About

Precision in mixology goes beyond flavor; it is about controlling the strength and finish of the drink. This Cocktail Alcohol Content Calculator allows professionals and home enthusiasts to determine the exact Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of a mixed drink. Understanding the final proof of a cocktail is essential for balancing recipes and ensuring responsible service.

Whether you are designing a stiff martini or a delicate spritz, dilution and volume play key roles. This tool calculates the weighted average of all ingredients, giving you an accurate percentage that reflects the true potency of the final pour, excluding ice dilution unless explicitly added as water.

Formulas

The calculator uses a volume-weighted average formula to determine the final concentration of alcohol.

ABV_total = ∑ (V_i × ABV_i)∑ V_i

Where V_i is the volume of each ingredient and ABV_i is the alcohol percentage of that ingredient (expressed as a decimal).

Reference Data

Ingredient	Standard ABV (%)	Type
Vodka / Gin / Rum	40%	Base Spirit
Whiskey / Bourbon	40 - 50%	Base Spirit
Tequila	38 - 40%	Base Spirit
Cointreau / Triple Sec	40% / 30%	Liqueur
Sweet Vermouth	16 - 18%	Fortified Wine
Dry Vermouth	15 - 18%	Fortified Wine
Campari	24 - 28.5%	Bitter
Baileys Irish Cream	17%	Cream Liqueur
Fruit Juices / Syrups	0%	Mixer

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Shaking or stirring with ice adds water dilution, which increases the total volume of the drink without adding alcohol, thus lowering the final ABV. To calculate this, add an estimated amount of water (0% ABV) to your ingredient list.

A classic Gin Martini (2oz Gin at 40%, 0.5oz Vermouth at 15%) has a pre-dilution ABV of roughly 35%. After stirring with ice, it typically settles around 25-28% ABV.

Bitters are high proof (often 45%) but used in tiny amounts. For calculation purposes, 1 dash is approximately 0.02 oz (0.6ml). While negligible in volume, they can be added for extreme precision.

Many liqueurs (like Cointreau or Chartreuse) have high ABVs similar to base spirits. Mixing a spirit with a strong liqueur instead of a non-alcoholic mixer keeps the total ABV high.