Use a marked jigger or measuring cup for cc, a food-safe dropper for drops, and measuring spoons for small spoonfuls.
A shot glass helps with larger pours. Check its capacity first: shot glasses and jiggers come in different sizes, so “half a shot” depends on the measure you have.
For example, half of a marked 30 ml shot is 15 cc; half of a 45 ml measure is 22.5 cc. Follow the amount printed in the recipe.
Liquid measures
| Unit | Volume | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| cc / ml | 1 cc = 1 ml | The same liquid volume, written two ways. A recipe asking for 30 cc needs 30 ml. |
| cl | 1 cl = 10 cc | Centilitres: 3 cl is 30 cc. |
| l | 1 l = 1,000 cc | Litres, usually used for batches. |
| tsp | 1 tsp = 5 cc | A level measuring teaspoon. |
| tbsp | 1 tbsp = 15 cc | A measuring tablespoon: three teaspoons. |
| barspoon | Usually about 5 cc | Barspoon bowls vary. Check yours, or use a marked 5 ml measuring spoon. |
| fl oz | About 30 cc | A fluid ounce. This rounded cocktail conversion applies to liquids; an ounce by weight is different. |
Dashes, drops & pinches
Dash
2 dash = two separate dashes
One quick dispense from a bottle fitted with a dasher top, commonly a bitters bottle. Tip it firmly once, then bring it upright. Repeat for each dash in the recipe.
Drop
10 drop = ten individual drops
Use a clean, food-safe dropper or pipette and count the drops as they fall. A drop means one visible drop, rather than a full squeeze or a full dropper.
Pinch
3 pinch = three small pinches
A small amount of a dry ingredient held between your thumb and forefinger, such as salt or ground spice. Take a separate small pinch for each count. It is an approximate dry measure.
Spray / spritz / mist
1 spray = one press
One press of a food-safe atomizer, usually to scent the glass or the surface of the drink. Use the ingredient named in the recipe.
Reading a fraction of a teaspoon
Use a measuring spoon marked with the fraction shown. This is useful for small amounts of thick syrup, honey or powder. Household eating spoons vary in size.
| Recipe amount | Read as | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 tsp | A quarter teaspoon | 1.25 cc |
| 1/2 tsp | A half teaspoon | 2.5 cc |
| 3/4 tsp | Three quarters of a teaspoon | 3.75 cc |
For 3/4 tsp, combine one 1/2 tsp measure and one 1/4 tsp measure. Level dry ingredients across the top of the spoon.
Counts, garnishes & finishing touches
- Whole / piece / cube / bean / leaf
- Count the named item: 2 leaf means two leaves; 1 whole egg means one egg. “Whole (juiced)” means use the juice of the listed number of fruits.
- Slice / wheel / wedge / chunk
- A slice or wheel is a crosswise cut; a wedge is a segment. A chunk is a small piece. Follow any size specified in the instructions.
- Twist / peel / strip / swath
- A piece of citrus peel. A twist is often squeezed over the drink to release its oils. Keep to the size and finish described in the recipe.
- Sprig / stalk / stick / handful
- A sprig is a small stem with leaves attached. Count stalks or sticks individually; a handful is a loose hand-sized amount. These sizes are approximate.
- Rinse / coat
- Swirl a small amount around the inside of the glass, then discard the excess unless the recipe says otherwise.
- Splash / squeeze / drizzle
- A small addition, such as a brief pour, a squeeze of citrus or a thin stream of syrup. There is no fixed cc value; follow the recipe and add gradually.
- Top up / fill with / float
- Top up with the named mixer after the measured ingredients, leaving room in the serving glass. A float is added gently on the surface. Use a stated amount when one is provided.
- Rim / half rim / dusting / grating / garnish
- These describe a finish: coat all or half of the glass rim, add a light dusting or grating, or place the named garnish. Follow the preparation steps.
- To taste / as needed
- No fixed amount is specified. Add a little at a time, taste where appropriate, and stop when the intended balance or finish is reached.
Parts, containers & batches
A part is a ratio. For 2 parts to 1 part, use the same measure twice for the first ingredient and once for the second. Choose a measure that suits the serving size.
A glass, bottle, can, scoop or packet has no universal capacity. Use the size named in the recipe or on the packaging. Check whether the instructions make one drink or a batch before measuring everything out.
Weight & length
g means grams: use a kitchen scale. Weight and liquid volume are different measurements; grams cannot generally be swapped for cc. If oz refers explicitly to weight, one ounce is about 28 g. Check the ingredient and instructions before treating oz as a liquid measure.
cm and inch describe the length of a garnish or ingredient piece. One inch is 2.54 cm.