specification: FinOps Framework
specificationVersion: '1.0'
schema: https://www.finops.org/framework/
provider: TheCocktailDB
providerId: thecocktaildb
created: '2026-06-13'
modified: '2026-06-13'
reconciled: true
tags:
  - FinOps
  - FOCUS
  - Recipes / Open Data
  - Cocktails
description: >-
  FOCUS-aligned FinOps profile for TheCocktailDB. The service is free and Patreon-funded.
  Primary cost consideration is the optional Patreon membership for production API keys.
  No metered billing or per-request charges apply.
sources:
  - https://www.thecocktaildb.com/api.php
  - https://www.thecocktaildb.com/faq.php
alignedWith:
  framework: FinOps Foundation Framework
  frameworkUrl: https://www.finops.org/framework/
  dataSpec: FOCUS
  dataSpecVersion: '1.3'
  dataSpecUrl: https://focus.finops.org/focus-specification/v1-3/
publisherName: TheCocktailDB
serviceCategory: Recipes / Open Data
billingModel:
  pricingCategory: Free / Donation-Funded
  billingFrequency: Monthly
  billingCurrency: USD
  notes: >-
    No per-request or volume-based charges. Cost is limited to optional Patreon
    membership (varies by tier) for production API key access.
focusColumns:
  ServiceName: TheCocktailDB
  ServiceCategory: Recipes / Open Data
  ProviderName: TheCocktailDB
  PublisherName: TheCocktailDB
  BillingCurrency: USD
meters:
  - name: api_calls
    unit: call
    aggregation: sum
    costPerUnit: '0.00'
    notes: No cost per API call; service is free
  - name: patreon_membership
    unit: month
    aggregation: sum
    costPerUnit: varies
    notes: Optional Patreon membership for production API key access
principles:
  - name: Visibility
    description: Track TheCocktailDB API consumption monthly to monitor usage patterns.
  - name: Allocation
    description: Tag usage to teams or cost centers for internal chargeback if Patreon cost is shared.
  - name: Optimization
    description: Cache responses to reduce redundant API calls; leverage the unlimited free tier where possible.
  - name: Accountability
    description: Review Patreon membership status quarterly; ensure commercial use complies with terms.
costOptimization:
  - strategy: Cache API responses
    description: Cache cocktail and ingredient data locally to minimize redundant API calls
  - strategy: Use free tier for non-commercial projects
    description: The free tier with test key "1" is fully functional for personal and educational use
  - strategy: Batch lookups
    description: Retrieve full cocktail details by ID rather than making multiple search calls