Cocktail Recipe Scaler — Batch & Party Calculator
Scaling cocktail recipes for batches, parties, or catering requires more than simple multiplication. Dilution from ice, citrus acidity, and sweetener balance all change with volume. This calculator scales recipes by serving count, converts between ounces and milliliters, and provides batch-size estimates with ice dilution guidance.
Scale a Cocktail Recipe
Enter up to 6 ingredients. The scaler multiplies each ingredient proportionally and shows batch totals in both oz and mL.
Ice dilution guidance is based on Dave Arnold's research (Liquid Intelligence) and standard bartending practice. Actual dilution varies with ice size, shaking time, and ambient temperature. For pre-batched cocktails, add the dilution amount as water before chilling.
Tips for Batch Cocktails
Pre-Dilution
When batching cocktails for bottling or large-format service, add the expected dilution as water before chilling. A standard shaken cocktail gains about 25% dilution from ice. So for every 30 oz of base mixture, add about 7.5 oz of water, then chill without ice.
Citrus and Freshness
Fresh citrus juice degrades within 4–6 hours. For large batches, mix spirits and sweeteners ahead of time but add citrus juice as close to service as possible. Alternatively, use citric acid solutions (sometimes called “super juice”) for batches that need longer shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just multiply everything by the number of servings?
For spirits, liqueurs, and syrups, yes — direct multiplication works. For citrus, bitters, and highly concentrated ingredients, taste-test the batch before finalizing. Bitters in particular can become overpowering when scaled linearly, so reduce by about 15% for batches over 10 servings.