Drink measurements

Trying to figure out what does 1 part mean? Or how much alcohol vs soda should to put into your cocktail?

There are several ways to measure the amount of alcohol and ingredients in a cocktail. Some bartenders like to weigh out their ingredients by volume (Parts) using a jigger, while others like to eyeball the parts in a drink using a speed pourer.

What is a Part in a Drink?
A part in is simply a relative measurement and it works for single drinks and large batches. For example, when the recipe calls for 1 part of ingredient A, and 2 parts of ingredient B, you add twice as much of ingredient B.  Example two parts (2 shot glasses) of orange juice, and one part (1 shot) of vodka.

Dash or Splash
A dash is bigger than a splash, but both are small amounts. You use them to flavor a cocktail for taste, so it’s a bit of a judgment call. A splash generally involves less viscous liquids such as mixers, whereas dashes are used with stronger flavorings, such as tabasco.

Jiggers
Jiggers are metal measuring devices that usually have two cones, one on either end.  Typically they measure 1 oz. (30 ml) and 1.5 oz. (45 ml) and can quickly be used for measuring parts or milliliters or ounces.  For ease of use, many jiggers have fill lines on the inside or outside with often-used drink recipe measurements.

Get used to these recipe terms and measurements:
Jigger: 1 1/2 oz. (imperial), 2.4 cl (Metric), 45 ml.
Cup: 8 oz. (imperial), 24 cl (Metric)
Tablespoon: 1/2 oz. (imperial), 1.5 cl (Metric)

Helpful Drink Measurement Videos

Drinks to start with:

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Manhattan

Manhattan

Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, Cherry

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Flatliner

Flatliner

Sambuca, Tequila Blanco, Hot Sauce

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Tequini

Tequini

Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters, Tequila Blanco, Green Olive

absolut peppar bloody mary in environmentabsolut peppar bloody mary in environment

Absolut Peppar Bloody Mary

Absolut Peppar Bloody Mary

Absolut Peppar, Tomato Juice, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Ground Black Pepper, Salt, Celery, Lemon

rob roy in environmentrob roy in environment

Rob Roy

Rob Roy

Scotch Whisky, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, Lemon Zest

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TOP TEN DRINKS FOR ANY OCCASION

espresso martini in environmentespresso martini in environment

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

Absolut Vodka, Kahlúa, Espresso, Coffee Beans

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Lemon Drop Shot

Lemon Drop Shot

Absolut Citron, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon

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Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan

Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice, Orange Zest

bloody mary in environmentbloody mary in environment

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary

Absolut Vodka, Tomato Juice, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Lemon Juice, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, Lemon, Celery

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Mojito

Mojito

Mint Leaf, Sugar, Superfine, Lime Juice, Light Rum, Soda Water, Mint Leaf

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White Russian

White Russian

Absolut Vodka, Kahlúa, Cream

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Appletini

Appletini

Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, Apple Liqueur, Apple Juice, Simple Syrup

long island iced tea in environmentlong island iced tea in environment

Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea

Absolut Vodka, Light Rum, Gin, Tequila Blanco, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice, Cola, Lemon

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Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour

Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Cherry, Orange

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Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule

Absolut Vodka, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, Lime