Out of White wine, one case
White wine substitute for cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth + lemon juice
Same amount as the white wine
Plus 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup
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.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full white wine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of white wine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken broth + lemon juicesauces | Same amountPlus 1 tbsp lemon juice per cupWorks |
| 2 | White wine vinegar + waterdeglazing | 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water |
| 3 | Apple cider vinegar + watermarinades | 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water |
| 4 | Vegetable broth + white wine vinegarvegetarian dishes | 3 parts broth to 1 part vinegar |
| 5 | Dry vermouthdeglazing | Same amount |
Chicken broth + lemon juice
similar taste and texture
Chicken broth provides the liquid base and depth of flavor. Add lemon juice to mimic the acidity of white wine.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, poaching, risotto, pasta dishes
Add lemon juice to mimic the acidity of white wine.
White wine vinegar + water
similar acidity · similar texture
White wine vinegar provides similar acidity to white wine. Dilute with water to reduce the sharpness.
- Best for
- deglazing, marinades, when you want wine-like acidity, sauces
Dilute white wine vinegar to reduce acidity.
Apple cider vinegar + water
fruity acidity · similar texture
Apple cider vinegar provides acidity with a slightly fruity note. Dilute and add sugar to balance.
- Best for
- marinades, deglazing, when white wine vinegar unavailable, sauces
Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Vegetable broth + white wine vinegar
vegetal with acidity · similar texture
Vegetable broth provides depth without meat flavor. Add white wine vinegar for acidity.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, soups, when you want depth without meat flavor, risotto
Add 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity.
Dry vermouth
herbal wine flavor · similar texture
Dry vermouth is fortified wine with herbs. Provides similar alcohol content and acidity to white wine.
- Best for
- deglazing, sauces, when you want alcohol content, french cooking
Use dry vermouth, not sweet.
How it behaves in this recipe
White wine in cooking serves multiple purposes: it adds acidity, helps deglaze pans, tenderizes meat in marinades, and provides depth of flavor. The best substitutes maintain these functions while being accessible to everyone.
Tips for substituting white wine
6 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
Notes on white wine
- Use sake for Asian-inspired dishes
- Try dry sherry for Spanish or Mediterranean cooking
- Use rice wine vinegar for lighter acidity
- Consider champagne or prosecco for special occasions
- Use beer for hearty dishes like stews
Questions
5 questionsCan I use red wine instead of white wine in cooking?
Yes, but red wine will change the color and flavor of your dish. Use it in hearty dishes like beef stews or tomato-based sauces.
What's the best non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth with lemon juice is the best non-alcoholic substitute. It provides similar depth and acidity without alcohol.
How much lemon juice should I add to broth?
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of broth. Start with less and add more to taste.
Can I use cooking wine as a substitute?
Cooking wine can work, but it's often salty and lower quality. Use it in a pinch, but reduce added salt in your recipe.
What's the difference between white wine vinegar and white wine?
White wine vinegar is more acidic and concentrated. Always dilute it with water when using as a substitute.