How the batch cocktail calculator works
Shaking or stirring with ice does more than chill a drink: melted ice typically adds 20% to 30% water, which softens the alcohol and brings the flavours together. When you batch drinks ahead, you add that water up front.
Water = Batch volume × Dilution %
Pour per drink = Total ÷ Servings
Stirred drinks such as Manhattans and Negronis usually take about 20% to 25% dilution; shaken sours run 25% to 30%. Chill the finished batch in the fridge or freezer and serve over fresh ice or straight up. Leave out carbonated ingredients and add them per glass, and add fresh citrus no more than a few hours ahead for the brightest flavour.
Worked example
For 20 margaritas of 2 oz tequila, 0.75 oz lime and 0.75 oz orange liqueur, you need 40 oz, 15 oz and 15 oz. At 20% dilution add 14 oz (1.75 cups) of water, for a total of 84 oz (0.66 gallon, 2.48 L). Pour 4.2 oz per drink.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do I add to batched cocktails?
About 20% of the batch volume for stirred drinks and 25% to 30% for shaken ones.
Can I batch cocktails with citrus?
Yes, but fresh juice tastes best within a few hours; keep it cold.
How many drinks are in a 750 mL bottle?
About 12 drinks at 2 oz of spirit each.
Should batched cocktails be frozen?
Spirit-forward batches can go in the freezer; lower-proof mixes may slush.
Updated October 2026. Results are estimates for education, not financial or medical advice. All math runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.