Cocktail Recipe & Batch Calculator

Cocktail Guide

What should I know about Classic Cocktail Ratios?

Professional bartenders use standardised ratios rather than specific volumes. The Sour family (Margarita, Whisky Sour, Daiquiri): 2 parts spirit : 1 part citrus : 1 part sweetener. The Negroni family: equal parts gin, Campari, sweet vermouth (1:1:1). The Spritz: 3 parts Prosecco : 2 parts aperitivo (Aperol, Campari) : 1 part soda. The Highball family (Gin and Tonic, Rum and Coke): typically 1 part spirit to 3-4 parts mixer. Understanding these ratios means you can scale any recipe and troubleshoot one that tastes off, since most cocktail problems come down to the balance between spirit, sweet, and sour being out of proportion.

What should I know about Batching Cocktails for Parties?

Batch cocktails are made in advance (minus fresh citrus and carbonated elements added at service). Advantages: consistent results, no individual shaking, faster service. Technique: calculate total spirit and modifier volumes, combine in a large container, stir or shake as needed, and refrigerate. Add citrus no more than 2 hours before service (it oxidises quickly). Add carbonated elements (Prosecco, tonic, soda) just before serving. Pre-dilution: a single cocktail is shaken with ice for 15 seconds, which adds a predictable amount of water — replicate this in a large batch by adding that same proportion of water upfront, then simply pour over ice rather than shaking each serving individually.

What do I need to know about Alcohol Units in Cocktails?

UK alcohol units = volume (ml) × ABV (%) ÷ 1000. A single 25ml measure of 40% spirit = 1 unit. A double (50ml) = 2 units. A standard glass of wine (175ml at 13%) = 2.3 units. The UK Chief Medical Officers advise no more than 14 units per week, spread across at least 3 days, with 2 alcohol-free days. A night out with 4 cocktails (each containing 2 units) = 8 units — more than half the weekly recommended limit. Knowing the unit content of each drink makes it easier to monitor intake without giving

What's the key thing to understand about Non-Alcoholic Substitutions?

Alcohol-free spirits have improved dramatically since 2020. Seedlip, Lyre's, and CleanCo provide spirit substitutes in gin, rum, tequila, and whisky styles. The non-alcoholic versions work well in Spritz-style drinks and citrus-forward cocktails. Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) replaces egg white in Whisky Sours and Pisco Sours for vegan and sober guests — the foam and texture is indistinguishable from egg white. Tepache (fermented pineapple peel) and shrubs (fruit vinegars) provide comparable acidity and complexity to a spirit-based sour without any alcohol at all.