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What is a Substitute for Brandy?
Brandy is made by distilling fermented fruit such as wine. Because of this brandy will have a fruity and somewhat sweet taste. When used in baking and cooking it can add more layers of flavor to your dish. But what if you don’t have any brandy, or if you don’t want to use alcohol?
Alcoholic Substitutes
- Whiskey – The alcohol content is similar to brandy, but the flavor can be more distinct. Choose one that closely resembles the flavor of the brandy used in the recipe. Substitute equal amounts.
- Rum – Rum is sweeter than brandy and could change the flavor of your dish. You may wish to dilute it with a little water so it isn’t quite as sweet. The difference won’t be too noticeable so rum can be used in baked goods. You can substitute 1 for 1 and if necessary dilute the rum with a small amount of water.
- Wine – Wine is a great substitute since the majority of brandy is made from wine. Since there are so many varieties of wine you can choose one that may provide even more depth of flavor to your recipe. If you use a sweeter wine, you might want to use just a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to overcome the sweetness. Brandy and wine can be substituted in equal amounts.
- Gin – Gin has an herbal flavor so this may not be a good substitute for many recipes. It works best with meat, poultry, and pasta dishes as well as desserts and other baked goods. Substitute in equal amounts.
- Brandy Extract – Depending on the brand, the extract may contain alcohol. If you are avoiding alcohol be sure to read the label to see how the extract was made. This is an artificial flavor and although it can provide the brandy flavor, it does not provide the same texture or consistency in your dish. Because the extract has a concentrated flavor, for example, substitute 1 tablespoon of the extract with 5 tablespoons of brandy.
Non-Alcoholic Substitutes
- Apple Juice or Cider – The consistency, flavor, and texture may be slightly changed because of the lack of alcohol. This would be a good option if your recipe calls for apple brandy. While an equal 1-for-1 substitute may work for smaller amounts if your recipe calls for a large amount you may need to dilute with a little water first.
- White Grape Juice – White grape juice can be used in many dishes, but it is a better choice for recipes that call for poultry or pork. When using any fruit juice as a substitute it is best to use natural fruit juice, because they have lower sugar content. Too much sugar can change the final flavor of the dish. White grape juice should be diluted before use. Generally, substitute 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of juice for 1 tablespoon of brandy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – This is an excellent choice because it can be used in many different recipes. It will give you a sourness to your dish similar to brandy.
- Broth – Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth can be used to add moisture to a dish.
- Water – This should be your last choice. It will add moisture to a dish, but too much can make the dish have too much liquid.
