Acids & Vinegars

Best Substitutes for Balsamic Vinegar

A red wine vinegar with a touch of sugar or honey gets close to balsamic’s sweet-tart depth.

Best overall swap

Red wine vinegar + brown sugar

3 tbsp vinegar + 1 tbsp brown sugar per 1/4 cup balsamic

Simmer briefly to dissolve the sugar for a syrupy, balsamic-like reduction.

All Substitutes for Balsamic Vinegar

Red wine vinegar + brown sugar

3 tbsp vinegar + 1 tbsp brown sugar per 1/4 cup balsamic

Simmer briefly to dissolve the sugar for a syrupy, balsamic-like reduction.

pantry-staple

Apple cider vinegar + honey

2 parts vinegar + 1 part honey

A milder but still sweet-tart substitute, good in dressings.

Cooking from a video right now?

Vidcipe turns any cooking video into a complete recipe with ingredients, steps, tips, and nutrition info — free to try.

Try Vidcipe Free →
← Search another ingredient