Most classic cocktails follow a simple ratio template. Learn these and you can build dozens of drinks without a recipe.
| Style | Ratio | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sour | 2:1:1 spirit : sour : sweet | Daiquiri, margarita, whiskey sour |
| Highball | 1:3 spirit : mixer | Gin and tonic, rum and cola |
| Spirit-forward | 2:1 spirit : vermouth | Martini, Manhattan |
| Equal parts | 1:1:1 | Negroni, Last Word |
| Old Fashioned | Spirit, sugar, bitters | Old Fashioned, Sazerac |
Balance four elements. Great cocktails balance strong, sweet, sour, and weak (dilution). Adjust within a ratio to suit your taste.
FAQ
Why do so many classic cocktails use similar ratios? Many classics build on a small set of ratios because these proportions consistently balance spirit strength against sweetness and acidity, making them a reliable starting point to adjust from rather than a fixed rule. Fresh citrus juice also behaves differently than bottled juice in these ratios, since fresh juice is generally more acidic and may need slight adjustment to balance a recipe properly.
See the Party Drinks Calculator and the Drink Batch Calculator.