Best Lime Juice Substitutes for Cooking & Cocktails

Instead of lime juice, use lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid for a similar tangy flavor in recipes and cocktails.

Need a lime juice substitute? Whether you’re out of limes or want an alternative flavor, we’ve got you covered. From citrus swaps to vinegar options, these substitutes work in recipes, cocktails, and more.

Top Lime Juice Substitutes

1. Lemon Juice (Best All-Purpose Substitute)

Lemon juice works as a 1:1 replacement for lime juice in most recipes. It has a similar acidity level (about 5-6% citric acid) and bright flavor profile.

• Cocktails: Works perfectly in margaritas, mojitos, and gimlets
• Cooking: Great for marinades, ceviche, and dressings
• Baking: Excellent in pies and desserts (though not for key lime pie)

2. Lime Zest (For Concentrated Flavor)

If you have limes but no juice, zest provides intense lime flavor without the liquid. Use sparingly as it’s potent.

Lime Juice	Lime Zest Equivalent
1 tbsp	½ tsp
¼ cup	2 tsp

3. Vinegar Options

White Wine Vinegar

Provides acidity without citrus flavor. Best for savory dishes like marinades or dressings.

Use half the amount of lime juice called for (1 tbsp lime juice = ½ tbsp vinegar).

Apple Cider Vinegar

Adds fruity notes along with acidity. Works well in Latin American dishes.

Specialty Substitutes

4. Citric Acid Solution

Mix ½ tsp citric acid powder with 2 tbsp water to replace 1 tbsp lime juice. This works especially well for preserving foods or when you need pure acidity.

5. Tamarind Paste

In Southeast Asian cooking, tamarind provides a similar sweet-tart balance. Dilute 1 tbsp paste with 3 tbsp water to replace ¼ cup lime juice.

Cocktail-Specific Alternatives

6. Orange Juice + Lemon Juice

For tropical drinks, mix 2 parts orange juice with 1 part lemon juice. This combo mimics lime’s balance of sweet and tart.

7. Bottled Lime Juice

While not ideal, bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Look for brands with no added sweeteners. For best results, combine with fresh lemon juice (50/50 mix).

Equipment Tip

If you frequently need fresh citrus juice, consider investing in a quality citrus juicer to maximize yield from your fruits.

When NOT to Substitute

Avoid substitutions in dishes where lime is the dominant flavor, such as:

• Authentic key lime pie
• Traditional ceviche
• Certain Thai and Vietnamese dishes

For more on working with citrus, check out this guide to citrus substitutes from Serious Eats.