ABV
Also known as: alcohol by volume, alcohol content
In short
ABV tells you how much alcohol is in a bottle: in percent by volume, internationally as alcohol by volume. We explain what the number means, what proof has to do with it and why the drink in the glass holds less than the bottle.
In depth
What is ABV?
ABV stands for alcohol by volume and appears on every bottle, in percent by volume. 40 % vol means: 40 percent of the volume is alcohol. In the US you often count in proof, where the proof number equals twice the percentage: 80 proof matches 40 % vol.
From the bottle into the glass
The drink in the glass almost always holds less alcohol than the bottle: ice dilutes, citrus and fillers stretch. How much water is good is in our dilution entry: "Dilution is the ingredient, over-diluting is the mistake."
Strong or light
Whether a drink turns out light or heavy is not up to the bottle alone, balance decides as well. Drinks with little alcohol have their own entry with us: low ABV.
Remember this one
"The base makes the character, the ABV makes the strength, the blend makes the connection."
At our lounge
Tell us how strong it may get: we build every drink to fit you.