Short on the specific vinegar your recipe calls for? Don't worry—whether it's rice, balsamic, or apple cider vinegar missing from your pantry, these simple swaps will save the day and keep flavors on point.
There are countless varieties like rice, raspberry, cider, or balsamic, but with these proven tricks, you can substitute any vinegar seamlessly.
Here are 11 expert ways to replace vinegar in your recipes. Watch:
Often featured in Asian dishes, rice vinegar delivers a mild, sweet tang ideal for salad dressings, marinades, and stir-fries with meats or vegetables.
Replace 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar with:
- 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar + 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, or
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar + 1/4 teaspoon sugar.
Apple cider vinegar adds a bold, fruity punch to marinades, smoothies, infusions, dressings, and sauces—plus it's packed with health benefits backed by years of culinary and wellness use.
Replace 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with:
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice,
- a tablespoon of lime juice,
- 2 tablespoons of white wine.
These alternatives closely mimic the flavor, even if they lack the full health perks.
This aged Italian staple brings rich, sweet acidity to dressings, glazes, and sauces—its wine-like depth comes from careful aging, making it pricier but worth it.
Replace 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar with:
- 1 tablespoon of brown rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar.
- a mixture of cider vinegar or red wine + honey.
Champagne vinegar offers a bright, delicate lift to sauces, marinades, and vinaigrettes without overpowering acidity—choose mild substitutes to preserve balance.
Replace 1 tablespoon of Champagne vinegar with:
- a tablespoon of white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- a little white wine is another possibility.
A go-to for salad dressings and robust meat marinades, red wine vinegar provides essential tang and depth.
Replace 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar with:
- equal parts white vinegar and red wine.
- or a mixture of grape juice and white vinegar (for those who avoid alcohol)
White wine vinegar delivers clean acidity for dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Replace 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar with:
- a tablespoon of rice vinegar,
- or a tablespoon of white wine.
Known for cleaning prowess, white vinegar also sharpens coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and pickles with pure acidity.
For pickling vegetables, stick to white vinegar—it's unmatched for safe preservation and pH balance.
Otherwise, replace 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with:
- a tablespoon of lemon juice or lime juice,
- a tablespoon of cider vinegar or malt vinegar.
A classic for fish and chips, malt vinegar shines in sweet-sour marinades, chutneys, and pickles.
Replace 1 tablespoon of malt vinegar with:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- or 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
Sherry vinegar creates flavorful marinades for meats and fish, especially with chicken and herbs.
Replace 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar with:
- a tablespoon of red or white wine.
Infused with tarragon, rosemary, or thyme, herbal vinegar elevates dressings and dishes.
Replace 1 tbsp herb flavored vinegar with:
- a tablespoon of wine vinegar,
- a tablespoon of rice vinegar or cider vinegar
And add the fresh aromatic herbs of your choice.
Raspberry vinegar adds sweet flair to vinaigrettes, marinades, and roasts—a timeless touch.
Replace 1 tablespoon of raspberry vinegar with:
- a tablespoon of sherry vinegar.
