# Cocktail API MCP

> Cocktail API: Access a global database of drink recipes for mixology research and menu auditing. This MCP lets your agent perform detailed searches by spirit, ingredient, or name, retrieving precise instructions and metadata instantly. It handles everything from finding classic martinis to identifying cocktails built around specific flavor profiles like gin or tequila.

## Overview
- **Category:** productivity
- **Price:** Free
- **Tags:** recipe-database, mixology, ingredients, data-lookup, api-integration

## Description

Your AI agent needs reliable data when planning menus or researching new recipes. The Cocktail API gives you direct access to a massive source of global drink information. You can stop manually cross-referencing different recipe sites and start asking your agent questions about cocktails in plain language.

It instantly retrieves full cocktail details, letting you audit ingredient lists or check preparation steps without leaving your development environment. Need to see what recipes feature tequila? Or maybe find all drinks built around a specific base spirit like rum? You get that data immediately. Whether you're designing a new menu or doing deep mixology research for a regional concept, the API acts as a real-time database lookup tool. When you connect this MCP via Vinkius, your agent handles complex queries—like finding all drinks containing both vodka and coffee—and returns structured data ready for use.

## Tools

### get_cocktails_by_ingredients
Finds recipes that contain a list of specified ingredients.

### get_classic_margaritas
Retrieves data for traditional Margarita variations.

### get_classic_martinis
Retrieves data for classic Martini variations.

### get_gin_cocktails
Retrieves popular cocktails using gin as the primary spirit.

### get_rum_cocktails
Retrieves popular cocktails using rum as the primary spirit.

### get_tequila_cocktails
Retrieves popular cocktails using tequila as the primary spirit.

### get_vodka_cocktails
Retrieves popular cocktails using vodka as the primary spirit.

### search_cocktails
Searches for recipes by entering a known cocktail name.

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
Get the recipe for a 'Margarita' using Cocktail API.
```

**Response:** 
```
I've retrieved the recipe for a Margarita! It includes tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. The instructions specify shaking the ingredients with ice and serving in a salt-rimmed glass. Would you like to see similar tequila-based cocktails?
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Find cocktails that contain 'vodka' and 'coffee'.
```

**Response:** 
```
I've identified several cocktails matching your ingredients! The primary match is the 'Espresso Martini'. I can provide the full ingredient list and instructions for this drink if you'd like.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Show recipes for 'Gin and Tonic'.
```

**Response:** 
```
I've retrieved the details for Gin and Tonic. It typically contains gin and tonic water, garnished with a lime wedge. I can assist you with more variation metadata if needed.
```

## Capabilities

### Search by recipe name
Find specific cocktail recipes using a simple name search.

### Audit ingredient compatibility
Identify all cocktails that incorporate one or more specified ingredients.

### Retrieve spirit-specific menus
Pull lists of popular drinks based on a primary base spirit, such as gin, tequila, or vodka.

### Get classic variation data
Look up standard iterations of famous drinks like martinis and margaritas.

## Use Cases

### Updating the Seasonal Menu
The menu designer needs to ensure all new drinks fit the current inventory. They ask their agent to use `get_cocktails_by_ingredients` with 'lime' and 'tequila'. The agent returns a list of matching recipes, allowing them to approve only feasible options.

### Troubleshooting Cocktail Recipes
A bartender questions the recipe for an old drink. They prompt their agent to use `search_cocktails` with the name 'Daiquiri'. The agent pulls the full ingredient list and preparation steps, verifying accuracy immediately.

### Checking Spirit Availability
The operations lead needs to know what drinks are popular if they run low on vodka. They prompt for `get_vodka_cocktails`. The agent returns a curated list of recipes, helping them plan stocking orders.

### Comparing Classic Drinks
A mixologist wants to compare the standard preparation methods. They ask their agent to run both `get_classic_martinis` and `get_classic_margaritas`. The agent returns two separate, structured data sets for direct comparison.

## Benefits

- Instantly audit ingredient lists: Use `get_cocktails_by_ingredients` to see what drinks feature a specific mix of flavors, cutting down hours of manual research.
- Target base spirits quickly: Instead of running general searches, specialized tools like `get_tequila_cocktails` or `get_gin_cocktails` give you focused results for your menu drafts.
- Handle classics automatically: Retrieve the precise data for standard drinks using dedicated functions like `get_classic_margaritas` or `get_classic_martinis`. You don't have to guess the variations.
- Deep-dive research: Use `search_cocktails` when you know the exact name of a drink, and then use ingredient tools for variation data. It’s structured querying on steroids.
- Operational efficiency: Operations teams can automate recipe data checks—for example, verifying if a seasonal cocktail uses ingredients that are currently stocked.

## How It Works

The bottom line is you get accurate, formatted drink data without ever opening a web browser or manually managing API calls.

1. Subscribe to the Cocktail API on Vinkius and provide your unique API key.
2. Connect this MCP to your preferred client (Claude, Cursor, etc.) in your development workflow.
3. Ask your agent a mixology question. The agent invokes the necessary tool, retrieves the structured recipe data, and returns it directly.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How do I find my API Ninjas Key?**
Log in to your [**API Ninjas dashboard**](https://api-ninjas.com/profile), and you will find your API Key on the main page. Copy and paste it below.

**Can I search for cocktails by ingredients?**
Yes. Use the `get_cocktails_by_ingredients` tool providing a comma-separated list (e.g., 'vodka,orange juice'). Your agent will return matching recipes instantly.

**Does it support detailed instructions?**
Yes. Every cocktail recipe retrieved by your agent includes the official preparation instructions provided by API Ninjas.

**What are the usage rate limits when I run `search_cocktails`?**
The MCP handles API rate limiting for you. You'll see specific error codes if your request exceeds the defined quota, signaling that you need to pause or use a different endpoint.

**If I use `get_tequila_cocktails`, what format is the returned recipe data?**
The data returns structured JSON objects. Each entry includes the cocktail name, detailed ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for your AI client to parse.

**Can I combine results from `get_classic_margaritas` with my own ingredients using a single prompt?**
Yes, your agent can orchestrate this. You ask the MCP to first run `get_classic_margaritas`, and then use those results as context when querying for additional ingredient overlaps.

**How do I ensure accurate translations if I use a tool like `search_cocktails`?**
The recipe data relies on the source API's metadata. While it supports global ingredients, always verify that the specific language of the instructions matches your target locale.

**If I only want to find recipes for a base spirit like tequila, should I use `get_tequila_cocktails` or `search_cocktails`?**
`get_tequila_cocktails` is faster because it provides popular examples immediately. Use `search_cocktails` if you need to search by a specific cocktail name instead.