Specific Gravity
Glossary of Terms
Specific Gravity, or Relative Density is a numerical value given to liquids to determine their density. The Specific Gravity of a liquid is referenced against water, which has a neutral numerical value of 1. Any liquid with a Specific Gravity less than 1 is lighter than water, and a liquid with a Specific Gravity larger than 1 is heavier than water.
In terms of drinks, the Specific Gravity is calculated by the quantity of sugars and alcohol in a drink. The greater the amount of sugar, the higher the Specific Gravity; the more alcohol, the lower the Specific Gravity.
Specific Gravity and Layered Cocktails
Specific Gravity is particularly employed in bartending when making layered cocktails. Drinks with a greater density must be poured in to the glass first, while drinks with a lower density must be layered towards the top.
Drinks with a similar Specific Gravity have a greater chance of mixing, so when making layered cocktails it is ideal to choose drinks with a large variation in number.
Specific Gravity Chart
The following chart details some of the more popular liqueurs and their Specific Gravity / Relative Density value.
Name | Specific Gravity | Colour |
Kirsch | 0.94 | Clear |
Southern Comfort | 0.97 | Amber |
Tuaca | 0.98 | Amber |
Water | 1.00 | Clear |
Green Chartreuse | 1.01 | Green |
Cointreau | 1.04 | Clear |
Peach Liqueur | 1.04 | Amber |
Sloe Gin | 1.04 | Dark Red |
Kummel | 1.04 | Clear |
Peppermint Schnapps | 1.04 | Clear |
Benedictine | 1.04 | Amber |
Brandy | 1.04 | Amber |
Midori Melon | 1.05 | Green |
Rock and Rye | 1.05 | Amber |
Peach Schnapps | 1.05 | Clear |
Baileys Irish Cream | 1.05 | Cream |
Apricot Brandy | 1.06 | Amber |
Blackberry Brandy | 1.06 | Dark Red |
Cherry Brandy | 1.06 | Dark Red |
Peach Brandy | 1.06 | Amber |
Campari | 1.06 | Red |
Yellow Chartreuse | 1.06 | Yellow |
Drambuie | 1.08 | Amber |
Frangelico | 1.08 | Brown |
Orange Curacao | 1.08 | Orange |
Sambuca | 1.08 | Clear |
Triple Sec | 1.09 | Clear |
Tia Maria | 1.09 | Brown |
Apricot Liqueur | 1.09 | Orange |
Cranberry Liqueur | 1.09 | Red |
Blackberry Liqueur | 1.10 | Dark Red |
Amaretto | 1.10 | Amber |
Orange Curacao | 1.10 | Orange |
Blue Curacao | 1.11 | Blue |
Galliano | 1.11 | Amber |
Cherry Liqueur | 1.12 | Dark Red |
Green Creme de Menthe | 1.12 | Green |
White Creme de Menthe | 1.12 | White |
Strawberry Liqueur | 1.12 | Red |
Parfrait d'Amour | 1.13 | Violet |
Coffee Liqueur | 1.14 | Dark Brown |
Creme de Banane | 1.14 | Yellow |
Dark Creme de Cacao | 1.14 | Brown |
White Creme de Cacao | 1.14 | Clear |
Maraschino | 1.14 | Clear |
Kahlua | 1.14 | Dark Brown |
Creme de Menthe (uncoloured) | 1.15 | Clear |
Creme de Cacao | 1.15 | Brown |
Creme de Almond | 1.16 | Red |
Creme de Menthe (coloured) | 1.16 | Green |
Grenadine | 1.16 | Red |
Creme de Noyaux | 1.16 | Red |
Anisette | 1.17 | Clear |
Creme de Cassis | 1.18 | Red |
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