White Wine Substitutes for Cooking – 5 Great Swaps
The best substitute for white wine (in cooking) is Chicken or Vegetable Broth + Lemon Juice at a 1 cup white wine = 1 cup broth + 1 tbsp lemon juice ratio. It works best for risotto, pan sauces, soups. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Chicken or Vegetable Broth + Lemon Juice
1 cup white wine = 1 cup broth + 1 tbsp lemon juice
The broth provides body and the lemon juice adds acidity. The best all-around non-alcoholic substitute.
What are the other substitutes for white wine (in cooking)?
White Wine Vinegar (diluted)
1 cup white wine = 2 tbsp white wine vinegar + enough water to make 1 cup
Vinegar is much more acidic than wine, so dilute heavily. Captures the tangy wine flavor well.
Dry Vermouth
1 cup white wine = 1 cup dry vermouth
An excellent 1:1 swap with similar flavor profile. Vermouth keeps longer after opening than wine.
Apple Juice + White Wine Vinegar
1 cup white wine = 3/4 cup apple juice + 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Apple juice adds fruity sweetness while vinegar provides acidity. Good non-alcoholic option.
Sake
1 cup white wine = 1 cup sake
Sake has a clean, mild flavor and similar alcohol content. Works well in seafood and Asian-fusion dishes.
What should you know before substituting white wine (in cooking)?
When a recipe calls for white wine, it needs acidity-not sweetness. Always use dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) and avoid sweet wines unless specified. Cook off the alcohol for at least 2-3 minutes.
How do you substitute white wine (in cooking) in a recipe?
Dry white wine used in cooking to deglaze pans, build sauces, and add acidity and depth to dishes like risotto, pasta, and seafood.
The best substitute for white wine (in cooking) depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Chicken or Vegetable Broth + Lemon Juice (1 cup white wine = 1 cup broth + 1 tbsp lemon juice), which works well for risotto, pan sauces, soups.
If you need a different option, White Wine Vinegar (diluted) (1 cup white wine = 2 tbsp white wine vinegar + enough water to make 1 cup) is another reliable choice. Vinegar is much more acidic than wine, so dilute heavily. Captures the tangy wine flavor well.
When substituting white wine (in cooking), consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of white wine (in cooking) in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of white wine in risotto?
Use 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This provides the liquid, body, and acidity that white wine contributes to risotto.
Can I use white wine vinegar instead of white wine?
Yes, but dilute it heavily-use 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar mixed with enough water to make 1 cup. Vinegar is much more concentrated than wine.
Is vermouth a good substitute for white wine in cooking?
Yes, dry vermouth is one of the best substitutes at a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar flavor profile and the advantage of lasting months after opening, unlike wine.