Best Substitute for White Wine in Cooking (2024)

Here’s the best substitute for white wine in cooking! There are a few options to avoid opening a bottle, or as a non-alcoholic option.

Got a recipe that calls for cooking with wine, but don’t want to open a bottle? Or want to avoid alcohol all together? Don’t worry: we’ve got red and white wine substitute ideas! Italian and French style recipes often call for white wine in the ingredient list. It’s used to de-glaze the pan or add a complex, acidic flavor to dishes. It adds incredible complexity to risotto or pan sauces!

Best substitutes for white wine in cooking

1. Vegetable or chicken broth.

A good white wine substitute? You can use broth as a white wine substitute in cooking! It won’t bring the acidity or complexity that wine does, but it will add a little extra flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine vinegar or a hint of lemon to add a hint of acidity, but don’t overdo it.

2. Water.

If you’re really in a pinch, you can just use water as a white wine substitute! It won’t stand in for the acidity of white wine, but will keep the liquid ratios the same as the original recipe intended.

Why to avoid cooking wine

One note: do not use cooking wine! It has a bitter flavor and should be avoided at all costs. Any dry white or red wine you’d drink will do! Or, use one of the non-alcoholic substitutes above.

Here are a few recipes where white wine is used to bring complexity in flavor:

• Easy Mushroom Risotto
• Classic Risotto
• Gluten Free Quiche