Cocktail Recipe & Batch Calculator
Scale any cocktail recipe for parties, calculate the alcohol units and ABV per drink, and find the right proportions for classic cocktails.
Cocktail Guide
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 troublesho
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 secon
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
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 comp
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