Wine substitute in cooking

Sauces, wine and pantry liquids · Checked against 2 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

For red wine, use the same amount of grape juice or cranberry juice. For white wine, use apple juice or white grape juice. Juices are sweeter, so reduce other sugar and add a splash of vinegar for acidity. Alcohol does not fully cook out, which matters for halal, kosher and sober cooking.

How much do you need?

I need (wine)Unit

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

What to use

Red grape or cranberry juice
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- 1 cup 235 ml unsweetened red grape or cranberry juice
Best for
Beef stew, braises, red sauces.
What changes
Sweeter and less tannic than wine. Add a splash of vinegar.
Skip it when
Sauces that depend on wine's dry bite.
Apple or white grape juice
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- 1 cup 235 ml apple or white grape juice
Best for
Chicken, fish and light pan sauces.
What changes
Sweeter than dry white wine. Add a splash of vinegar.
Skip it when
Risotto, which expects dry wine.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

Use	Pick	Why
Braises	Red grape juice and a splash of vinegar	Sweet plus acid.
Deglazing	Apple juice and vinegar	Lifts the fond.

Do not substitute here

Wine reductions. Sweet juice. It becomes syrup.

Questions

Is cooking with wine halal or kosher?

Many halal and kosher guidelines restrict it, and some alcohol stays in the dish. Ask your own authority. Juice avoids the question.

Can I use broth?

Yes in savory dishes. Add a little vinegar for the acidity that wine gives.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.