Can i use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar

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

Can i use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar

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

About the authors

Can i use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

Of all the vinegars out there, apple cider vinegar is one of the most multi-purpose. It can do everything its fellow vinegars do (including clean!) and even gets touted as a health elixir within the wellness community. So, what happens when you find yourself pouring out that last precious drop in the bottle? Forget the last-minute grocery store run! You're bound to have a few apple cider vinegar substitutes in your well-stocked pantry already.

Apple cider vinegar is derived from a combination of fermented apples and water; it's slightly sweeter than most vinegars with its apple notes. Keep in mind, however, that there is a key difference between apple cider vinegar and apple cider versus apple juice. This particular vinegar is considered to be mild—it's less sweet than balsamic but sweeter than most wine-based vinegars (think white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or sherry vinegar). It can brighten and sharpen salad dressings or cooking liquids, work culinary magic as a quick-pickling solution and even function as a key ingredient in baking recipes, where it helps activate leaveners. Ree Drummond herself uses it in all sorts of recipes: the best baked beans ever, apple, pecan, and blue cheese salad with dried cherries and glazed ham. Before you start cooking, read on to find an apple cider vinegar substitute that works for you!

White wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar have a similar level of acidity, making for an easy swap. Add a splash of fruit juice to sweeten it up a bit, if desired.

SHOP GLASS MEASURING CUPS

Champagne vinegar is milder than apple cider vinegar, though a 1:1 swap will work just fine. If you need more of a punch, add a bit more champagne vinegar to taste.

The overall flavor of red wine vinegar is more pronounced than white wine vinegar, but it still works as a suitable sub for apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind, however, that the dark hue of red wine vinegar may affect the color of a dish.

Sherry vinegar has a distinct flavor that is more pronounced and complex than apple cider vinegar, but it's still a great swap. If you're a fan of sherry or sherry vinegar, feel free to up the amount to taste—just don't alter the amount of liquid in a baking recipe!

Sweeter and milder than apple cider vinegar, rice wine vinegar is still a great substitute. It has a pleasant taste, but also adds the snappiness you'd expect from a vinegar.

If you stir a little honey or maple syrup into apple cider vinegar, you'll end up with a mixture resembling balsamic vinegar. You can use the mix as 1:1 swap for apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind that balsamic vinegar is significantly sweeter, so consider adjusting the amount as needed to taste. It's also much darker and opaque, so it will affect the color of a dish.

7

Distilled White Vinegar

Though your standard white vinegar is considered neutral in flavor, it is highly acidic and has a pronounced sharp bite. Use it as an equal swap for apple cider vinegar, but consider adding a splash of fruit juice or a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavor. On its own, distilled white vinegar can be a bit harsh.

A good match for all things fried and crisp, malt vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar, though it will add a yeasted note in terms of overall flavor.

This non-fermented cousin of apple cider vinegar makes for a worthwhile sub. Just keep in mind that it doesn't offer the acidity of vinegar, so it won't activate leaveners. If using in savory recipes, add a splash of another vinegar or some citrus juice for acidity.

Lemon juice is naturally tart and acidic—which means it's an ideal substitute for apple cider vinegar. Use it in dressings, sauces or any time you need a splash of acidity.

Any citrus juice will add brightness to a dish, but orange juice is slightly sweeter than the other citrusy contenders. Use it as a 1:1 swap, but feel free to add a splash of another vinegar, if desired, for a sharper note.

Another ideal sub, lime juice packs in all the right acidic notes. Keep in mind that it's a bit sharper than both lemon and orange juice, and it has a very distinct flavor.

SHOP CITRUS JUICERS

What can I use in place of red wine vinegar?

The 8 Best Red Wine Vinegar Substitutes.
Balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is a common pantry staple in many households. ... .
White vinegar mixed with red wine. ... .
Sherry vinegar. ... .
White wine vinegar. ... .
Rice vinegar. ... .
Apple cider vinegar. ... .
Tamarind paste. ... .
Raspberry vinegar..

What is the difference between apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar?

The main difference between apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar is the sources they come from. Red wine vinegar is basically fermented red wine, while apple cider vinegar is produced from raw apple juice/apples. In fact, the base ingredients are two different fruits- apples and grapes.