Best Substitutes for Water

Out of Water? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Water

Other Flavorless, odorless, and transparent. Essential for dilution and temperature control. Adjusts proof and opens aromatic compounds without contributing any taste or aroma to cocktails.

Recommended Substitutes

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No direct substitute

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.