What can I substitute for verjuice?

Running low on verjuice? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

verjuice — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Laker on Pexels

About verjuice

Verjuice is an acidic juice made from unripened grapes, occasionally other sour fruits, that has been used in cooking since medieval times. It provides a gentle, fruity acidity that is milder and less sharp than vinegar or lemon juice, making it ideal for deglazing, dressings, and sauces. Its complex, slightly tart flavour adds depth without overpowering delicate dishes, and it pairs particularly well with poultry, fish, and stone fruits.

Best substitute

dry white wine

Dry white wine is the closest match to verjuice in flavour profile and acidity level, offering a similarly mild, fruity tang. It works seamlessly in deglazing, sauces, and braises with little adjustment needed.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of verjuice

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Alternative

white wine vinegar

White wine vinegar provides a similar fruity acidity but is significantly sharper than verjuice, so diluting it with water or a little grape juice helps approximate the gentler tang. Use with care to avoid overpowering the dish.

Use ½ cup white wine vinegar mixed with ½ cup water for every 1 cup of verjuice

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Alternative

lemon juice

What is verjuice called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	verjuice
FR	verjus
United Kingdom	verjuice
United States	verjuice

Common names for verjuice

verjusverde juicesour grape juice

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orange juice

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Fresh lemon juice delivers bright acidity and can stand in for verjuice in a pinch, though it lacks the subtle fruity grape character and can be more assertive. Diluting with a little water or apple juice softens its sharpness.

Use ¾ cup for every 1 cup of verjuice, diluted with 2–3 tbsp water if needed

dressingsmarinadessaucesdeglazingdishes requiring subtle flavour

Alternative

apple juice

Unsweetened apple juice with a small splash of white wine vinegar mimics verjuice's mild, fruity acidity reasonably well and is a good alcohol-free option. The sweetness is slightly higher, so reduce any added sugar in the recipe accordingly.

Use ¾ cup apple juice plus 1 tbsp white wine vinegar for every 1 cup of verjuice

alcohol-free cookingdressingssaucesbraiseshighly savoury dishes

Alternative

white grape juice

White grape juice is the most flavourally authentic non-alcoholic substitute as it shares verjuice's grape base, though it is sweeter and less acidic. Adding a small amount of white wine vinegar or lemon juice sharpens it to a closer approximation.

Use ¾ cup white grape juice plus 1–2 tsp white wine vinegar for every 1 cup of verjuice

alcohol-free cookingdressingssaucesdessertshighly savoury reductions