We love vermouth. It’s a key ingredient in many of our favorite cocktails and it adds delicious complexity to drinks.
However, vermouth can be difficult to find in some areas, and it can also be expensive.
If you’re looking for a vermouth substitute, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll list ten substitutes for vermouth that are easy to find and taste great.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes for Vermouth
- Stock
- Lemon Juice
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sake
- Wine Vinegar
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Red Wine
- Grape Juice
- Dry Sherry
- White
Stock
Stock is cheaper and more readily available, and it can still provide the same flavor profile as vermouth.
When using stock as a substitute for vermouth, it is important to use a 1:1 ratio.
This means that for every 1 cup of vermouth called for in a recipe, you will use 1 cup of stock instead.
Additionally, it is important to note that stock may change the overall flavor of the dish slightly.
For this reason, it is best to use stock as a substitute in recipes where the vermouth is not the star ingredient.
Ultimately, the stock is an ideal substitute for vermouth because it is cheaper, more readily available, and still provides similar flavor profiles.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be a great substitute for vermouth in many recipes.
It has a similar acidity to vermouth, which can help to balance out other flavors in a dish.
Additionally, lemon juice is a refreshing and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes.
However, it is important to note that lemon juice is less sweet and will not have the same flavor profile as vermouth, so it may change the taste of the dish slightly.
So you may want to add a small amount of simple syrup if you want your recipe to be a bit sweeter.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider can be used as a substitute for vermouth in many recipes.
This is because apple cider has a similar sweetness and acidity to vermouth, making it a suitable replacement in many cocktails and dishes.
Additionally, apple cider is less expensive than vermouth, so it can be a great way to save money when cooking.
When substituting apple cider for vermouth, it is important to use a 1:1 ratio.
This means that if a recipe calls for one cup of vermouth, you should use one cup of apple cider.
Additionally, it is important to note that apple cider is not as dry as vermouth, so it may alter the taste of some recipes.
However, overall, apple cider is a great substitute for vermouth and can be used in many different recipes.
Sake
Sake, a Japanese wine made from fermented rice, can be used as a substitute for vermouth in many recipes.
Like vermouth, sake is a fortified wine with a slightly sweet flavor.
It is also a good source of umami, which can help to round out the flavors in a dish.
Sake can be used in any recipe that calls for vermouth, including martinis, Manhattan cocktails, and spaghetti ala puttanesca.
While the flavor of sake is different from that of vermouth, it can still be used to create delicious and flavorful dishes.
Wine Vinegar
Wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for vermouth in many recipes.
It has a similar sour taste and can be used in the same proportions.
The main difference is that wine vinegar is less alcoholic and has a stronger flavor. It is also less expensive than vermouth.
When substituting wine vinegar for vermouth, it is important to keep this in mind and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of vermouth, you would only need to use 1/3 cup of wine vinegar.
If you are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to vermouth, wine vinegar is a good choice. It can be used in cooking or added to dressings and sauces.
However, it is not suitable for drinking on its own.
Just keep in mind that it is more potent than wine vinegar and you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar can be a great alternative to vermouth! Its rich, complex flavor can add depth and character to all sorts of drinks.
Plus, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes.
Here are some tips on using balsamic vinegar as a substitute for vermouth:
When using balsamic vinegar as a vermouth substitute, you’ll want to use a 1:1 ratio.
This means that for every ounce of vermouth called for in the recipe, you’ll use one ounce of balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar can be used as a replacement for both sweet and dry vermouth.
If you’re looking for a sweeter drink, opt for dark, aged balsamic vinegar.
If you want something dryer, go for a younger, lighter vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar is a great choice for substitutes because it has a strong flavor that can stand up to other ingredients in the drink.
However, it’s also important to keep in mind that balsamic vinegar is quite acidic.
This means that it can change the flavor of the drink, so be sure to experiment until you find the perfect ratio!
Red Wine
Red Wine as a substitute for vermouth can be a great way to change up the flavors in your favorite recipes.
Vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is often used in martinis and other cocktails.
It can also be used in cooking to add a touch of sweetness or acidity to a dish.
Red wine can be a good substitute for vermouth because it has a similar flavor profile.
It is also lower in alcohol content, which means that it won’t alter the taste of your recipe as much as other types of alcohol.
When substituting red wine for vermouth, you will want to use a ratio of 1:1.
So, if your recipe calls for one cup of vermouth, you would use one cup of red wine instead.
However, it is important to keep in mind that red wine may change the color of your dish.
So if you are looking for a white sauce or soup, you may want to opt for another type of substitution.
Grape Juice
Grape juice can be used as a substitute for vermouth in many recipes.
It has a similar flavor profile to vermouth but is less bitter.
This makes it a good choice for use in cocktails that are meant to be on the sweeter side.
Grape juice is also a good alternative for those who are looking for a non-alcoholic option.
When compared to other substitutes, grape juice has a more distinct flavor than most.
This means that it may change the flavor of the dish slightly, but overall it will still taste good.
If you are looking for a way to cut down on the alcohol content of your recipes without sacrificing flavor, grape juice is a great option.
Dry Sherry
When it comes to vermouth, dry sherry is a great substitute.
This is because it shares many of the same qualities as vermouth, including its floral aroma and bittersweet flavor.
In addition, dry sherry also has a high alcohol content, which helps to keep cocktails well-balanced.
In terms of recipes, dry sherry can be used in any dish that calls for vermouth.
This includes classics like the Martini and the Manhattan, as well as more modern concoctions.
However, it is worth noting that dry sherry is sweeter than vermouth, so it may make some cocktails slightly sweeter than intended.
Conclusion
There are many vermouth substitutes available, each with its unique flavor.
The best substitute for vermouth depends on your personal preferences and the recipe you’re using.
However, all of the substitutes listed above are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
So, whether you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option or just want to change up the flavors in your favorite recipes, there’s sure to be a vermouth substitute that’s perfect for you.
Cheers!