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WhatDrink

Batch Cocktail Calculator

Scale a cocktail recipe for your guest count, then separate what can be prepared ahead from what should wait until serving.

Scale a cocktail recipe

Enter the number of guests, planned drinks per guest and the yield of the original recipe. Edit the example ingredient rows to match your recipe.

Total servings24
Multiply every ingredient by24×
Scaled batch quantities
IngredientBatch amount
Base spirit48 fl oz
Citrus juice18 fl oz
Syrup18 fl oz

This calculator scales quantities only. It does not automatically calculate dilution, serving temperature or alcohol intake. Taste a chilled test serving before final adjustment, and add carbonated ingredients close to serving.

How to batch cocktails without flattening the recipe

  1. Step 1

    Choose a realistic serving count

    Multiply the guest count by the number of drinks you plan to serve per guest. Keep non-alcoholic options and water available rather than treating the result as a drinking target.

  2. Step 2

    Scale every measured ingredient

    Divide the total servings by the original recipe yield, then multiply every ingredient quantity by that scale factor.

  3. Step 3

    Prepare stable ingredients first

    Combine spirits, liqueurs and stable syrups ahead when the recipe permits. Keep carbonation, delicate garnishes and ingredients that deteriorate quickly until close to serving.

  4. Step 4

    Chill and test one serving

    Chill the batch thoroughly and taste one correctly measured serving before making final adjustments. Large batches do not always behave exactly like one freshly mixed drink.

Make ahead versus add at serving

Often suitable to measure ahead

  • Base spirits and stable liqueurs
  • Prepared syrups stored appropriately
  • Non-carbonated bottled ingredients when the recipe allows

Usually better close to serving

  • Soda, tonic, sparkling wine and other carbonation
  • Fresh garnishes and delicate herbs
  • Ice and final dilution unless the recipe has been tested as a batch

Choose and adapt the recipe

Browse cocktail recipesStart from an existing measured recipe.Choose drinks by occasionMatch the serving format to the event.Ingredient Substitute FinderFind a practical replacement before scaling.Alcohol content explainedUnderstand ABV and standard drinks separately from batch size.

Batch cocktail questions

How do I calculate a batch cocktail?

Multiply guests by planned drinks per guest to get the target servings. Divide that by the original recipe yield. The result is the number by which to multiply every ingredient.

Can I batch citrus juice in advance?

Fresh citrus changes after juicing, so prepare it closer to service than stable spirits or syrups. The exact timing depends on the recipe and the quality standard you want.

Should soda or sparkling wine go into the batch?

Usually add carbonated ingredients close to serving so they retain their fizz. Scale their quantity with the recipe, but keep them separate during earlier preparation.

Does the calculator estimate alcohol intake?

No. It scales recipe quantities. It does not predict individual consumption, impairment or blood alcohol concentration.