Calculating the Total Servings from a 70cl Vodka Bottle
The total number of drinks you can get from a 70cl (700ml) bottle of vodka is not a single, fixed number. It's influenced heavily by the standard serving size being used, which can vary by country and purpose. For instance, a pub in the UK uses a 25ml measure, while a US standard shot is 1.5 US fluid ounces, which is approximately 44ml. Home pours also tend to be more generous, further impacting the final count.
To calculate the number of drinks, you simply divide the total volume of the bottle (700ml) by the volume of a single serving. The primary variables are the size of the glass or measure and whether you're pouring a single shot, a double, or using it as a component in a cocktail.
The UK Standard: 25ml Servings
In the UK, the standard pub measure for spirits like vodka is 25ml. This regulation ensures consistency and clear unit measurement for customers. For a 70cl (700ml) bottle, the calculation is straightforward:
$$\frac{700\,ml \text{ (bottle size)}}{25\,ml \text{ (single shot)}} = 28\, drinks$$
So, if you are planning a party or operating a bar based on UK standard measures, a 70cl bottle will yield 28 single shots. For double shots (50ml), this number is halved, giving you 14 servings.
The US Standard: 1.5oz Servings
In the United States, a standard shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, which equates to about 44ml. If you are following this measure, the number of servings will be significantly lower. The calculation for a 70cl (700ml) bottle is:
$$\frac{700\,ml \text{ (bottle size)}}{44\,ml \text{ (single shot)}} \approx 15.9\, drinks$$
This means you can expect to get approximately 16 standard American shots from a 70cl bottle. The difference highlights the importance of being aware of regional standards when purchasing and preparing drinks.
Home Pours and Cocktails
At home, people often use free-pouring techniques rather than strict measures. A home pour can easily exceed 44ml, sometimes reaching 50ml or more. This means the number of drinks will likely be even lower. For cocktails, the amount of vodka per drink varies depending on the recipe. A simple vodka soda might use a standard 25ml or 44ml shot, while a more potent cocktail could call for a double measure. It is crucial to measure spirits accurately, especially when mixing cocktails, to maintain consistency in taste and strength. Using a jigger is highly recommended for precision.
Comparison of Servings by Measure Size
| Measure Size | Drinks per 70cl Bottle (Calculated) | Common Context |
|---|---|---|
| 25ml (UK single shot) | 28 | UK bars, consistent pouring |
| 30ml (Australian 'nip') | 23.3 | Australian standard servings |
| 35ml (Irish single shot) | 20 | Irish bars, consistent pouring |
| 44ml (US standard shot) | 15.9 (approx. 16) | US bars and recipes |
| 50ml (Double shot) | 14 | UK double measure |
| ~50ml (Home pour) | ~14 or less | Unmeasured home pouring |
Factors Influencing Your Vodka Pour Count
- Standard Measure: As demonstrated, the regional standard for a single serving is the most significant factor. The UK's 25ml measure yields far more drinks than the US's 44ml pour.
- Type of Drink: A straight-up shot uses only vodka, while a mixed drink might use a single measure or more depending on the recipe's strength. Party punches with less per serving will stretch the bottle further.
- Pouring Technique: Using a professional jigger ensures precise measurement, guaranteeing the maximum number of consistent servings. Free-pouring by hand almost always results in larger, less consistent pours.
- Cocktail Complexity: A simple highball with a single shot will get more mileage than a martini, which often uses a double measure. When planning, account for recipe requirements.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Bottle's Potential
In conclusion, a 70cl bottle of vodka is a versatile asset for any party, but understanding how many drinks it can produce is all about the measure. The short answer is 28 drinks based on the common 25ml UK standard, or around 16 if using the larger 44ml US shot size. For accurate and consistent serving, especially when mixing cocktails, the use of a proper jigger is invaluable. By considering these different factors, you can effectively plan your event and ensure you have enough to go around, whether you are pouring for a crowd or enjoying a few drinks at home.
A note on moderation and safety
Alcohol consumption should always be done responsibly. Awareness of standard drink sizes is not only helpful for party planning but also for monitoring your intake. Organizations like Drinkaware UK provide resources for understanding alcohol units and low-risk drinking guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 70cl mean? 70cl is a metric measurement for volume, equivalent to 70 centilitres or 700 millilitres. It is a standard bottle size for spirits in the UK and Europe.
How many units of alcohol are in a 70cl bottle of 40% ABV vodka? Based on a UK single unit containing 10ml of pure alcohol, a 70cl bottle of 40% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) vodka contains 28 units (700ml * 0.40 = 280ml pure alcohol, divided by 10ml per unit).
Is a 70cl bottle the same as a 'fifth'? No, a 70cl bottle (700ml) is not the same as a US 'fifth', which is 750ml. This distinction is important when comparing bottle sizes and calculating servings.
How many double shots are in a 70cl bottle? Using the UK's standard 50ml double shot measure, a 70cl bottle contains 14 double shots (700ml / 50ml).
How many cocktails can I make with a 70cl bottle? The number of cocktails varies greatly depending on the recipe. For a recipe using a single 25ml measure, you can make 28 cocktails. If a cocktail requires a double measure (50ml), you can make 14.
What's the best way to measure servings at home? Using a professional jigger is the most accurate method. It ensures consistent serving sizes for both shots and cocktails. Otherwise, use a standard measuring spoon for precision.
How do standard drink measurements differ internationally? Standard drink sizes vary significantly worldwide. The UK uses a 25ml measure for spirits, while the US uses 44ml (1.5oz), and countries like Ireland use a 35.5ml measure. Always check local standards if you are in a different country.
Sources
- Grey Goose. "How many shots are in a fifth of vodka?" Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.greygoose.com/en-gb/faqs/how-many-shots-in-fifth-of-vodka.html
- BinWise. "How Much Is a Shot of Alcohol?" Accessed October 9, 2025. https://home.binwise.com/blog/shot-of-alcohol
- The Mixer US. "How Many Ounces in a Shot Glass?" Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.themixer.com/en-uk/learn/how-many-ounces-in-a-shot-glass/
- Drinkaware UK. "How many units and calories are in vodka?" Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcoholic-drinks-and-units/units-and-calories-in-alcoholic-drinks/vodka
- Sterling Stock Auditors. "How Many Shots in a Bottle?" Accessed October 9, 2025. https://sterlingstockauditors.co.uk/how-many-shots-in-a-bottle/
- Cancer Council Victoria. "Standard Alcoholic Drinks." Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/prevent-detect-cancer/prevention/avoid-alcohol/standard-drinks
