Specific Gravity of Liqueurs

Whether you want to create layered shots like the B-52 or top a cocktail with a colorful float, it’s important to know the density of the liquors you’re pouring. Floating ingredients is a simple bartending technique that’s used to create stunning drinks. In order to do it successfully, a specific gravity chart like the one below, will help you understand the order in which you should pour the ingredients.

The specific gravity or relative density is used to make layered drinks. You typically should pour the heaviest liquors or liqueurs first, then slowly pour the lighter ones on top.

Tips: It’s possible to slightly change the specific gravity of a liqueur. To make a liqueur heavier, add sugar and to make it lighter, add vodka. The best layered drinks are often poured over the back of a barspoon to restrict the flow so the ingredients will float instead of just mix together.

Dairy cream is generally lighter than liquors and mixed drinks, so it’s often floated on top of drinks. Heavy cream is preferred, though any cream with a milk fat above 30% will generally work well.

Specific Gravity Charts