There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re out of white wine just when a recipe calls for a cup of it. Or perhaps you’re looking to make a dish sans any alcohol. Whatever the case, knowing the best booze-free white wine substitutes should be high on your list of cooking knowledge. Since white wine brings both flavor and acidity to a recipe, it’s essential to consider these elements when thinking about alternatives.
Vinegar: A Versatile Substitute
A popular option for replacing white wine is using light-colored vinegar such as apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar (not to be confused with rice wine). Vinegar has a much higher acidity level (around 4% to 5%) compared to white wine (between 0.7% and 0.9%). To use vinegar, dilute it: for every cup of white wine, replace it with ½ cup of vinegar mixed with ½ cup of water.
White Grape Juice: Sweet and Effective
White grape juice is another excellent substitute. It can also replace apple juice in recipes. Keep in mind that because it’s much sweeter than wine, you may want to dilute it, particularly in sweeter recipes. For every cup of white wine, use ½ cup of white grape juice mixed with ½ cup of water. Adding a splash of vinegar can further balance the sweetness.
Other Alcohol-Free Options
Besides vinegar and white grape juice, several other substitutes are worth considering. Broth, for instance, is a substitute that not only adds the necessary liquid but also imparts a rich flavor to the recipe. It’s particularly useful in dishes like beef stew or creamy wild mushroom risotto. Use a 1:1 ratio of wine to broth, and consider adding a touch of vinegar for acidity. Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can be chosen depending on the recipe.
Another option is diluted lemon juice. For every cup of white wine, use about ¼ cup of lemon juice diluted with ¾ cup of water. This will hit the acidic notes of the wine but in a more subtle manner than using lemon juice alone.
Finally, if you’re in a pinch, water can work. While it won’t add additional flavor, it’s useful for deglazing a pan or adding extra liquid to a sauce. As with broth, consider adding a bit of vinegar to brighten the dish.
