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Best Substitutes for Bourbon (in cooking/baking) — What to Use Instead

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Vanilla Extract + Apple Juice: 2 tsp vanilla + rest apple juice per 1/4 cup bourbon — Mimics warm, sweet notes. Good for pecan pie and sauces.

Non-Alcoholic Bourbon: 1:1 — Best flavor match. Increasingly available at liquor stores.

Overview

Top substitute for bourbon (in cooking/baking): Vanilla Extract + Apple Juice (2 tsp vanilla + rest apple juice per 1/4 cup bourbon). Mimics warm, sweet notes. Good for pecan pie and sauces. Plus 2 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Vanilla Extract + Apple Juice: 2 tsp vanilla + rest apple juice per 1/4 cup bourbon — Mimics warm, sweet notes. Good for pecan pie and sauces.
  • Non-Alcoholic Bourbon: 1:1 — Best flavor match. Increasingly available at liquor stores.
  • Apple Cider + Molasses: 1 cup cider + 1 tsp molasses per 1 cup bourbon — Provides depth and sweetness for BBQ sauces and glazes.

Why This Matters

  • Bourbon (in cooking/baking) may need substituting due to dietary restrictions
  • Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common
  • Allergies or preferences may require alternatives

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Vanilla Extract + Apple Juice at 2 tsp vanilla + rest apple juice per 1/4 cup bourbon
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutessugar-subbourbon-in-cooking-bakingingredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Vanilla Extract + Apple Juice at 2 tsp vanilla + rest apple juice per 1/4 cup bourbon. Mimics warm, sweet notes. Good for pecan pie and sauces.