🍷 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.

✓

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

Can 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.

Summary

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