There are several options if you can’t use lime juice! Here are the best lime juice substitutes in savory recipes, cocktails, and baking.
Preparing a recipe and don’t have a lime on hand? Or are you allergic to this bright green citrus fruit? We’re here for you. Lime brings luminosity and a tart undertone to everything it touches. It’s notable in Latin American and Mexican cuisine because it packs a punch (and margaritas!). While it’s difficult to substitute fresh lime juice, there are things you can do on the fly.
Best Lime Juice Substitutes
Note that how these options work depends on the type of recipe and how the lime is used.
1. Lemon juice (in baking and in cocktails).
The Best Substitute for Lime Juice? The same amount of lemon juice! This is particularly useful for cocktail recipes: the margarita also tastes great! (Try our Lemon Margarita.) Using lemon in place of lime also works well in baking. Of course, we’re assuming you wouldn’t go so far as to substitute lemon in something like key lime pie!
Lemon juice can also replace lime in savory recipes! But remember: Lime is a key flavor in Latin American and Mexican cuisine. Lemon works as a substitute, but nothing can completely replace the zest of a lime.
2. Lime zest.
If you have a real lime but no juice, here’s another substitute you can use: lime zest. (Here’s how to peel a lime.) This adds an even greater shine than the juice itself. It’s especially good for baking recipes. What is conversion? 1 tbsp lime juice = ½ tsp lime zest
3. Orange Juice.
Same idea as lemon juice! Orange juice doesn’t taste quite the same, but if that’s all you have, you can use it as a 1-to-1 substitute for lime juice.
4. White Vinegar (in savory recipes).
White wine vinegar replaces lime juice in savory recipes and salad dressings! It’s not that useful in baking because the flavor can be overwhelming. It can add spiciness without any specific culinary connotation. However, be careful with this one as the flavor is very strong. What is conversion? 1 tbsp lime juice = ½ tbsp white wine vinegar
Related Recipes
Here are some of our favorite lime juice recipes:
