Tomato Juice + Vinegar (for red wine in sauces) Substitute for Wine (in cooking): Exact Ratio
Looking for a wine (in cooking) substitute? Tomato Juice + Vinegar (for red wine in sauces) works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup tomato juice + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar in any recipe that calls for wine (in cooking). This swap works best for bolognese, tomato sauces, braised meats.
Best Substitute
Tomato Juice + Vinegar (for red wine in sauces)
1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup tomato juice + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar
Provides acidity and depth for tomato-based sauces where wine adds complexity. Good for Italian cooking.
Tips When Replacing Wine (in cooking) in Recipes
Never cook with a wine you wouldn't drink—off flavors concentrate as the alcohol evaporates. Wine's purpose in cooking is acidity, not alcohol. Most alcohol cooks off within 15-20 minutes of simmering.
What Is Wine (in cooking) and Why Substitute It?
Wine used as a cooking ingredient to add acidity, depth, and complexity to sauces, braises, risottos, and deglazing pans.
Tomato Juice + Vinegar (for red wine in sauces) is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of wine (in cooking). For a complete list of wine (in cooking) substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full wine (in cooking) substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Wine (in cooking)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tomato juice + vinegar (for red wine in sauces) instead of wine (in cooking)?
Yes, you can use tomato juice + vinegar (for red wine in sauces) as a substitute for wine (in cooking). Use 1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup tomato juice + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar. Provides acidity and depth for tomato-based sauces where wine adds complexity. Good for Italian cooking.
How much tomato juice + vinegar (for red wine in sauces) equals wine (in cooking)?
Use 1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup tomato juice + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar to replace wine (in cooking) with tomato juice + vinegar (for red wine in sauces). Works best for bolognese, tomato sauces, braised meats.
What is the best substitute for wine (in cooking)?
Tomato Juice + Vinegar (for red wine in sauces) is a popular substitute for wine (in cooking). Use 1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup tomato juice + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our wine (in cooking) substitute page.
Is tomato juice + vinegar (for red wine in sauces) a vegan substitute for wine (in cooking)?
Yes, tomato juice + vinegar (for red wine in sauces) is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to wine (in cooking). Use 1 cup red wine = 1/2 cup tomato juice + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar.