Alcohol Dilution Calculator
To dilute a spirit you add water until it reaches a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), and the amount needed depends on the starting strength, the target strength and the volume. With the Alcohol Dilution Calculator you can work out how much water to add to reach your desired ABV in seconds.
Alcohol Dilution Calculator
What does the Alcohol Dilution Calculator do?
If you distil alcohol at home, you should dilute it before drinking. Measure the alcoholic strength at 20 degrees Celsius (or 69 Fahrenheit) and dilute at the same temperature. If the temperature is different, use a temperature correction table.
The first things you need to know before diluting are the alcoholic strength and the volume of the distilled alcohol. Use an alcoholmeter to measure the alcoholic strength. This tool is used for the simple measurement of alcohol content (in percentage) in alcoholic beverages with low sugar content. You can determine the volume by using any vessel with a volume scale.
Once you’ve finished that, all you need to do is decide about the new alcohol content of the drink. Enter all these data on the online platform of the Alcohol Dilution Calculator. We show you immediately how much water you have to add to reach the desired (lower) alcoholic strength.
What kind of water should I use when diluting alcohol?
For proper dilution – to ensure that the taste and flavour of the alcohol do not change – use distilled or demineralised water in the quantity specified by the Alcohol Dilution Calculator. Add the water gradually and slowly. This will ensure that the flavour and aroma of the alcohol remain harmonious. After dilution, you should measure the alcohol content of the distilled alcohol with the alcoholmeter once again, as the mixing ratio may vary slightly depending on the ambient temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How do I dilute alcohol to a lower percentage?
Add water based on the ratio of your current ABV to your target ABV. To halve the strength you roughly double the volume with water; the calculator gives the exact amount.
How much water do I add to dilute spirits?
It depends on the starting and target ABV. For example, taking 1 litre of 60% spirit down to 40% needs about 0.5 litres of water.
Why does diluted alcohol sometimes turn cloudy?
Cloudiness, or the louche effect, happens when water releases oils that were dissolved in the alcohol. It is harmless and common with unfiltered spirits like absinthe.
Does adding water change the volume?
Yes. The final volume is the original spirit plus the water added, so a diluted batch always has a larger total volume.
Can I use this for homemade spirits?
Yes. It is ideal for adjusting moonshine or home distillates to a precise drinking strength, as long as you know the starting ABV.