How to Measure Cocktails Using Parts 

So, you have your spirits, mixers, and bartending tools ready to go. You look at a recipe for a classic, easy-to-make Vodka Soda (aka Skinny Bitch) and it says, “1.5 parts Vodka, 5 parts Soda Water.” You pick up your Jigger, you look at your Measuring Cup, but alas, “part” is not listed.

When you look at cocktail recipes, you’ll often see that ingredients are measured in ounces or milliliters. So, what do you do when a recipe uses the term “parts” instead? This is a question that every beginner home bartender asks themselves.

The good news is that understanding parts is quite simple…that is, once you get your head around it. Whether you’re making a single drink or preparing for a party, understanding how to use parts will help you create perfectly balanced cocktails.

What is a Part in a Drink?

“Asking what a part is like asking how long a piece of string is,” says Rico, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. “You guys decide. You, at home, decide what a part is. Whatever you say is one part, you go from that.” Hmmm, let’s dig a little deeper.

First and foremost, a part is simply a relative measurement. For example, when a recipe calls for one part of ingredient A and two parts of ingredient B, you add twice as much of ingredient B. This works for single drinks and large batches.

For example, if your measurement for a part is equal to a Shot Glass, to make a Vodka Soda that’s made with one-and-a-half parts Vodka and five parts Soda Water, you would measure one-and-a-half Shot Glasses of Vodka and five Shot Glasses of Soda Water. Simple, right?

One important thing to keep in mind is how much liquid your cocktail glassware can hold. You can then determine how big your part should be.

Measuring Parts with a Jigger

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. How big is a Jigger you ask? A jigger is 1.5 ounces or 45 ml.

If you want to see a great example that shows the use of parts, watch this video where Rico makes a White Russian. The White Russian follows the popular ‘two-one-one’ formula: two parts Cream, one part Absolut Vodka, and one part Kahlúa. In the video, instead of using a Shot Glass like the example we used above, Rico uses a Jigger to equal one part.

Following the drink’s ‘two-one-one’ formula, first he adds one-part Kahlúa (in this case, one Jigger), followed by one part of Absolut Vodka. Last, he adds two parts of Cream (e.g., two Jiggers). And there you have an example of measuring a cocktail using parts.

So, since Rico used a Jigger to equal one part, to make a White Russian, he used 1.5 oz/45 ml Kahlúa, 1.5 oz/45 ml Absolut Vodka, and 3 oz/90 ml Cream. So, why doesn’t the recipe just use milliliters or ounces instead of parts? Great question – read on!

The Benefit of Using Parts to Measure Cocktails

Parts can be more helpful than exact measurements. Let’s say, for example, you’re making a batch of White Russian cocktails for a party. In this case, the ratio of 2-1-1 and using parts is more helpful than milliliters and ounces.

While Rico used a Jigger to equal one part in the example above, he could have really used anything to equal one part – a Glass, a Bucket, a Bottle, a Cup – anything. So, when making a batch of cocktails, your part is going to be much bigger than a Jigger.

Let’s sum things up then. Whenever you’re faced with a recipe that uses parts, begin by determining your basic measurement—your “one part”—then divide or multiply the other ingredients to maintain the ratio. For example, 1 part can be one cup: pour two cups for 2 parts, and one-half cup for 1/2 part.

So, now you know what a part is when it comes to drink measurements!

Got further questions? Watch Rico explain cocktail ‘Parts’