Cocktail Dilution Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the cocktail dilution calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Cocktail Dilution Calculator

Formulas Used

Water from Dilution

water_added = initial_volume * method / 100

Final Cocktail Volume

final_volume = initial_volume * (1 + method / 100)

Final ABV

final_abv = initial_abv * initial_volume / (initial_volume * (1 + method / 100))

Final Volume (mL)

final_ml = initial_volume * (1 + method / 100) * 29.57

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
initial_volumePre-Dilution Volume(oz)4
methodMixing Method25
initial_abvPre-Mix ABV(%)30
dilution_ozDerived value= initial_volume * method / 100calculated

How It Works

How to Calculate Cocktail Dilution

Formula

Water Added = Initial Volume x Dilution %

Final Volume = Initial Volume x (1 + Dilution %)

Final ABV = Initial ABV x Initial Volume / Final Volume

Dilution Percentages

  • Built/poured (no ice mixing): 5-15%. Ice melts slowly in the glass.
  • Stirred (30-45 seconds with ice): 20-30%. Chills efficiently with moderate dilution.
  • Shaken (10-15 seconds with ice): 30-40%. Introduces air and chills rapidly.

    • Dilution is essential to a balanced cocktail. It softens the alcohol burn and integrates flavors. Under-diluted cocktails taste harsh; over-diluted ones taste watery.

    Worked Example

    A stirred 4 oz cocktail with 30% ABV.

    initial_volume = 4method = 25initial_abv = 30
    1. 01Water added = 4 x 0.25 = 1 oz
    2. 02Final volume = 4 x 1.25 = 5 oz
    3. 03Final ABV = 30 x 4 / 5 = 24%
    4. 04The cocktail is 5 oz at 24% ABV after stirring.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Cocktail Dilution Calculator