We get wine from fermented grape juice, and it is an alcoholic drink loved by many. Red and white wine also find other uses in the culinary industry. They serve as part of cooking recipes to increase the richness of meals.
As popular as wine is, some people do not like to consume alcoholic drinks; thus, there is a need to consider other alternatives. And if there is no wine at a particular moment or you can’t afford to buy a wine cooler, you may want to consider something else.
Aside from obtaining a cooler, wine may need other accessories such as red wine stock cubes. Thus, you may want to consider non-alcoholic substitutes that are less demanding to stock and maintain.
Therefore, you will find some great substitutes for your beloved red and white wine in this article.
1. Apple Juice
Apple juice is another flavor option during cooking. And it can serve well as a good substitute for red and white wine. It is especially a good replacement for white wine due to its clear color and sweet taste. You can also boost the taste of apple juice by adding vinegar.
2. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is another non-alcoholic beverage to consider in place of red and white wine. It has a good amount of acid and has a great impact on food flavor. Thus, it is a great ingredient for cooking.
If you want to boost the strength of pomegranate juice, you can blend it with vinegar. This will increase the flavor. Pomegranate juice is great for preparing sauces and vegetables. Pomegranate juice also has health benefits since it contains some antioxidants.
3. Red and White Wine Vinegar
Vinegar is usually used for culinary purposes. The main constituents of vinegar include water and acetic acid. Compounds obtainable in wine are also present. Vinegar can also come from coconut water, rice, apple cider, and malt.
If you are looking for great alternatives for alcoholic wine, red and white vinegar is good. One of the reasons is that they have a similar taste to proper wine. Wine vinegar is an exceptional ingredient if you want to make marinades and salad dressings.
Red wine vinegar is also great for preparing pork, vegetables, and beef. As for white wine vinegar, you should consider using it when preparing fish and chicken.
It is possible to find little alcohol in vinegar, but this is not alarming as it is mostly eliminated during fermenting and cooking.
4. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice shares some resemblance with red wine in terms of color. It is used in cooking for its flavor enhancement capabilities. Thus, it is a great substitute for red and white wine.
Cranberry juice without added sugar is better for cooking since it tastes sweet. The reason for this is that too much sweetness may affect the outcome of your dish.
5. Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is another alternative to red and white wine you should consider. It is a carbonated beverage containing ginger flavor. Other constituents include cane sugar, lime, and lemon. Ginger ale is a great substitute for whiter wine during cooking. Its acidity helps in the softening of meat.
Conclusion
It is great to have other alternatives for red and white wine, especially non-alcoholic substitutes. Some of these alternatives may not be a direct substitute and may require boosting to make them effective. Whatever alternative you choose, ensure you know what to expect to prevent any surprises.