abv% liqueurs

[wazeight]

Hi I need some help in working out the abv on my liqueurs.

I make flavoured liqueurs using bought spirits then adding water,sugar and the flavouring. For example

Vodka 37.5% 1000ml
Blackberries 500 grams
Sugar 150 grams
Waters 250ml

What's the calculation to work it out. I know adding the sugar will increase the abv but not sure how to work it out.
I know I can't use a hydrometer due to the sugar.

[Bushman]

With the sugar you can only guess at an approx. abv buy using the calculator on the parent site:
http://homedistiller.org/calcs/dilute" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[der wo]

I know adding the sugar will increase the abv but not sure how to work it out.

I've just got my licence and want to make then sell at local farmers markets.

You think, you can increase the abv of liqueurs with sugar, and you have a licence for producing and selling?

[wazeight]

Thanks for your replies. I've just spoken a a lovely gent in Australia who distills gin for retail and comfirmed that the sugar wont alter the abv. Just goes to show you can't always believe what some people tell you. It makes my life easier as now I can reduce the vodka abv to a more suitable level for drinking as a liqueur.

[Bushman]

You can increase the abv of a wash but if your using it for flavoring then a Proof and Traille or alcoholmeter will not register that is why we have the calculator.

[NZChris]

... comfirmed that the sugar wont alter the abv....

How does he come to that conclusion?

[NZChris]

ABV is alcohol by volume.

In your example you have 375ml of alcohol in your vodka.
After it is mixed and and the sugar is dissolved, measure the new volume and calculate the ABV using this volume.
(375/volume)*100