Bourbon substitutes
Bourbon substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Whiskey (any type)
Same amount as the bourbon
Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in most recipes.
The best substitutes for bourbon are whiskey, brandy, rum, or non-alcoholic alternatives like apple juice with vanilla extract, depending on your recipe.
Bourbon is doing two separate jobs: it supplies a vanilla-and-charred-oak flavour, and it supplies a splash of liquid to a glaze, sauce or batter. Keeping those apart is what saves the recipe - an extract gives you the flavour but none of the liquid, and a fruit juice gives you the liquid but not the flavour.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bourbon | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whiskey (any type)cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Brandycooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Rumcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Apple juice + vanilla extractbaking | Same amountPlus ½ tsp vanilla per ¼ cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Cognaccooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Bourbon extractbaking | ¼ tsp per ¼ cup liquidTweak it | Tweak it |
Whiskey (any type)
similar taste and texture
Any whiskey can substitute for bourbon in most recipes.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- cooking, baking, cocktails, sauces, marinades
Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well.
Brandy
different taste, similar texture
Fruit-based spirit with similar complexity and warmth.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, sauces
Slightly sweeter and fruitier than bourbon.
Rum
different taste, similar texture
Sugarcane-based spirit with similar sweetness.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, sauces, glazes
Darker rum works best for closer flavor match.
Apple juice + vanilla extract
different taste and texture
Non-alcoholic substitute that mimics bourbon's sweetness and depth.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- baking, desserts, sauces, glazes, non-alcoholic recipes
Best non-alcoholic option for most recipes.
Cognac
similar taste and texture
Premium brandy with similar complexity and oak aging.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, sauces
More expensive but very similar flavor profile.
Bourbon extract
similar taste, different texture
Concentrated bourbon flavoring without alcohol.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Misses
- Moisture & hydration — not covered
- Best for
- baking, desserts, non-alcoholic recipes
Very concentrated - use sparingly.
Questions
8 questionsWhat can I substitute for bourbon in cooking?
The best substitutes for bourbon in cooking are whiskey, brandy, rum, or for non-alcoholic options, apple juice with vanilla extract. Use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.
Can I substitute whiskey for bourbon in a recipe?
Yes, any type of whiskey can substitute for bourbon in recipes. Scotch, Irish whiskey, or Canadian whiskey all work well with a 1:1 ratio.
What's a good non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
The best non-alcoholic substitute is apple juice with vanilla extract. Use 1:1 ratio of apple juice to bourbon, plus ½ teaspoon vanilla extract per ¼ cup of liquid.
Can I substitute brandy for bourbon?
Yes, brandy can substitute for bourbon in most recipes. It's slightly sweeter and fruitier, but works well in cooking, baking, and cocktails.
What can I substitute for bourbon in baking?
For baking, you can use whiskey, brandy, rum, or apple juice with vanilla extract. The alcohol content will cook off during baking, so any of these work well.
Can I substitute rum for bourbon in a recipe?
Yes, rum can substitute for bourbon, especially dark rum which has similar sweetness and depth. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for bourbon in pecan pie?
For pecan pie, whiskey, brandy, or rum all work well. For non-alcoholic, use apple juice with vanilla extract. The alcohol cooks off during baking.
Can I substitute bourbon for brandy?
Yes, bourbon can substitute for brandy in most recipes. Bourbon is slightly more smoky and less fruity than brandy, but they work interchangeably in cooking and baking.
Tips for substituting bourbon
7 tips- Bourbon adds warmth, sweetness, and complexity to dishes
- It's excellent for deglazing pans and creating rich sauces
- Bourbon pairs beautifully with brown sugar, vanilla, and spices
- Use bourbon in marinades for meats, especially chicken and pork
- Bourbon works well in both sweet and savory applications
- For non-alcoholic cooking, apple juice with vanilla is the best substitute
- Bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes enhance desserts and baked goods