Mixology & Technique

Specific Gravity & Layering Table

Evaluate layer order through sugar, alcohol and actual product density.

3 min read

What does specific gravity describe?

Specific gravity is a dimensionless ratio to water density at a stated temperature. Values around 1.00 are close to water, while higher values indicate denser liquid. Product names and ABV alone cannot resolve opposing sugar and alcohol effects.

Approximate comparison values

These are educational approximate ranges near 20 °C, not measured brand specifications. Sugar, ABV and temperature change actual products. Do not use them as layering guarantees or purity tests.

Approximate comparison values

Unsweetened spirit, 40% ABV	0.94–0.96	Usually an upper layer
Water	1.00	Reference point
Sweet liqueur	1.03–1.15	Test the actual product
Grenadine / fruit syrup	1.15–1.30	Often a lower layer
1:1 sucrose syrup by weight	Approximately 1.23	Dense lower component
2:1 sucrose syrup by weight	Approximately 1.33	Very dense lower component

Comparing actual products

Weighing matching volumes at similar temperatures helps compare densities, provided volume measurement is accurate. Informal spoon measures are not precise specifications. Place denser liquid first and pour lighter liquid slowly over a spoon back; nearby densities may merge with time.