Finding a lighter, subtle, aromatic, complex, and slightly sweeter Vinegar like champagne vinegar is hard. But sometimes, we need to try when we’re out of it. Don’t worry; I’ve compiled a list of champagne vinegar substitutes.

Some of the best champagne vinegar substitutes are white wine, sherry, raspberry, herb, and coconut vinegar.

Champagne vinegar, also known as vinaigre de Reims or Reims vinegar, is made from champagne wine. It gains light and crisp flavor after aging in oak barrels for two years. 

Champagne vinegar is the lemon/lime/citrus juice of the vinegar world, as it offers a subtle tartness paired with a delicate floral quality. 

You can use it in meats and poultry as a deglazing agent. It is perfect for use in salads and other dishes and helps to add a bit of extra flavor to your favorite recipes.

It is also a good option for the vinegar component in mayonnaise and can enhance both beurre blanc and bearnaise sauce.

Here is a list of champagne vinegar below, go and choose a good substitute for you.

11 Best Champagne Vinegar Substitutes

Here is the list of the best champagne vinegar substitutes that you can use when you run out of the original thing.

1. White Wine Vinegar

You can use white wine as an alternative to champagne wine. It has a fruity flavor and is sweeter and lighter than plain white, distilled vinegar. 

You can use it to prepare salads, dressing, sauces, and marinades. It has anti-tumor properties, promotes heart health, and controls blood control.

Replace the champagne wine with an equal amount of white wine vinegar. 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the most popular types of vinegar is apple cider vinegar. It’s made out of apples, yeast, and sugar.

It is sweeter than champagne vinegar and is used to prepare vinaigrettes and soups.

Apple cider vinegar is high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. It also aids in weight loss and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You can use apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.

3. Sherry Vinegar

Sherry vinegar has the proper balance of acidity and sweetness. It is an excellent substitute for champagne vinegar. 

Sherry’s vinegar flavor is more acidic. It is dark brown and has a complex and nutty flavor. You can use flavored soups or make a marinade or salad dressing. A 1:1 ratio substitution is already adequate if you are using Sherry vinegar.

4. Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is a by-product of rice fermentation, having a sweet and savory aroma, and can work as an alternative for champagne wine.

You can use it to make sauces, marinades, salad dressing, and sushi. It supports weight loss and controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Instead of champagne wine, you can substitute one tablespoon of rice wine vinegar; however, you should taste it first.

5. Balsamic Vinegar

You can use balsamic vinegar as a substitute for champagne wine. It has a syrup-like consistency, complex flavors, and a tart aftertaste.

Due to its tangy flavor, it works best as a champagne vinegar in meat, fish, veggies, or salad dressings. You can incorporate balsamic vinegar in the same quantity as champagne vinegar to replace it.

6. Raspberry Vinegar

You can use raspberry vinegar as an alternative for champagne vinegar in top salads and meat for an extra sweet-tart fruity flavor.

As the names imply, it flavors with raspberry with a sweet, delicate, and slightly fruity flavor.

You can buy raspberry vinegar or make it home by steeping white vinegar with some raspberries as an alternative to champagne vinegar.

7. Red Wine Vinegar

Red wine vinegar is created by fermenting and straining red wine. It is alcohol-free and has a rich and heavier flavor. 

Using it as a champagne vinegar substitute is best when you need vinegar’s acidity. It has a sharp, tangy flavor with a thicker consistency.

You can use it to make vinaigrettes, marinades, and sauces.

It’s a little sharper and less sweet than Champagne vinegar, so adjust sugar or other sweeteners in your recipe accordingly.

8. Herb Vinegar 

Any herb vinegar works as a substitute for champagne vinegar. Oregano or basil herb vinegar pairs exceptionally well with champagne vinegar.

You can use it to deepen the flavor of fish, meats, and dressings. Although it is not as sweet, you can add honey or sugar to balance the taste of champagne vinegar. You can use it in a 1:1 ratio.

9. Persimmon Vinegar 

Persimmon vinegar is a solid substitute for champagne vinegar if you need to learn the fruity taste in your dishes.

Persimmon vinegar has a fruity aroma, peppery flavor, and intense acidic bite. Due to its taste, it works best in dishes like egg or over beans. You can use persimmon vinegar as a substitute for champagne vinegar in an equal amount. 

10. Coconut Vinegar 

If you like the smell of coconut, this is the best champagne vinegar substitute. Coconut vinegar is a by-product of palm wine production and is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.

It has a sharp and acidic taste, with a faintly fruity taste. It gives the best result in using marinades, sauces, or soups.

You can use it as a substitute for champagne vinegar.

11. Lemon / Lime Juice 

If you don’t have any substitute, lemon or lime juice is best for the champagne vinegar. Just squeeze a lemon or lime juice on fish or salad dressing.

It has a fruit and sour flavor due to citric and uses in marinades, sauces, and salad dressings.

I know lemon/ lime juice doesn’t provide the same floral, delicate, complex flavors of champagne vinegar and can work in a pinch. 

If no other vinegar is available, use it in a 1:1 substitution and as an excellent substitute for champagne vinegar.

Short Recap Of Champagne Vinegar Substitutes

Here is a quick recap of the champagne vinegar Substitutes 

Best Champagne Vinegar Substitutes In Terms Of Flavor and Texture –

• Sherry Vinegar
• White Wine Vinegar
• Raspberry Vinegar

Best Champagne Vinegar Substitutes That Are Easily Available-

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Red Wine Vinegar

 Champagne Vinegar Substitutes Should Be Least Considered –

•  Lemon / Lime Juice

How to Use a Champagne Vinegar Substitute In A Recipe

Conclusion

That was the detailed list of champagne vinegar substitutes. If you choose wisely, these substitutes will work well in most recipes. 

Now go and make something delicious. If this article is helpful for you, you can check other articles too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)