ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Definition:
ABV, or Alcohol by Volume, is the standard measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage, expressed as a percentage.

In Context:
In bar and restaurant operations, ABV is critical for determining a product’s strength, pricing, and regulatory categorization. A spirit with an ABV of 40% (like most vodkas or gins) contains 40% pure ethanol by volume. Understanding ABV helps staff responsibly serve customers and ensures accuracy in recipe costing and menu design.

Pro Tip:
Higher ABV products generally yield more servings per bottle, which can make them more cost-effective in certain cocktail builds. Spec users often factor ABV into decisions around portioning, recipe strength, and drink pricing—especially when offering spirit-forward or high-proof cocktails.

Example:
If you pour 1.5 oz of a 40% ABV spirit, the drink contains 0.6 oz of pure alcohol (1.5 × 0.40). Multiply that across a menu and you're directly influencing your pour cost and guest experience.

Related Terms:

• Proof

• Pour Cost

• Standard Drink

• Recipe Costing