White wine substitutes
White wine substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth + lemon juice
Same amount as the white wine
Plus 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup
Similar combination with different preparation.
The best substitutes for white wine are chicken broth with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar, depending on the use.
White wine goes into a dish for tartness and for its own light, fruity wine flavour, and a cup of it is also part of the liquid in a risotto, braise or pan sauce. Decide which of those three your recipe needs: nearly every swap can match the tartness, but only another wine tastes like wine.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- sauces
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Acidprimary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of white wine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken broth + lemon juicesauces | Same amountPlus 1 tbsp lemon juice per cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Apple cider vinegarsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | White wine vinegarsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Rice wine vinegarsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | White grape juice + lemon juicesauces | Same amountPlus 1 tbsp lemon juice per cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Dry vermouthsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Chicken broth + lemon juice
different taste, similar texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Different preparation, similar acidity.
Apple cider vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Similar acidity with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Different flavor, similar acidity.
White wine vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Similar acidity with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Different flavor, similar acidity.
Rice wine vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Similar acidity with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Different flavor, similar acidity.
White grape juice + lemon juice
different taste, similar texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Different preparation, similar acidity.
Dry vermouth
different taste, similar texture
Similar wine with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Acid
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching
Different flavor, similar acidity.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use chicken broth with lemon juice instead of white wine?
Yes, chicken broth with lemon juice is a good substitute for white wine. It provides similar acidity and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between white wine and chicken broth with lemon juice?
White wine has alcohol and wine flavor, while chicken broth with lemon juice has no alcohol but similar acidity. Both add flavor and acidity to dishes.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white wine?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar acidity and can be used in most recipes.
Why is white wine so popular in cooking?
White wine is popular because it adds acidity and flavor and is versatile in many different types of cuisine and dishes.
Tips for substituting white wine
6 tips- White wine adds acidity and flavor to dishes
- White wine can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- White wine pairs well with seafood, chicken, and vegetables
- White wine works well in sauces, marinades, and deglazing
- White wine can be used to make reductions and glazes
- Store white wine in a cool, dry place