What if I can't get a proper beverage for Havdalah?

Hi,

We have said that there is a range of acceptable beverages to use for Havdalah. But what if none of them are available to me right now?

One who cannot find wine or an acceptable substitute for Havdalah should recite the evening Maariv service, including the prayer-version of Havdalah in the Amidah as we have discussed, and then go purchase an acceptable beverage for Havdalah.

One who cannot acquire an appropriate beverage on Saturday night may not, but rather must wait to perform Havdalah.

One may recite Havdalah on Sunday, if that is when an appropriate beverage becomes available. However, if one still does not have an appropriate beverage by Sunday afternoon, one may eat without having recited Havdalah.

[Note: One may still perform Havdalah until sunset on Tuesday. However, one who recites Havdalah anytime after Saturday night does not use the flame or the spices. We'll explain this later, Gd-willing.]

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 296:3; Mishneh Berurah 296:19)

Have a great day,
Mordechai