BakeCalcs.uk
Cocktail Batch Calculator
Scale a single cocktail recipe to a batch for multiple servings. Enter one drink's measurements and how many you need.
How We Calculate This
Cocktail batching is simple multiplication. Take each ingredient quantity from your single-serve recipe and multiply by the number of servings you need.
The Formula
- Total ingredient = Single serve quantity × Number of servings
- Bottles needed = Total spirit (ml) ÷ bottle size (default 700ml, the standard UK spirit bottle; US is 750ml — set your own size in Advanced Options)
Standard Cocktail Ratios
- Spirit-forward, built (Old Fashioned): ≈ 60ml spirit + a small dash of syrup, stirred over ice
- Spirit-forward, equal parts (Negroni): 1:1:1 — 30ml gin + 30ml Campari + 30ml sweet vermouth
- Sour-style (Margarita, Whisky Sour): 60ml spirit + 30ml citrus + 15-20ml syrup
- Highball (G&T, Rum & Coke): 50ml spirit + 150ml mixer
A note on dilution
The totals here are the neat ingredient volumes before any ice or chilling. When you batch ahead and chill without shaking or stirring each drink over ice, you lose the water that ice would normally add. Bar practice is to stir in roughly 20-25% extra water for spirit-forward (stirred) batches and 25-30% for citrus-led (shaken) batches, by combined liquid volume, to match a freshly made drink (Dave Arnold, Liquid Intelligence). Add that dilution separately, or serve over plenty of ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard single cocktail typically uses 60ml (2oz) of spirit as the base, with 30ml of a secondary mixer or citrus. A double measure uses 50ml of spirit in UK bars. When scaling, use whatever your original recipe calls for.
Spirit-only batches (like Negronis or Manhattans) can be made days ahead. Batches with citrus juice should be made no more than a few hours before serving, as the juice oxidises. Never add fizzy mixers until just before serving.
Citrus can be slightly reduced (by about 10-15%) in large batches as the flavour intensifies when combined. Sugar syrups generally scale linearly. Always taste and adjust before serving.
Using a standard 60ml measure, a 700ml bottle makes about 11 cocktails. With a UK bar single (25ml), you get 28 measures. The calculator works this out for your specific recipe.
Pre-chill all ingredients and the serving vessel. For punch-style service, use a large block of ice rather than cubes — it melts more slowly and dilutes the drink less. You can freeze water in a bundt tin or large container for an attractive ice block.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.