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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of red wine?

Non-alcoholic red wine, Cranberry juice + red wine vinegar and Beef stock + red wine vinegar are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Non-alcoholic red wine. Use the same amount. Made for cooking.

Adjust: Most accurate non-alcoholic swap.

  1. Non-alcoholic red wine

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Made for cooking.

    Flavor
    Close.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Most accurate non-alcoholic swap.
    Best for
    Any recipe

  2. Cranberry juice + red wine vinegar

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Mix 3/4 cup juice + 1/4 cup vinegar per cup wine.

    Flavor
    Similar acid + fruit.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Sweetened cranberry — reduce sugar.
    Best for
    Braises, Stews

  3. Beef stock + red wine vinegar

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Mix 3/4 stock + 1/4 vinegar.

    Flavor
    Rich, umami, acid.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Use for alcohol-free version.
    Best for
    Any recipe

  4. Grape juice (unsweetened)

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    No tannins. Sweeter than wine.

    Flavor
    Fruity, no acid.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Reduce sugar. Add splash vinegar for acidity.
    Best for
    In a pinch

Common questions

What is the best substitute for red wine?

Non-alcoholic red wine is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Made for cooking.

How much should I use instead of red wine?

It depends on the swap. Non-alcoholic red wine: Use the same amount. Cranberry juice + red wine vinegar: Use the same amount. Beef stock + red wine vinegar: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use red wine

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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