Alcohol dilution is the process of adding water to a higher-strength legally obtained spirit to reach a lower target ABV.

It is used when preparing spirits for flavouring, blending, bottling or serving. Accurate dilution helps create a consistent final product and prevents unnecessary guesswork.

Why dilute alcohol?

Spirits are often supplied or held at a higher ABV than the desired finished strength.

Dilution can help you:

• Reach a preferred bottling ABV
• Prepare neutral spirit for flavouring
• Adjust alcohol warmth and mouthfeel
• Improve ingredient integration
• Match a recipe or liqueur target
• Produce consistent bottles from batch to batch

The basic dilution principle

The total amount of alcohol remains the same. Adding water spreads that alcohol across a larger final volume, reducing the ABV.

For example, if you start with 1 litre of spirit at 60% ABV and want to reach 40% ABV, you need to add water. The exact amount should be calculated rather than guessed.

Spirits Calculators

Why calculator results are better than guessing

Alcohol and water do not always combine in perfectly simple volumes. Temperature and alcohol contraction can affect the final result.

A calculator gives you a practical starting point. For best accuracy, measure the final ABV with suitable alcohol-measuring equipment once the blend has rested.

What water should you use?

Use clean water suitable for drinking.

Many makers prefer filtered, low-mineral or distilled water when dilution is a major part of the final flavour. Highly chlorinated water or water with strong mineral character can affect taste and clarity.

Always add water slowly and mix gently.

Why spirits can turn cloudy after dilution

Some spirits contain oils or flavour compounds that stay dissolved at high ABV but become visible after water is added.

This is often called louche or haze. It is common in some botanical and flavoured spirits.

To reduce haze:

• Dilute gradually
• Use clean, cool water
• Allow the blend to rest
• Consider filtration where suitable
• Avoid making major ABV changes all at once

Resting after dilution

Freshly diluted spirit can taste disjointed. Give it time to rest before final tasting, flavouring or bottling.

Resting allows water and alcohol to integrate and gives you a better sense of the finished profile.

Frequently asked questions

Can I dilute spirit with tap water?

You can use drinking-quality water, but filtered or low-mineral water often gives a more neutral result.

Does dilution change flavour?

Yes. Lower ABV can reduce alcohol heat, open up aromas and change perceived sweetness, body and flavour intensity.

Should I measure ABV before bottling?

Yes. Check your final ABV before bottling so your label and serving calculations are accurate.