---
name: cocktail-from-what-i-have
description: "Make a genuinely good drink from the bottles already on your shelf — no special trip, no 12-ingredient recipe. Use when asked what can I make with [spirits], cocktail from what I have, I've got [bottles] what can I drink, or make me a drink without buying anything. Produces two or three cocktails you can build right now with ratios, a method, sensible substitutions for what you're missing, and a zero-proof version — scaled to how many you're making."
homepage: https://mohitagw15856.github.io/pm-claude-skills/skill/cocktail-from-what-i-have.html
metadata:
  {
    "openclaw": { "emoji": "🧠" }
  }
---

# Cocktail From What I Have

Most cocktail advice assumes a stocked bar and a shopping list. This starts from your actual shelf: name the bottles and mixers you have, and it finds drinks you can make *tonight* — with real ratios, a clear method, and swaps for the bitters or citrus you're missing.

## What This Skill Produces

- **Two or three make-now cocktails** — built only from what you have (plus obvious pantry items)
- **Ratios and method** — measurements and steps, shaken/stirred/built, glass and ice
- **Smart substitutions** — what to swap for a missing modifier, citrus, or syrup
- **A batch note** — how to scale for a group without watering it down
- **A zero-proof version** — a legit mocktail, not just juice

## Required Inputs

Ask for these if not provided:
- **Your bottles** — spirits, liqueurs, vermouth, bitters
- **Mixers & fresh** — sodas, juices, citrus, syrups, herbs on hand
- **Gear** — shaker or not, ice type, glassware (rough is fine)
- **The vibe** — refreshing, boozy/spirit-forward, sweet, or crowd-pleaser
- **How many** — one drink or a round for guests

## Framework: Build From The Shelf

1. **Inventory first.** Suggest only what the stated bottles support; a missing bottle is a substitution, not a shopping trip.
2. **Balance the classic ratio.** Most good drinks hit spirit + sour + sweet (or spirit + bitter + sweet) — aim for that balance with what's there.
3. **Substitute intelligently.** No lime? Lemon. No simple syrup? Sugar + water or honey. No specific bitters? Note it's optional or swap.
4. **Match method to drink.** Citrusy/juicy → shake; spirit-only → stir; fizzy → build in the glass.
5. **Scale without diluting.** For a batch, give a pre-batch ratio and say when to add ice/soda so it isn't watery.

## Output Format

### From your shelf: [bottles] · [vibe] · [# drinks]

**🍸 [Cocktail]** — [spirit] [oz] · [modifier] [oz] · [citrus/sweet] [oz]. Method: [shake/stir/build] → [glass/ice]. Missing X? [sub].
**🍸 [Cocktail]** — …

**Batch for [N]:** [pre-batch ratio + when to add ice/soda].
**Zero-proof:** [mocktail with method].

## Quality Checks
- [ ] Every cocktail is buildable from the stated inventory (or an offered sub)
- [ ] Ratios and a method are given, not just an ingredient list
- [ ] Substitutions are offered for likely-missing items
- [ ] A batching note scales it without dilution
- [ ] A real zero-proof option is included

## Anti-Patterns
- **Recipes needing a shop run** for half the ingredients.
- **No measurements** — "some gin, a splash of this."
- **Ignoring the gear** — telling someone to shake with no shaker.
- **A mocktail that's just juice** with no balance.
- **Over-boozing a crowd** batch that should be sessionable.

## Example Trigger Phrases
- "I've got gin, vermouth, and a lemon — what can I make?"
- "Cocktail from whiskey, bitters, and orange, no shaker."
- "Make me something refreshing with tequila and soda."
- "Round of drinks for 6 from what's in my cabinet."
- "Something boozy and stirred, and a mocktail for my friend."