Alcohol Substitutes in Cooking: What to Use Instead of Wine, Beer & Liquor

Alcohol is a common ingredient in many recipes, adding depth to sauces, enhancing marinades, and bringing out rich flavors in baked goods. But whether you’re avoiding alcohol for health, dietary, or personal reasons—or you simply ran out—there are plenty of effective substitutes that can deliver similar taste and texture.

From non-alcoholic pantry staples to specialty ingredients, here’s a guide to the best alcohol replacements in cooking and baking.

Why Is Alcohol Used in Cooking?

Alcohol serves several purposes in recipes:

• Flavor Enhancement: It helps extract and blend flavors in sauces and marinades.
• Deglazing: In savory dishes, alcohol lifts caramelized bits from the pan, adding richness.
• Tenderizing: It breaks down proteins in meats, making them more tender.
• Evaporation: In baking, alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind nuanced flavors.

Since alcohol plays multiple roles, the best substitute depends on the specific function it serves in your dish.

Best Substitutes for Wine in Cooking

1. Red Wine Substitutes

✔ Best for: Beef stews, braised meats, tomato-based sauces

✔ Top Alternatives:

• Grape juice + vinegar: Mix ¾ cup red grape juice + 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic) to mimic acidity and depth.
• Beef broth: Adds richness but lacks acidity—consider a splash of vinegar.
• Pomegranate juice: Naturally tart and slightly sweet, a great match for hearty dishes.

🔹 Pro Tip: If sweetness is an issue, dilute fruit juices with water or add a pinch of salt.

2. White Wine Substitutes

✔ Best for: Creamy sauces, seafood, risottos

✔ Top Alternatives:

• White grape juice + lemon juice: Use ¾ cup white grape juice + 1 tablespoon lemon juice for acidity and sweetness.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Maintains moisture but may lack sharpness—add a squeeze of lemon.
• Apple cider vinegar diluted with water: For brightness, mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.

🔹 Pro Tip: If using broth, let it reduce slightly to concentrate flavors.

Best Substitutes for Beer in Cooking

1. Light Beer Substitutes

✔ Best for: Batter for fried foods, stews, marinades

✔ Top Alternatives:

• Club soda or sparkling water: Adds carbonation for crisp batters.
• Ginger ale: Slightly sweet with mild spice, works well in beer batters.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Use in stews and soups for depth.

2. Dark Beer Substitutes

✔ Best for: Hearty stews, chili, rich sauces

✔ Top Alternatives:

• Beef broth with Worcestershire sauce: Mimics the umami depth of stout.
• Unsweetened coffee: A surprising swap that brings out richness in beef dishes.
• Mushroom broth: Provides earthy complexity, great for vegetarian dishes.

🔹 Pro Tip: For an extra malty flavor, add a drop of molasses or soy sauce to your broth substitute.

Best Substitutes for Liquor in Cooking & Baking

1. Bourbon & Whiskey Substitutes

✔ Best for: BBQ sauces, marinades, caramel desserts

✔ Top Alternatives:

• Vanilla extract + water: Mix 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon water.
• Apple cider + a splash of balsamic vinegar: Creates a warm, rich depth.
• Black tea or coffee: Adds bitterness and a deep flavor profile.

2. Rum Substitutes

✔ Best for: Baked goods, rum cakes, tropical marinades

✔ Top Alternatives:

• Apple juice or pineapple juice: Maintains sweetness in desserts.
• Coconut water + vanilla extract: A great substitute in tropical recipes.
• Molasses diluted with water: Adds the deep, caramel-like flavor of aged rum.

3. Brandy Substitutes

✔ Best for: Desserts, flambé, fruit-based dishes

✔ Top Alternatives:

• Peach or pear nectar: Mimics fruity notes in desserts.
• Apple cider or grape juice: Great for deglazing pans.
• Strong brewed tea: A subtle replacement in baked goods.

🔹 Pro Tip: In baking, focus on replicating the aroma and sweetness rather than the alcohol content.

Choosing the Best Alcohol Substitute for Your Recipe

• Red Wine: Grape juice + vinegar, beef broth, pomegranate juice
• White Wine: White grape juice + lemon, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar
• Light Beer: Club soda, ginger ale, vegetable broth
• Dark Beer: Beef broth + Worcestershire, coffee, mushroom broth
• Bourbon/Whiskey: Vanilla extract + water, apple cider, black tea
• Rum: Apple juice, coconut water + vanilla, diluted molasses
• Brandy: Peach nectar, grape juice, brewed tea