What it does
Cocktail Flow is a digital recipe book for cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders. The app provides a vast, browsable library of drink recipes, complete with detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and preparation tips. Its standout feature allows users to catalog the ingredients they have on hand in a virtual 'My Bar' to instantly see all the cocktails they can create.
Where it shines
Cocktail Flow excels in its practical, user-centric features. The dynamic recipe scaling (01:10) is a perfect example. Tapping to change the serving size instantly recalculates all ingredient amounts, removing guesswork for the user. The 'My Bar' feature (03:25) is another major strength, transforming the app from a passive library into an active assistant that answers the crucial question: 'What can I make with what I have?' The app also provides helpful, context-aware tips, such as a guide on how to layer drinks (01:15) right within a relevant recipe.
UX highlights
- Dynamic Recipe Scaling: Ingredient quantities automatically adjust when the user changes the number of servings (01:10), a highly practical tool.
- Thematic Loading Animations: When a cocktail detail page opens, the glass icon elegantly fills with liquid (00:58), adding a delightful touch of polish.
- Contextual Ingredient Links: Tapping an ingredient in a recipe (01:35) opens a detail sheet about that ingredient and other cocktails that use it.
- Multi-Unit Support: Users can easily toggle between different measurement units like ml, cl, oz, and parts (01:31), catering to a global audience.
- Clear Action Prompts: The app clearly gates premium features. For instance, tapping '+ Add note' brings up a concise premium upsell banner (01:05).
- Comprehensive Filtering: The filter options on the main cocktail list (02:55) are robust, allowing users to sort and filter by strength, name, and date added.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is primarily driven by a Premium subscription, which unlocks the full recipe library, the ability to add custom notes, and create personal recipes. The app uses a 'soft paywall' approach, presenting the premium offer after a key action like logging in (00:28) or attempting to use a premium feature (01:05). A referral program is also in place, where inviting friends unlocks specific premium cocktails for free (00:39), encouraging viral growth.
Who it’s for
This app is ideal for anyone interested in making cocktails at home, from complete novices to experienced hobbyists. Its clear instructions and practical tools are great for beginners, while the vast library and ingredient management features appeal to more seasoned mixologists looking for inspiration or a way to organize their bar.
Notes & opportunities
The app’s navigation is clean, but the sheer volume of recipes could benefit from a more guided discovery path, perhaps a quiz to suggest drinks based on taste preferences. The distinction between free and premium recipes in browsing lists is sometimes subtle, which could lead to minor user frustration upon tapping. Highlighting premium recipes more explicitly could manage expectations better.