Cocktail Alcohol Calculator

Calculate Your Cocktail's Alcohol Content

Mix the perfect cocktail with precise alcohol measurements. Calculate ABV, total alcohol content, and equivalent standard drinks for any recipe.

Ingredients

Popular Cocktail Recipes:

How Cocktail Alcohol Calculation Works

1

Add Ingredients

Enter each ingredient with its volume and alcohol percentage. Include spirits, liqueurs, wines, and non-alcoholic mixers.

2

Calculate Pure Alcohol

For each ingredient, we calculate the pure alcohol content using the formula: Volume × ABV% = Pure Alcohol.

3

Determine Final ABV

Sum all pure alcohol volumes and divide by total cocktail volume to get the final alcohol by volume percentage.

4

Standard Drink Equivalent

Convert the total alcohol content to standard drink equivalents for responsible consumption awareness.

Cocktail Strength Guide

Weak (0-10% ABV)

Examples: Wine spritzers, beer cocktails, light punches

Characteristics: Refreshing, low alcohol, suitable for extended drinking

Serving: Can be enjoyed in larger quantities

Moderate (10-20% ABV)

Examples: Margaritas, Daiquiris, most classic cocktails

Characteristics: Balanced flavor and alcohol, standard cocktail strength

Serving: Typical cocktail serving size (3-4 oz)

Strong (20-35% ABV)

Examples: Manhattans, Martinis, Old Fashioneds

Characteristics: Spirit-forward, complex flavors, higher alcohol

Serving: Smaller servings, sip slowly

Very Strong (35%+ ABV)

Examples: Neat spirits, high-proof cocktails

Characteristics: Very high alcohol content, intense flavors

Serving: Very small servings, extreme caution required

Common Cocktail Ingredients ABV Reference

Spirits (35-50% ABV)

  • Vodka: 40%
  • Gin: 40-47%
  • Rum: 40-50%
  • Whiskey/Bourbon: 40-50%
  • Tequila: 40%
  • Brandy/Cognac: 40%

Liqueurs (15-40% ABV)

  • Triple Sec: 40%
  • Cointreau: 40%
  • Amaretto: 28%
  • Kahlúa: 20%
  • Bailey's: 17%
  • Sambuca: 38%

Wines & Fortified (8-20% ABV)

  • Red Wine: 12-15%
  • White Wine: 11-13%
  • Champagne: 12%
  • Vermouth: 15-18%
  • Sherry: 15-20%
  • Port: 20%

Beers & Others (3-12% ABV)

  • Light Beer: 3-4%
  • Regular Beer: 4-6%
  • IPA: 5-7%
  • Strong Beer: 8-12%
  • Cider: 4-8%
  • Sake: 15-16%

Professional Bartending Tips

Balance is Key

A great cocktail balances sweet, sour, bitter, and strong elements. Adjust ratios to achieve harmony.

Temperature Matters

Serve cocktails at the right temperature. Shaken drinks should be ice-cold, stirred drinks slightly warmer.

Measure Precisely

Use jiggers and measuring tools for consistency. Professional bartenders measure every ingredient.

Fresh Ingredients

Use fresh citrus juices, quality spirits, and fresh herbs. Quality ingredients make quality cocktails.

Cocktail Calculator FAQ

How accurate are the alcohol calculations?

Our calculator uses precise mathematical formulas based on volume and ABV percentages. Results are very accurate for planning and awareness, but individual tolerance varies significantly.

Can I save my custom cocktail recipes?

Yes! Use the "Save Recipe" button to store your creations locally in your browser. You can also share recipes with friends or print them for your recipe collection.

What's the difference between ABV and proof?

ABV (Alcohol By Volume) is the percentage of alcohol in the liquid. Proof is typically double the ABV in the US (e.g., 80 proof = 40% ABV). Our calculator uses ABV.

How do I convert between different volume units?

The calculator automatically converts between mL, fl oz, and cL. For reference: 1 fl oz = 29.57 mL, 1 cL = 10 mL. Choose the unit you're most comfortable with.

What makes a cocktail "strong" vs "weak"?

Cocktail strength depends on the final ABV. Weak (0-10%), Moderate (10-20%), Strong (20-35%), Very Strong (35%+). Most classic cocktails fall in the 15-25% range.

Important Safety Information

Educational Tool Only

This cocktail calculator is for educational and recipe planning purposes. Alcohol affects everyone differently. Always drink responsibly and never drive after consuming alcohol.

Responsible Cocktail Consumption

  • Know your limits and drink slowly
  • Eat food before and while drinking cocktails
  • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
  • Never drink and drive - use alternative transportation
  • Be aware that cocktails can be deceptively strong
  • Consider the cumulative effect of multiple cocktails