Can i substitute balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar

Realized you’re all out of vinegar while you’re cooking? Here’s the best apple cider vinegar substitute to use in recipes.

Making a recipe that calls for apple cider vinegar and don’t have it? Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting apple cider, then straining and bottling it. It tastes tangy and sour, with bold flavor. You should be able to find it in your local grocery next to the other vinegars. But don’t have time to shop for it? Here are some substitute ideas.

1. Red wine or white wine vinegar

The best substitute for apple cider vinegar? Red wine or white wine vinegar! These vinegars are made from fermented wine, and you might have one or the other in your cupboard already. Red wine vinegar is a little stronger than white wine with a bolder flavor. Use either as a 1:1 substitute.

2. Rice vinegar (not seasoned)

If you have it, rice vinegar also works as a substitute! This type of vinegar is made from fermented rice and used in Asian-style cuisine. It has a similar acidity to apple cider vinegar. But make sure not to use seasoned rice vinegar, though: it’s seasoned with sugar and salt and used for seasoning sushi rice and Asian style salads.

3. Sherry vinegar

Sherry vinegar is another apple cider vinegar substitute; it is medium-bodied and lightly sweet. It’s got a distinct flavor but it does match the zing of apple cider vinegar fairly well. It’s often used in Spanish cuisine.

4. Champagne vinegar

If you have it, champagne vinegar also could work as a substitute! It’s made by fermenting champagne. It is very mild in flavor, so it’s not near the intensity of apple cider vinegar.

6. Lemon juice (in a pinch)

Don’t have any vinegars on hand? You can use lemon juice as a substitute in a pinch. Lemon juice is also acidic and tangy like apple cider vinegar. But naturally, it tastes like lemon and not vinegar! Lemon juice can work for salad dressings, but you may need to add a little more lemon juice to equate the zing of the apple cider vinegar (do so to taste).

What not to use as a substitute? We recommend not using balsamic vinegar or distilled white vinegar: they are much too strong.

Here are some recipes where you could use this apple cider vinegar substitution:

• Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
• Mexican Coleslaw
• Simplest Pickled Red Onions
• Red Cabbage Slaw
• Black Bean Salad
• Strawberry Vinaigrette
• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Broccoli Slaw
• Texas Caviar (Cowboy Caviar)
• Best Coleslaw Recipe

So you're making a salad and need a balsamic vinegar replacement stat. Use our simple balsamic vinegar substitute when you're in a pinch.

Updated on October 6, 2022

Sweet and tangy, balsamic vinegar is a pantry staple for topping salads, steaks, and even fruit. It's made from unfermented grape juice and barrel-aged for many years (as few as 3 years and some at least 25 years!) with a distinctive brown color, syrupy body, and slight sweetness. There are three grades of balsamic vinegar: traditional, commercial, and condiment. Most traditional bottles found at the store will say "Balsamic vinegar of Modena," and the grape juice (referred to as "grape must") should be listed as the first ingredient to be considered legit. This specialty vinegar is best used in dishes that call for it specifically. But if you happen to run out mid-recipe and are wondering what to use instead of balsamic vinegar, we've got you covered.

Balsamic Vinegar Substitute

Here's what you'll need for quick balsamic vinegar replacement:

• For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.
• For a DIY balsamic vinegar glaze: In a small saucepan ($17, Target), simmer 2 cups balsamic vinegar with ½ cup of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar is dissolved and the sauce is reduced by half. The glaze will be a thick, syrupy consistency. (Read more detailed instructions on our sister site, Allrecipes).

For some delicious ways to showcase the sweet and tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar, you can sweeten savory dishes like these pulled-pork sliders or these roasted root veggies. Curious about other kinds of vinegar? Get our full guide on the best vinegar substitutions for every type of recipe.