What is the Standard Pour in a Single Mixer Cocktail?

Any bar or restaurant needs to be able to make cocktails, thus understanding how is a valuable skill for any bartender. Getting the standard pour is one of the most crucial steps in producing a superb cocktail. But what is the typical pour for a cocktail with just one mixer?

This post will look at the response to that query and offer some advice on how to attain the ideal pour.

What is a Single Mixer Cocktail?

Before we dive into the standard pour for a single mixer cocktail, let’s define what we mean by that term. A single mixer cocktail is a drink that consists of one type of alcohol and one mixer.

For example, a gin and tonic or a rum and coke would be considered single mixer cocktails. These drinks are simple to make and are a great starting point for anyone looking to learn how to make cocktails.

The Standard Pour

So what is the standard pour for a single mixer cocktail? The answer is: it depends. There are a few factors that can influence the standard pour for a cocktail, including the type of alcohol being used, the size of the glass, and the desired strength of the drink.

Generally speaking, a standard pour for a single mixer cocktail is around 1.5 ounces of alcohol. This is equivalent to one shot or one jigger. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

For example, if you’re making a gin and tonic in a tall glass with a lot of ice, you may want to use a little more gin to ensure that the drink is still flavorful despite the dilution from the ice.

On the other hand, if you’re making a rum and coke in a small glass, you may want to use less rum to keep the drink from being too strong.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Pour

Getting the perfect pour for a single mixer cocktail takes practice, but there are a few tips that can help you get there faster.

Use a Jigger

Using a jigger is the best way to ensure that you’re getting an accurate pour. A jigger is a small measuring cup that is typically used to measure alcohol.

It usually has two sides: one that measures one ounce and one that measures half an ounce. Using a jigger will help you get consistent pours and avoid over-pouring.

Know Your Glassware

Different types of glassware can hold different amounts of liquid, so it’s important to know how much your glass can hold.

For example, a standard rocks glass typically holds around 8-10 ounces of liquid, while a highball glass can hold around 12-14 ounces. Knowing the capacity of your glassware will help you determine how much of each ingredient to use.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, getting the perfect pour takes practice. Take the time to practice your pours and experiment with different ratios of alcohol to mixer.

You can even use a kitchen scale to measure out your ingredients until you get a feel for how much to use.

FAQ

How much alcohol should I use in a single mixer cocktail?

As mentioned earlier, the standard pour for a single mixer cocktail is around 1.5 ounces of alcohol. However, this can vary depending on the type of alcohol being used, the size of the glass, and the desired strength of the drink.

How do I know how much alcohol to use in a particular glass?

Knowing the capacity of your glassware is key to determining how much of each ingredient to use.

A standard rocks glass typically holds around 8-10 ounces of liquid, while a highball glass can hold around 12-14 ounces. Use this information to determine how much of each ingredient to use.

What if I don’t have a jigger?

If you don’t have a jigger, you can use other measuring tools such as a shot glass or a tablespoon. However, keep in mind that these tools may not be as accurate as a jigger, so be sure to measure carefully.

How do I know if my pour is accurate?

The best way to ensure that your pour is accurate is to use a jigger or other measuring tool. You can also practice your pours and experiment with different ratios of alcohol to mixer until you get a feel for how much to use.

Can I adjust the pour to make the drink stronger or weaker?

Yes, you can adjust the pour to make the drink stronger or weaker depending on your preference. If you want a stronger drink, use more alcohol. If you want a weaker drink, use less alcohol.