How Many Servings In On The Rocks Cocktails

How Many Servings Are in "On the Rocks" Cocktails?

The number of servings in an "on the rocks" cocktail depends entirely on the size of the glass used and the recipe. There's no standard serving size for cocktails, unlike, say, a bottle of soda. Let's break it down:

Understanding "On the Rocks"

"On the Rocks" simply means the cocktail is served over ice in an "old-fashioned" glass, rocks glass, or similar. The quantity of ice significantly affects the final volume, diluting the drink. A smaller amount of ice will result in a stronger, less diluted cocktail, while a larger amount will result in a weaker, more diluted one.

Factors Determining Serving Size

• Glass Size: A typical rocks glass holds approximately 8-12 ounces. However, you can find rocks glasses in many sizes, from small tumblers to large highball glasses.
• Recipe: Cocktail recipes often specify the amount of each ingredient. A recipe calling for 2 ounces of liquor and 1 ounce of mixer will yield a much smaller serving than one that calls for 4 ounces of liquor and 4 ounces of mixer.
• Ice Quantity: As previously mentioned, the amount of ice dramatically affects the drink's final volume and strength. More ice results in more dilution, meaning the "serving" is effectively larger in volume, but weaker in alcohol content.

Estimating Servings

To determine the number of servings, you need to:

1. Check the Recipe: Refer to your chosen cocktail recipe. It should specify the amount of liquid to be used per serving.

2. Consider the Glass Size: Once you've determined the total amount of liquid in your cocktail, divide the total amount by the capacity of your serving glass. This will give you the approximate number of servings. Remember to account for the displacement of ice—the ice takes up space, so the actual amount of drink will be slightly less than the total volume.

3. Account for Ice: For accurate results, it is more realistic to measure the total volume of liquid before adding ice. This will give you the truest number of servings of the undiluted cocktail.

Example: Old Fashioned

Let's say an Old Fashioned recipe calls for:

• 2 ounces Bourbon
• 1/2 ounce sugar syrup
• 2 dashes bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)

This recipe, before adding ice, totals approximately 2.5 ounces of liquid. If you're using an 8-ounce rocks glass, you'll get approximately 3 servings, assuming you add just enough ice to chill the drink and keep it cool. However, this is just an estimate; the actual number of servings will vary based on your ice volume.

Conclusion

There isn't a definitive answer to how many servings are in an "on the rocks" cocktail. It all depends on the size of the glass, the recipe, and your choice of ice quantity. Always refer to the recipe and use a little common sense to estimate the number of servings your cocktail will yield.