How do I Measure a Cocktail That Uses "Parts" Instead of Measurements?

Question: How do I Measure a Cocktail That Uses "Parts" Instead of Measurements?

When you are browsing cocktail recipes you will most often find the measurements of ingredients listed in ounces, dashes and splashes. Those are very straight forward and you know what to do, but what happens when you come across one of the many cocktails that uses the term "parts" instead? Don't panic, just do a little math (not too much math, just a little) and you will have a great drink.

Answer: One part is any equal part. Think of it as one measure of your jigger. For "1 part" you would pour a full jigger, for "2 1/2 parts" pour two and a half jiggers, for "1/2 part" pour one half of the jigger full. It is very logical, yet you may have to adjust a little bit to obtain the right sized cocktail for the glass. For instance, to fill a tall glass that may be 8 ounces you may want to consider "1 part" equal to 1 1/2 or 2 jiggers full.

Here are two drink recipes that use parts, one simple and one complex...

• Simple Parts: Pumpkin Divine Cocktail

  The main part of the recipe reads:

  • 1 part Grey Goose La Poire vodka
  • 1 part pumpkin butter
  • 1/2 part triple sec
  • 1/2 part simple syrup

  Explanation: Break this recipe down. Obviously the vodka and butter are going to be equal in measure, as are the triple sec and simple syrup. To make it very easy on yourself, pour 1 jigger (typically 1 1/2 ounces) each of vodka and butter, then pour 1/2 a jigger (or 3/4 ounce) each of triple sec and syrup. The result of this will be a 4-5 ounce cocktail after shaking, the perfect size for a modern cocktail glass.

• Complex Parts: Time For a Change Cocktail

  The main part of the recipe reads:

  • 2 1/2 parts Jim Beam Black Bourbon
  • 1/4 part DeKuyper Triple Sec
  • 1/2 part fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 part blueberry juice
  • 1/2 part lavender honey simple syrup

  Explanation: Because this is in a cocktail glass it doesn't make sense to start with 2 1/2 jiggers (4 1/2 ounces) of bourbon, instead this makes more sense... Pour 2 ounces of bourbon, 1/3 ounce triple sec, and 3/4 ounce each of the juices and syrup. Again, you will have around a 5 ounce cocktail.