The Vinegar Strokes

The Vinegar Strokes

Grandpa’s little workshop wasn’t just a garage; it was a fermentation fortress. The air was thick with the tangy, yeasty smell of his latest experiments, barrels bubbling away in a humid corner. He’d pace back and forth, a giddy grin on his face, tapping each cask like a drum. “She’s almost ready!” he’d whisper, as if talking to a newborn. When that moment came—the vinegar, aged to a perfect pucker—his face would light up, his shoulders would shake with a little jig, and Grandma would just smile and say, “Oh, he’s got the vinegar stroke again.”

This tradition fuels the intensity! These recipes aren’t just for salads; they’re the tangy, energizing rocket fuel we need before the epic Cardinalball battles. Dig in and power up!

This page is a tribute to his mad genius, his famous vinaigrettes, and the sheer joy he found in a little bit of sour magic.

Grandpa ready to make vinaigrette

All recipes are designed for a 1-cup shaker.

The Vinaigrette Ratio Visualizer

A classic vinaigrette starts with a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar. Use this slider to see how adjusting that ratio changes the balance from oil-rich and smooth to vinegar-forward and tangy. This is the foundation for all the recipes below.

More Oil More Vinegar

3 : 1 (Oil to Vinegar)

California Sherry Vinegar

With a nutty, rich, and slightly sweet flavor, sherry vinegar is a staple in Spanish cuisine. It’s fantastic for dressings, deglazing pans, and adding depth to sauces.

Vinaigrettes

Classic Sherry Vinaigrette

Perfect for a simple mixed green salad or drizzled over a tomato and mozzarella plate.

  • 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Sherry Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 small Garlic Clove, grated
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Marinades

Mediterranean Chicken Marinade

This bright, tangy marinade adds a pop of flavor to chicken breasts or kebabs before grilling.

  • 1/2 cup Sherry Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Other Uses

Quick Pan Sauce

After searing a steak or chicken breast, remove the meat and add a splash of sherry vinegar to the hot pan to scrape up the browned bits. Reduce slightly and pour over the meat.

Ramp Wine Vinegar

A very unique, savory vinegar with a gentle, wild onion and garlic flavor. It is an amazing way to add a subtle umami depth to dishes.

Vinaigrettes

Ramp & Herb Vinaigrette

Fantastic for a potato salad or a green bean salad to replace the strong flavor of fresh onion or garlic.

  • 2/3 cup Grapeseed Oil
  • 1/4 cup Ramp Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Finely Chopped Chives
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Marinades

Savory Steak or Vegetable Marinade

Gives a lovely, subtle flavor to grilled steak, portobello mushrooms, or asparagus.

  • 1/2 cup Ramp Wine Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Other Uses

Drizzle for Eggs

Add a teaspoon of Ramp Wine Vinegar to your scrambled eggs right before serving for a surprising savory kick.

Chardonnay Wine Vinegar

A clean, bright, and slightly fruity vinegar with the delicate notes of Chardonnay grapes. It’s a great choice for light dressings and dishes where you want a gentle acidity.

Vinaigrettes

Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

This is a light, elegant dressing for salads with tender greens, chicken, or shrimp.

  • 2/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Chardonnay Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Chopped Tarragon or Dill
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Marinades

White Wine Chicken Marinade

Use on chicken breasts or fish fillets to tenderize and infuse a clean, subtle flavor before pan-searing or baking.

  • 1/2 cup Chardonnay Wine Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 clove Garlic, smashed
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley
  • Salt & Pepper

Other Uses

Pickled Onions

A great choice for quick-pickling red onions or other vegetables, as its subtle flavor won’t overpower the final result.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The all-purpose star. Its gentle sweetness and classic tang make it incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from leafy greens to pork and poultry.

Vinaigrettes

Classic Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

The go-to dressing for literally any salad.

  • 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 1 small Garlic Clove, minced
  • Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Marinades

Pork & Chicken Marinade

Creates a tangy, caramelized crust when grilled or roasted.

  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary

Other Uses

Tangy BBQ Sauce

Adds a bright, acidic counterpoint to rich, sweet barbecue sauce. Stir 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar into 3/4 cup of your favorite ketchup-based BBQ sauce.

Ultimate Red Wine Vinegar

Robust and deeply flavored, this is the classic choice for vinaigrettes, marinades for red meat, and deglazing pans for a rich pan sauce.

Vinaigrettes

Simple Italian Vinaigrette

The go-to for pasta salads, leafy greens, or as a dressing for a simple caprese.

  • 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Marinades

Red Meat Marinade

The strong acidity tenderizes and flavors beef or lamb beautifully.

  • 1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • Salt & Pepper

Other Uses

Pickled Eggs

The red wine vinegar gives pickled eggs a beautiful purple hue and a classic tangy flavor. Use a standard recipe for pickled eggs, swapping in this vinegar.

Maple Cider Vinegar

A sweet and tangy vinegar with the rich, unmistakable flavor of maple. It is wonderful for dressings and glazes, especially with pork, squash, and other autumn foods.

Vinaigrettes

Maple Vinaigrette

Ideal for a salad with roasted butternut squash, pecans, and dried cranberries.

  • 2/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Maple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Marinades

Sweet & Savory Pork Marinade

The maple notes beautifully complement pork chops or pork tenderloin.

  • 1/2 cup Maple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Sage
  • Salt & Pepper

Other Uses

Glaze for Roasted Vegetables

Whisk 2 tbsp of Maple Cider Vinegar with 1 tbsp of melted butter. Toss with roasted carrots or sweet potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a beautiful finish.

Inspired by the products of American Vinegar Works. This is an independent recipe guide.