About

A cocktail is a constrained optimization problem. You balance V_spirit against V_sweet and V_sour within a narrow ratio window. Get the proportions wrong and you produce something undrinkable. This generator applies the classic 2:1:1 sour cocktail ratio and the 2:1 spirit-forward ratio as baselines, then perturbs them within tested bounds. It cross-references a flavor compatibility matrix to prevent clashing ingredients. The resulting ABV is computed from actual ingredient alcohol percentages and volumes, not guessed.

Limitations: the generator assumes standard-proof spirits (40% ABV base). It cannot account for dilution from shaking or stirring, which typically reduces final ABV by 15−25%. Flavor compatibility is modeled on Western cocktail traditions. Combinations involving ingredients like baijiu or arak may produce unexpected results. Pro tip: always taste-adjust citrus. Limes vary in acidity by up to 30% depending on season.

Formulas

The generator computes estimated alcohol by volume from individual ingredient contributions:

ABV_final = n∑i=1 V_i × A_in∑i=1 V_i

Where V_i = volume of ingredient i in mL, and A_i = fractional ABV of ingredient i (e.g., 0.40 for 40% spirit). The total volume V_total = n∑i=1 V_i determines serving size.

Flavor balance scoring uses a compatibility weight:

S_balance = 1 − |R_sweet − R_sour|max(R_sweet, R_sour)

Where R_sweet and R_sour are the aggregate sweetness and sourness scores normalized to 0−1. A score S_balance ≥ 0.6 indicates a drinkable cocktail. The generator rerolls combinations scoring below this threshold.

Reference Data

Classic Template	Ratio	Base Spirit	Sweet Component	Sour / Modifier	Approx. ABV
Sour	2:1:1	Any spirit	Simple syrup / Liqueur	Citrus juice	20−25%
Spirit-Forward	2:1	Whiskey / Gin	Vermouth / Liqueur	Bitters (dashes)	28−35%
Highball	1:2+	Any spirit	Soda / Tonic / Ginger	Citrus wedge	8−14%
Flip	2:1:1	Brandy / Rum	Sugar / Cream	Whole egg	15−20%
Tiki	Complex (3+ juices)	Rum (often blended)	Orgeat / Falernum	Lime / Grapefruit	14−22%
Martini	4:1 to 6:1	Gin / Vodka	Dry vermouth	Olive / Lemon twist	30−38%
Julep	2:0.5	Bourbon	Simple syrup	Muddled mint	22−28%
Punch	1:2:3:4	Rum / Brandy	Sugar	Citrus / Tea / Water	6−12%
Cobbler	2:0.75	Sherry / Wine	Sugar / Liqueur	Seasonal fruit	10−16%
Fizz	2:1:1+soda	Gin	Simple syrup	Citrus + soda top	12−18%
Daisy	2:0.75:0.75	Any spirit	Orange liqueur	Citrus juice	22−28%
Smash	2:0.75	Any spirit	Simple syrup	Muddled herbs + citrus	20−26%
Swizzle	2:1:1	Rum	Falernum / Syrup	Lime + bitters	16−22%
Rickey	2:0.5+soda	Gin / Bourbon	None (dry)	Lime + soda	10−15%
Old Fashioned	2:0.25	Whiskey / Rum	Sugar / Rich syrup	Aromatic bitters	30−36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Each ingredient carries flavor profile tags (sweet, sour, bitter, herbal, fruity, smoky, spicy) and a compatibility matrix prevents clashing combinations. The generator enforces classic ratio templates - for example, a sour-style drink always targets roughly 2:1:1 spirit to sweet to sour. If the computed balance score falls below 0.6, the recipe is silently regenerated until a harmonious combination is found.

The calculation uses pre-dilution volumes and assumes standard-proof spirits (40% ABV for base spirits, 20-25% for liqueurs). Shaking with ice typically dilutes a cocktail by 15-25%, and stirring by 10-15%. The displayed ABV is therefore a ceiling estimate. Actual served ABV will be lower depending on technique and ice quality.

Yes. The settings panel lets you exclude specific spirit categories, individual ingredients, or entire flavor families. The generator will work around exclusions. However, excluding too many categories (e.g., all citrus AND all sweeteners) may force the generator into a very narrow recipe space, producing repetitive results.

Names are constructed from a combinatorial system using adjective pools (tied to the dominant flavor profile), geographic or atmospheric descriptors (mapped to the base spirit's origin tradition), and suffix patterns common in cocktail nomenclature. The system avoids existing trademarked cocktail names by checking against an internal list of ~200 classic cocktails.

Complexity governs the ingredient count. "Simple" limits recipes to 3-4 ingredients (spirit + modifier + citrus/garnish). "Classic" allows 4-6 ingredients including syrups, bitters, and liqueurs. "Complex" permits 6-8 ingredients with layered modifiers, multiple juices, and specialty ingredients like egg white or cream. Higher complexity increases preparation difficulty but typically yields more nuanced drinks.

Volumes target a standard single cocktail serving of approximately 90-150 mL (3-5 oz) before ice dilution. The generator uses industry-standard jigger measurements: 1 oz = 30 mL. If a generated recipe totals significantly more, it's likely a long drink (highball) intended for a taller glass with ice fill.