For coloring Easter eggs, a common rule is 1 to 2 teaspoons of white vinegar per cup of hot water for each color. A simple, reliable mix is 1 cup boiling water + 2 teaspoons vinegar + food coloring.

Quick Scoop

  • Mild color: 1 teaspoon vinegar per cup of water.
  • Standard color: 2 teaspoons vinegar per cup of water.
  • Darker color: use the same vinegar amount, but leave the egg in the dye longer and add more food coloring.

Easy Mix

  1. Pour 1 cup boiling water into a bowl or glass.
  1. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons white vinegar.
  1. Add food coloring.
  1. Submerge the egg until the color looks right.

Best Practice

White vinegar is usually preferred, and too much acid can start to affect the eggshell, so it is better not to overdo it. If you want brighter eggs, increasing soak time and dye concentration is usually more effective than adding a lot more vinegar.

If you want, I can also give you a one-bowl recipe for bright red, blue, green, or pastel eggs.