Lemon Juice substitutes

The closest substitute for Lemon Juice is Lemon, which works and barely changes the drink. Squeeze fresh: 1 lemon gives about 30 ml. Lime Juice also works.

Swap it in 106 drinks Low and zero proof Questions

What to use instead of Lemon Juice

Substitute	How much	Strength
LemonAlmost the same Squeeze fresh: 1 lemon gives about 30 ml. Same amount	Same amount	Alcohol-free
Lime JuiceWorks, tastes different Sharper, different aroma. Same amount	Same amount	Alcohol-free

Substitute

LemonAlmost the same

Squeeze fresh: 1 lemon gives about 30 ml.

Same amount

Lime JuiceWorks, tastes different

Sharper, different aroma.

Same amount

Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.

Swap it in your drink

Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Lemon Juice, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.

How they compare

Lemon Juice vs Lime Juice
Property	Lemon Juice	Lime Juice
Strength	Alcohol-free	Alcohol-free
Sugar	2.5 g per 100 ml	1.7 g per 100 ml
Taste	Tart, Acidic, Citrus, Slightly sweet	Tart, Acidic, Citrus, Slightly bitter
Aroma	Citrus, Bright, Clean, Fresh	Citrus, Bright, Fresh, Zesty
Finish	Clean, Crisp, Refreshing	Clean, Refreshing, Tangy

Low and zero proof

An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Lemon Juice: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.

Zero-Proof Bee's KneesZero proof
Virgin CaesarZero proof Bloody Caesar
Virgin MaryZero proof Bloody Mary
Zero-Proof French 75Zero proof
Zero-Proof Tom CollinsZero proof
Zero-Proof Whiskey SourZero proof

What is Lemon Juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides bright, clean acidity to cocktails. Essential for sours, fizzes, and countless classic recipes.

All 106 drinks with Lemon Juice

Got Lemon Juice? It also replaces

Questions about Lemon Juice substitutes

What is the best substitute for Lemon Juice?

Lemon is the closest substitute for Lemon Juice and barely changes the drink. Squeeze fresh: 1 lemon gives about 30 ml. Use the same amount.

What can I use instead of Lemon Juice in an Aviation?

Lemon: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Lemon Juice for 15ml (½ oz) of Lemon.

Out of Lemon Juice?

Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.

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