🍷 Alcohol & Vinegars

White Wine Substitute for Cooking: for Every Recipe

Discover the best white wine substitutes for cooking. Find non-alcoholic and alcoholic alternatives that work perfectly in sauces, marinades, and deglazing.

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Quick Answer

The best white wine substitutes for cooking are chicken broth with lemon juice, white wine vinegar diluted with water, or apple cider vinegar. For non-alcoholic options, use broth with a splash of lemon juice.

Best Substitutes

Chicken Broth + Lemon Juice

1:1 + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup

Chicken broth provides the liquid base and depth of flavor. Add lemon juice to mimic the acidity of white wine.

Best for:

saucesmarinadesdeglazingpoachingrisottopasta dishes

Add lemon juice to mimic the acidity of white wine

White Wine Vinegar + Water

1:3 (vinegar to water)

White wine vinegar provides similar acidity to white wine. Dilute with water to reduce the sharpness.

Best for:

deglazingmarinadeswhen you want wine-like aciditysauces

Dilute white wine vinegar to reduce acidity

Apple Cider Vinegar + Water

1:3 (vinegar to water)

Apple cider vinegar provides acidity with a slightly fruity note. Dilute and add sugar to balance.

Best for:

marinadesdeglazingwhen white wine vinegar unavailablesauces

Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity

Vegetable Broth + White Wine Vinegar

3:1 (broth to vinegar)

Vegetable broth provides depth without meat flavor. Add white wine vinegar for acidity.

Best for:

vegetarian dishessoupswhen you want depth without meat flavorrisotto

Add 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity

Dry Vermouth

1:1

Dry vermouth is fortified wine with herbs. Provides similar alcohol content and acidity to white wine.

Best for:

deglazingsauceswhen you want alcohol contentfrench cooking

Use dry vermouth, not sweet

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For deglazing, use hot liquid to release browned bits from the pan
  • 💡Add acid (lemon juice or vinegar) gradually to taste
  • 💡For risotto, add liquid gradually while stirring constantly
  • 💡In marinades, the acid helps tenderize meat
  • 💡For sauces, reduce the substitute liquid to concentrate flavor
  • 💡When using vinegar, always dilute to avoid overpowering the dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best white wine substitutes for cooking. Discover non-alcoholic and alcoholic alternatives that work perfectly in sauces, marinades, and deglazing.