Why ratios work
Ratios turn any recipe into a scale free blueprint. Instead of memorizing ounces, you remember a structure like 2:1:1. Converting parts to percentages lets you scale to any glass or batch.
Units and conversions
Bars often use ounces while many global recipes use milliliters. Toggle units at the top of results to see values in your preferred system.
- 1 oz is about 29.57 ml
- Single serve range commonly sits between 90 and 180 ml
Dilution and ice
This tool focuses on pre dilution amounts. Shaken drinks usually gain water from ice. For spirit forward stirred drinks, dilution is lower. Track water separately if you need a specific target.
Batching for events
For large groups, set servings and a target per serving to size a batch. Prepare everything except carbonated components, then top with soda at service to protect bubbles.
Acidity and sweetness balance
Classic sours balance acid and sugar. Start near 2:1:1 and adjust in small steps. Taste after chilling because temperature shifts perception.
Worked examples
Margarita 2:1:1 becomes 50, 25, 25 percent. At 120 ml total that gives 60, 30, 30 ml. Tom Collins 1:1:2 becomes 25, 25, 50 percent. At 200 ml that gives 50, 50, 100 ml.
Substitutions
Swap triple sec for a dry orange liqueur to cut sweetness. Replace simple syrup with honey or agave and reduce a few percentage points to match sweetness power. Keep citrus fresh when possible.
Portion strategy
For events, pick a per serving target and multiply by guests. Prepare a small extra margin. Label batches clearly with unit and date.
Case study
A bar tests two sour profiles. Version A 2:1:1. Version B 2:0.9:0.9 plus a saline drop. Guests rate B slightly higher for balance. The ratio change is small yet noticeable and easy to repeat.
Assumptions and what is not included
- Focus is on ratio based ingredient amounts before dilution
- Unit toggle converts values between ml and oz without changing ratios
- Accuracy depends on careful measurement and fresh citrus
References
Wikipedia Cocktail | Wikipedia Mixed drink | Wikipedia Jigger
