For cooks in the know, champagne vinegar is a great addition to creamy salad dressings and savory dishes alike. If you’ve found yourself in the middle of your favorite vinaigrette recipe and discovered you’re all out of champagne vinegar, there’s no need to worry. You probably have some fantastic Champagne Substitutes in your pantry.
We use vinegar in numerous recipes to add an acidic punch and a depth of flavor. When you consider the vinegar you use most often, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar likely come to mind.
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What Is Champagne Vinegar?
Known for its mellow and floral taste, champagne vinegar is a light-tasting vinegar that’s typically made from Chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.
Best Champagne Vinegar Substitutes
While many types of vinegar are interchangeable, you do need to keep the flavors of the dish in mind, and how you’ll be using the vinegar.
1. White Wine Vinegar
If you conduct a side-by-side comparison of champagne vinegar and white wine vinegar, you may notice that champagne vinegar is slightly sweeter and not as acidic. However, when combined with other ingredients it’s hard to distinguish between the two. For that reason, white wine vinegar is an excellent substitute for champagne vinegar. Use it at a ratio of 1:1.
2. Asian Rice Vinegar
Also considered light compared to some other vinegar, and popular in Asian foods, rice wine vinegar is a good substitute for champagne vinegar. Start with a ratio of 1:1 and increase slightly to get the flavor you want.
3. Rice Wine Vinegar
Also known as rice vinegar and used to add flavor to stir fries, sushi, and vinaigrettes, rice wine vinegar is a close match to champagne vinegar. You can find it in the Asian foods section of large grocery stores and at specialty shops. Use a ratio of 1:1.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Because champagne vinegar is milder than apple cider vinegar, you may want to use a little less as a substitute, and then check for flavor. Depending on what you’re cooking, an equal amount of apple cider may work but you also want to ensure that the flavor of the dish is balanced.
5. Sherry Vinegar
Often overlooked, sherry vinegar can be used in place of champagne vinegar. However, because it tends to be more acidic, you may want to use a little less sherry vinegar in your recipe.
6. Red Wine Vinegar
Even though it has a totally different color, red wine vinegar is a suitable substitute for champagne vinegar. Similar to sherry vinegar, it does have a slightly stronger flavour, so start with a ratio that’s a little less than 1:1.
7. Lemon / Lime Juice
If you find yourself with no vinegar at all, lemon or lime juice is your best solution. While the flavor will be different, you will get a kick of acid. And in vinaigrettes and salad dressings, a bit of citrus juice can add a delightful flavor.
Is Champagne Vinegar the Same as White Vinegar?
While both champagne vinegar and white vinegar is made in the same way, champagne vinegar is less acidic, is fruitier, and is much lighter in flavor.
Where to Buy Champagne Vinegar?
Champagne vinegar has grown in popularity over the years and is now easily found at major grocery stores, specialty shops, and online retailers.
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Best Champagne Vinegar Substitutes (Homemade Substitute Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Champagne Vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- White wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Use your preferred substitute in the recipe.
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