 1/4 tsp salt per cup
Best for:
salad dressings, sushi rice, marinades, dipping sauces
Notes:Same base, different preparation

Apple Cider Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Wine Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Mirin + Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
salad dressings, sushi rice, marinades, dipping sauces
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor

Lemon Juice + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per cup
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Vinegar + Sugar + Salt

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar + 1/4 tsp salt per cup
Best for:
salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity
Sherry

Find the best alternatives to sherry for cooking and deglazing

5 substitutes

Dry White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
most recipes, deglazing, sauces, when you want similar wine flavor
Notes:Most similar substitute, add sugar for sweetness

Dry Red Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
hearty dishes, when you want richer flavor, red meat dishes, when you want more intensity
Notes:Richer flavor than sherry, may add color

Apple Cider Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
when you need acidity, deglazing, when you don't have wine, vegetarian dishes
Notes:More acidic than sherry, add sugar for balance

White Wine Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
when you want similar acidity, deglazing, sauces, when you want wine flavor
Notes:Similar acidity to sherry, add sugar for sweetness

Chicken Broth + White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:3/4 cup broth + 1/4 cup vinegar
Best for:
when you want umami and acidity, soups, sauces, when you want depth
Notes:Adds umami depth, similar acidity to sherry
Sherry Vinegar

Aged vinegar made from sherry wine with complex, nutty flavor, used in cooking and dressings

6 substitutes

Red Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Balsamic Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Rice Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Champagne Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
dressings, marinades, sauces, glazes
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity
Stout Beer

Dark, rich beer with roasted malt flavor, used in cooking and baking

3 substitutes

Porter

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different style, similar flavor - more hoppy

Dark Ale

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different style, similar flavor - more bitter

Coffee

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different form, similar flavor - more caffeine
Sushi Vinegar

Sweetened rice vinegar used for seasoning sushi rice, used in Japanese cooking

6 substitutes

Rice Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp
Best for:
sushi rice, rice bowls, salads, marinades
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor

White Wine Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp
Best for:
sushi rice, rice bowls, salads, marinades
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor

Apple Cider Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp
Best for:
sushi rice, rice bowls, salads, marinades
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor

Mirin + Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1 + 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar per tbsp
Best for:
sushi rice, rice bowls, salads, marinades
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor

White Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp
Best for:
sushi rice, rice bowls, salads, marinades
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor

Champagne Vinegar + Sugar

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tsp sugar per tbsp
Best for:
sushi rice, rice bowls, salads, marinades
Notes:Different preparation, similar flavor
Tequila

Distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, with a distinctive earthy and slightly sweet flavor

6 substitutes

Mezcal

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, margaritas
Notes:More smoky than tequila but same base ingredient

Vodka

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, mixed drinks
Notes:Lacks tequila's distinctive flavor but similar alcohol content

White Rum

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, tropical drinks
Notes:Different flavor profile but similar alcohol content

Tequila Extract + Water

Ratio:1 oz tequila = 1/4 tsp extract + 1 oz water
Best for:
cooking, non-alcoholic cocktails, marinades
Notes:No alcohol content, adjust other ingredients accordingly

Agave Syrup + Water

Ratio:1 oz tequila = 1 tbsp agave syrup + 1 oz water
Best for:
cooking, non-alcoholic cocktails, marinades
Notes:Sweet alternative, no alcohol content

Sake

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, cocktails
Notes:Lower alcohol content, different flavor profile
Verjuice

Acidic juice made from unripe grapes, used in French cooking

3 substitutes

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, dressings, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different source, similar acidity - more pungent

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, dressings, marinades, sauces
Notes:Different source, similar acidity - more citrus

White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, French dishes
Notes:Different acidity, similar source - more alcohol
Verjus Rouge

Acidic juice made from unripe red grapes, used in cooking and as a vinegar alternative

3 substitutes

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, dressings, sauces
Notes:Different source, similar acidity - more pungent

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, dressings, sauces
Notes:Different source, similar acidity - more citrusy

Red Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, dressings, sauces
Notes:Different source, similar acidity - more robust
Vermouth

Fortified wine flavored with herbs and spices, used in cocktails and cooking

6 substitutes

Dry White Wine

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, cocktails
Notes:Different flavor profile but similar alcohol content

Sherry

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, cocktails
Notes:Similar fortified wine, different flavor profile

White Grape Juice + Herbs

Ratio:1 cup vermouth = 1 cup white grape juice + 1 tsp mixed herbs
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces
Notes:No alcohol content, add herbs for flavor

Sake

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, stir-fries
Notes:Different flavor profile but similar alcohol content

White Wine Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1 cup vermouth = 1/2 cup white wine vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces
Notes:More acidic, no alcohol content

Champagne

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cocktails, cooking, marinades
Notes:More expensive, different flavor profile
White Vinegar

Clear, acidic vinegar made from grain alcohol, used in cooking and as a cleaning agent

6 substitutes

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Distilled Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Similar flavor, similar acidity

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Champagne Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity
White Wine

Dry white wine used in cooking for acidity and flavor, used in sauces and marinades

6 substitutes

Chicken Broth + Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup
Best for:
sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Notes:Different preparation, similar acidity

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

Rice Wine Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity

White Grape Juice + Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1 + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup
Best for:
sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Notes:Different preparation, similar acidity

Dry Vermouth

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Notes:Different flavor, similar acidity
White Wine Vinegar

Mild, clean vinegar made from white wine

5 substitutes

Apple Cider Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Most recipes, when you want fruity acidity
Notes:Use the same amount as white wine vinegar

Rice Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
Asian dishes, when you want mild acidity
Notes:Use the same amount as white wine vinegar

Champagne Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
When you want similar wine vinegar
Notes:Use the same amount as white wine vinegar

White Vinegar + Water

Ratio:1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water
Best for:
When you want milder acidity
Notes:Mix white vinegar with water

Lemon Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
When you want fresh acidity
Notes:Use the same amount as white wine vinegar
Wine

Alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes, used in cooking

4 substitutes

Grape Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, baking
Notes:Same grape flavor without alcohol

Vinegar

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, sauces, salad dressings
Notes:Adds acidity without grape flavor

Stock

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
soups, stews, braising, sauces
Notes:Adds depth of flavor, no alcohol

Apple Juice

Ratio:1:1
Best for:
cooking, marinades, baking, sauces
Notes:Adds sweetness, no alcohol

Vinegar Conversion Chart

Original VinegarSubstituteRatioBest For
Balsamic VinegarRed Wine Vinegar + Sugar1:1 + 1 tsp sugarDressings, Glazes
Rice Wine VinegarWhite Wine Vinegar1:1Asian Cooking
Sherry VinegarRed Wine Vinegar1:1Spanish Cooking
Apple Cider VinegarWhite Wine Vinegar1:1General Cooking

Pro Vinegar Tips

Storage & Shelf Life

  • • Store vinegars in cool, dark places
  • • Most vinegars last 2-3 years unopened
  • • Once opened, use within 1-2 years
  • • Check for cloudiness or off-odors
  • • Keep away from heat and light

Cooking Tips

  • • Add vinegar at the end of cooking to preserve acidity
  • • Use less of stronger vinegars (balsamic, sherry)
  • • Taste and adjust gradually
  • • Consider the dish's flavor profile
  • • Balance acidity with sweetness

Popular Vinegar Substitutions

Most Searched

By Use

Salad Dressings:Balsamic, Apple Cider, Red Wine
Asian Cooking:Rice Wine, White Wine
Pickling:White Wine, Apple Cider
Marinades:Red Wine, Balsamic, Apple Cider