Drink Ratio

Determing the drink ratio is probably one of the most important things to remember when making a cocktail. Drink ratio is extremely important because it can either make or break a cocktail. After all, it wouldn't be a martini without 8-10 counts of vodka or gin, right?

You'll be pleasantly surprised to know that all it takes is a little practice with counting. That's right. Counting. One-One Thousand. Two-One Thousand. Three-One Thousand. So on and so forth.

The chart below may seem a bit daunting, but let me break it down for you. Remember the count method system from the House Pour section? Well, here is where it comes in handy. To start off, the drink ratio listed below refers to the proportion of liquor that is added to a drink. This proportion is determined by two factors:

• The number of different liquor being added to the drink

• The type of glassware being used

It's pretty simple, right? Now, let's look at the first type of drink, which is poured into a Martini glass. There is usually only 1 liquor used in this case. (i.e. Vodka Martini - the only ingredient would be vodka, hence 1 liquor) Based on the fact that in most states a single serving can have 2.5 oz of alcohol, we will assume that 2.5 oz is the max, and therefore utilize a 10 count. Remember. 10 counts = 2.5 oz.

Confused a bit? Let's look at another example. Take, for instance, the highball glass. Say you want to make a Sex on the Beach, which has 2 liquors - Vodka and Peachsnapps. Since you're using 2 liquors in a highball glass, you would be using, that's right, 3/3 counts, which is 3 seconds of Vodka and 3 seconds of Peachsnapps.

So, when pouring the Vodka and Peachsnapps into the drink, you'd simply pour and count: one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand in your head.

I swear. This gets easier once you start making drinks. The best way to get a handle on this is practice. Practice, practice, and practice. I can't stress the importance of practicing your counts and your pours.

A good way to practice your pour and count is to get two empty liquor bottles. Fill it with water and add a pourer. Grab a few empty glasses, and start pouring the content into the glass while counting. After a little practice, you'll be pouring drinks in no time!