As you browse cocktail recipes, you will often find the measurements of ingredients listed in ounces, milliliters, dashes, and splashes. Those are very straightforward, but what happens when you come across a cocktail that uses the term “parts” instead?
Measuring parts is quite easy, and you simply need to do a little math to make a great drink. To do this, its helpful to understand the standard measurements used in cocktails.
To feel like a real mixologist, you’ll want to procure a jigger. It’s a dual-cup tool that bartenders use to measure cocktails. One side is typically twice the volume as the smaller side. The most common jigger size is the same as a shot glass (1½ oz), with the small side holding ¾ oz.
How to Measure Parts
Proportion is more important than precision, and thats one reason why some drink recipes are written in parts. “Parts” are imprecise measurement units: “1 part” is any equal part of the total volume. It could be 1 ounce for a single cocktail, 1 cup for a punch, or any other measurement. This also makes converting from imperial to metric easy.
Whenever youre faced with a recipe that uses parts, begin by determining your basic measurement—your “1 part”—then divide or multiply the other ingredients to maintain the ratio. For example, 1 part can be one full jigger: pour two jiggers for 2 parts, and one-half jigger for 1/2 part.
By knowing how much liquid (and ice) your glassware will hold, you can determine what your 1 part should be. For instance, a martini glass holds a smaller volume than a highball glass, so 1 part for a martini might be 1 ounce, while 2 ounces is a better fit for a highball.
Glassware volume is not standard. Use water to determine the volume of any glass: Pour one jigger of water at a time until the glass is full and translate that into ounces: four 1 1/2-ounce jiggers equals 6 ounces. If your recipe calls for ice, fill the glass with ice before doing the water test because it significantly reduces the liquid volume you need.
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Cocktail Recipe Examples
To put this theory into action, its helpful to see how parts are used in real cocktail recipes. Some are very easy, while others require interpretation.
Recipes Measured in Parts / The More You Know / Cocktails
FAQ
What is the unit of measurement for drinks?
How are drinks measured in the US?
How do you measure standard drinks?
How do you count drinks?
How do you use a scale to measure a drink?
A scale is a more advanced tool for measuring drinks, but it can be highly accurate and precise. A digital scale can measure both liquids and solids in grams, ounces, or milliliters. To use a scale, follow these steps: Place a container on the scale and tare it to zero. Pour the liquid into the container until it reaches the desired weight.
How can one detect alcohol in the blood?
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test is commonly used to see if a person has been drinking recently. It is also called a blood alcohol content test. This test can find alcohol in your blood for up to 12 hours after drinking. The alcohol blood test is conducted by drawing a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm, using a needle and syringe. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will measure the amount of alcohol in the blood according to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) scale.
How do you measure alcohol for cocktails?
Measuring alcohol for cocktails is an important step in creating a balanced and delicious drink. There are various tools that can be used for measuring, such as jiggers, shot glasses, and measuring spoons. A jigger is a double-sided measuring tool that is commonly used in bars and restaurants.
Why is measuring drinks important?
Whether you are a bartender, mixologist, or simply a home enthusiast, measuring drinks is an essential skill to master. Not only does it ensure consistency and accuracy in your cocktails, but it also helps you control the alcohol content and balance the flavors.