What goes into drink cost?
Start with the part of each ingredient package used in one recipe. Then add direct per-drink costs such as a cup, lid, straw, topping, or packaging item. Keep the inputs tied to one drink so the result is easy to review.
Cost per drink = package price ÷ package quantity × amount used + direct per-drink costs
A simple example
A 750 ml package costs $30 and the recipe uses 45 ml. The ingredient portion is $30 ÷ 750 × 45 = $1.80. Add $2.00 for other direct ingredients or packaging and the example total drink cost is $3.80.
If the example selling price is $20, profit per drink is $20 − $3.80 = $16.20. Profit margin is $16.20 ÷ $20 = 81.0%.
Check the units before you calculate
- Use compatible units for package quantity and amount used, such as ml with ml or g with g.
- Include only direct costs you can reasonably assign to one drink.
- Review the result as a decision aid; it is not a complete statement of rent, labor, tax, delivery fees, or other operating expenses.
DrinkCostDee does not guess incompatible unit conversions or use live exchange rates. Currency selection in the calculator is for display.