10 Best Vinegars for Sandwiches with a Twist!

I don’t know if you know this, but vinegar is an excellent addition to a sandwich, and I use it often. Not only does it infuse the sandwich with its own signature sour aftertaste, but different kinds of vinegar also enhance and balance the flavors already contained in the sandwich. Still, even though it isn’t rocket science, deciding which vinegar to use for your sandwich requires some knowledge.

You may find it odd to add vinegar to a sandwich but believe me, it works. Mixing some vinegar in your sandwich dressing can make all the difference in the world. So, in this article, I will give you ten ideas for special-taste sandwiches.

Herb-Infused Vinegar 

You will love herb-infused vinegar in your sandwiches if you are anything like me. It adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances and complements the other ingredients. The herbs for this vinegar can be basil, rosemary, thyme, or other herbs, and each leaves a unique trace on the vinegar.

A basil-infused vinegar adds a flavorful and fresh note to your sandwich, which is why it goes excellent with veggie sandwiches. A thyme-infused vinegar adds a warm, earthy flavor, so pairing it with a meaty sandwich is the best way to use it. My favorite is the rosemary-infused vinegar, which can add a woody, piney flavor, so use it for heavier sandwiches such as beef, pork, or turkey sandwiches.

White Balsamic Vinegar 

I love white balsamic vinegar for sandwiches as it is milder and less acidic than traditional balsamic vinegar. You can use it as a dressing for your sandwich, mixed with olive oil and a little mustard. You can also use it to marinate your chicken, pork, or vegetables that you can grill or roast for your sandwich.

White balsamic vinegar is great for pickling vegetables like red onion or cucumber to add a tangy crunch to your sandwich. If you don’t feel creative and it is a lazy day, simply use your white balsamic vinegar as a topping for your sandwich. 

White balsamic vinegar goes great with many sandwich ingredients, like fresh fruit, arugula, chicken, and goat cheese. So take your pick and enjoy.

Sherry Vinegar 

Made from sherry wine, sherry vinegar has a rich and nutty taste. I love it because it gives the sandwiches a layer of luxury and refinement, turning a simple sandwich into a fine dining experience. 

Sherry vinegar adds depth and complexity to your sandwiches, and it goes great with roasted vegetables, cheese, and cured meats. It is also an excellent way to balance out the flavors if you add more ingredients to your sandwich. 

Since it is also a very versatile vinegar, you can use it in a wide variety of sandwich recipes. You can add it to marinades or dressings, pickle vegetables with it, or just drizzle it on top of the sandwich.

Champagne Vinegar 

One of the least known on this list, champagne vinegar deserves attention as it is an excellent sandwich vinegar. It has a mild and a tad sweet flavor which makes it a great way to enhance the tastes of various sandwich ingredients. 

Champagne vinegar works pretty well with fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Its mild flavor does not in any way overpower the flavor of the ingredients, but it is strong enough to change the overall feel of the sandwich.

I really enjoy its slightly acidic taste, which adds brightness to the overall flavor, making your sandwich taste more crisp and fresh. It also has a zesty dimension, adding character and edge to the sandwich.

Malt Vinegar 

Since it comes from malted barley, malt vinegar is very rich, tangy, earthy, and nutty. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavor adds depth and substance to sandwiches giving them a slightly meaty dimension. I mostly use it to dip my chips in it, but I am known to add it to sandwiches too. 

Combine it with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and let it soak in the bread before you eat the sandwich. Thank me later.

Malted vinegar is particularly known to pair with roasted beef or pork, sharp cheddar cheese, or pickled vegetables. Try it with some of these ingredients or all of them; you won’t be sorry.

Rice Vinegar 

Mild with a tiny bit of sweetness, rice vinegar is an excellent sandwich ingredient adding a discrete tangy flavor without dominating the overall taste. Rice vinegar is delicate and less acidic than other types of vinegar, making it excellent for those who like well-balanced and understated tastes. 

It is an excellent choice for sandwiches that are supposed to have delicate flavors, such as sushi, or sandwiches with light meats like chicken or turkey.

You can use rice vinegar in a variety of different sandwiches, from Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches to Japanese katsu sandwiches. It pairs especially well with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and grilled meats.

White Wine Vinegar 

When I am in the mood for a more flavorful and edgier sandwich, I reach for white wine vinegar. Its tangy and slightly sweet taste gives the sandwiches an edgier feel and a more definitive flavor. 

It also has a high acidity level, which makes it perfect for tenderizing meats and vegetables. You can use it in marinades or dressings for sandwiches, making your ingredients softer and gentler.

It is very versatile and goes anywhere from Italian subs to classic deli sandwiches. Ingredients like cheese, tomatoes, chicken, and fish are great to pair with white wine vinegar as they acquire its tanginess and richness.

Apple Cider Vinegar 

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Probably the best-known on this list, apple cider vinegar is a popular condiment loved for its tanginess. Apple cider vinegar is slightly sweet and generously tangy, making it fit great in a variety of sandwiches. 

There is no rule in terms of using apple cider vinegar in sandwiches, which is why I like it so much. You can use it as a dressing for your sandwich, mix it with mayo or another sandwich sauce, marinade meat with it, or just add some to the buns. It is open to experimentation, so try and enjoy it in different ways. 

Red Wine Vinegar 

With its tangy and slightly fruity flavor, red wine vinegar opens many sandwich possibilities, creating rich and vibrant sandwiches. It has a sharp, tangy flavor making it a perfect addition to heavier and fattier sandwiches. It balances out the flavors, adding a bright acidity, making the sandwich edgier and more satisfying.

It pairs perfectly with savory ingredients like roasted vegetables, cured meats, and cheese, enhancing their flavors and adding a discrete sweetness.

Red wine vinegar is a very versatile condiment, and you can use it in everything from classic Italian subs to grilled vegetable sandwiches. It adds flavor to both cold and hot sandwiches and pairs well with a wide range of ingredients.

Balsamic Vinegar 

Balsamic vinegar has a sweet and tangy flavor, which makes it perfect to use in salads. Still, sandwiches aren’t out of the realm of possibilities balsamic vinegar offers. Balsamic vinegar is very versatile, and you can use it with a variety of sandwich ingredients, from fresh vegetables to meats and cheeses. 

It pairs particularly well with ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and roasted vegetables. I like to combine it with arugula, cherry tomatoes, grilled cheese, and prosciutto. 

It is open to many combinations offering many options. You can mix it in a dressing, add it to a marinade, or simply drizzle it over the ingredients.