How Many Drinks Are in a Bottle of Tequila?

According to liquor industry standards, a standard 750ml bottle of tequila, also known as a fifth, contains approximately 16 to 17 standard 1.5-ounce servings, depending on the exact measurement. This calculation is crucial for anyone planning an event or simply stocking their home bar and wanting to understand how many drinks are in a bottle of tequila.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of how many servings are in common tequila bottle sizes, factoring in pour types like shots and cocktails. It covers different bottle volumes, standard measurements, and practical party planning tips to ensure accurate drink counts.

Key Points

• 750ml Bottle Yields 16-17 Shots: A standard 'fifth' bottle of tequila contains approximately 16 to 17 servings when using a 1.5-ounce standard pour.

• Cocktails Reduce Servings: The number of servings is lower for cocktails (typically 12-16 drinks per 750ml) due to different pour sizes required by recipes.

• Bottle Volume Dictates Servings: Tequila is sold in various sizes, from 50ml miniatures to 1.75L handles, and the number of drinks scales with the bottle's volume.

• Accurate Pours are Key: Using a jigger or another measuring tool ensures consistent pours and maximizes the number of drinks from a bottle, avoiding generous, inconsistent pours.

• Responsible Planning is Important: Knowing the number of servings is crucial for party planning and managing alcohol intake to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

• Different Serve Styles Vary Yield: The number of drinks depends heavily on the serving method—straight shots yield a predictable number, while cocktails introduce variability based on the recipe.

Tequila Bottle Sizes and Standard Pours

When calculating how many drinks are in a bottle of tequila, the two most important factors are the bottle size and the serving size. A standard 750ml bottle is the most common size, but tequila is sold in a variety of volumes, from miniatures to large-format bottles.

Standard 750ml Bottle (The Fifth)

A standard 750ml bottle, or "fifth," is the go-to size for most consumers. A fluid ounce conversion shows that 750ml is roughly 25.4 ounces.

• Standard Shots: With a standard shot size of 1.5 ounces, a 750ml bottle will yield approximately 16.9 shots, commonly rounded to 16 for practical purposes.
• Cocktail Servings: For cocktails like a Margarita, which typically use 1.5 to 2 ounces of tequila per drink, a 750ml bottle can create 12 to 16 drinks. This number can vary based on the specific recipe and bartender's pour.

Other Common Bottle Sizes

Beyond the standard fifth, you can find tequila in several other volumes, which change the number of potential drinks accordingly.

• Miniature (50ml): Containing 1.7 ounces, this size is perfect for a single, generous 1.5-ounce shot or two smaller one-ounce shots.
• Pint (375ml): Also called a "Mickey" in Canada, this bottle holds 12.7 ounces, which translates to about 8 standard 1.5-ounce shots.
• Liter (1L): This larger bottle offers 33.8 ounces, yielding approximately 22.5 standard 1.5-ounce shots.
• Handle (1.75L): The largest commonly available size, this bottle contains 59.2 ounces and produces around 39 standard 1.5-ounce shots.

Shots vs. Cocktails: A Comparison

While a shot is a straightforward measure, a cocktail is not. The number of drinks from a bottle of tequila is highly dependent on the type of drink being prepared. This comparison highlights how different serving styles impact your yield.

Drink Type	Standard Pour Size	750ml Bottle Yield	Key Variable
Straight Shot	1.5 ounces	16-17 servings	Precise pour measurement
Margarita	1.5-2 ounces	12-16 servings	Recipe variation and glassware size
Tequila Sunrise	1.5 ounces	16 servings	Dependent on other ingredients
Paloma	2 ounces	12 servings	The amount of tequila used per drink
Small Tasting Pour	1 ounce	25 servings	Intended for sampling, not full drinks

Factors Influencing the Number of Tequila Servings

Several elements can affect how many drinks you get from a single bottle. Understanding these variables can help you plan more effectively and avoid running out of tequila at an inopportune moment.

• Pouring Accuracy: Free-pouring, a common method in home settings, can be inconsistent. Professional bartenders use jiggers to ensure precise 1.5-ounce pours, maximizing the number of drinks per bottle. For home use, a simple measuring tool is advisable.
• Cocktail Recipe: Different cocktails require varying amounts of tequila. A simple tequila sunrise might use a standard 1.5 ounces, while a more tequila-forward cocktail might call for a larger 2-ounce pour. Always check your recipe to accurately estimate your needs.
• Strength of Tequila: While most tequila is 80 proof (40% ABV), some craft tequilas and higher-end spirits can have a higher alcohol content. This difference in potency can subtly influence how a drink is made, though the standard pour size generally remains consistent.
• Serving Style: The context of your event matters. A bottle used for straight shots will yield a precise, consistent number of drinks. In contrast, for cocktails, you must account for other ingredients and the size of the glass, which can lead to larger, less uniform servings.
• Host's Generosity: In social settings, the host or bartender's tendency to be generous with their pours can significantly reduce the number of servings per bottle. This is often the most significant cause of variation in informal gatherings.

Responsible Drinking and Planning

For any event involving alcohol, responsible planning is paramount. Understanding how many drinks you can get from a bottle allows you to budget, stock your bar efficiently, and ensure the safety of your guests.

Estimating for an Event

To estimate your needs, first determine how many guests will be drinking tequila. From there, you can estimate the average number of tequila-based drinks each person will consume. For example, if you expect 10 guests to each have 2 cocktails, you will need approximately 1.5 standard 750ml bottles, accounting for some generous pours.

The Importance of Standard Drinks

The concept of a "standard drink" is a helpful metric defined by health organizations, though it can vary by country. In the U.S., one standard drink of spirits is typically 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof liquor. Being aware of this metric helps manage alcohol intake more effectively and promotes safety. A 750ml bottle offers around 17 of these standard drinks.

Conclusion

While the exact number of drinks can vary, the rule of thumb for a standard 750ml bottle of tequila is approximately 16 shots or 12 to 16 cocktails, depending on the pour size. By understanding the different bottle volumes and the factors that influence serving counts, you can make more informed decisions when purchasing and preparing tequila-based drinks for any occasion. Whether for shots or expertly crafted cocktails, knowing your measurements is key to a well-stocked bar and a successful party, emphasizing responsible and enjoyable consumption.

Key Takeaways

• Standard Bottle Yield: A 750ml bottle of tequila yields approximately 16-17 standard 1.5-ounce servings.
• Cocktail vs. Shot Counts: Cocktails generally use more tequila per drink than a single shot, reducing the total number of servings per bottle.
• Bottle Size Matters: Tequila is available in various sizes (50ml, 375ml, 1L, 1.75L), each providing a different number of drinks.
• Pouring is Variable: Inaccurate pouring or generous bartending can significantly alter the number of drinks from a bottle.
• Plan Responsibly: Accurately calculating drinks is crucial for party planning and promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
• ABV Consistency: Most tequila is 80 proof (40% ABV), but variations exist and can influence how drinks are prepared.
• Visual Reminder: A bottle's label will always state its volume in milliliters, which is the most reliable measure for calculation.

FAQs

Q: How many standard shots are in a fifth of tequila? A: A fifth, which is 750ml, contains approximately 16 to 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots.

Q: How many cocktails can I make from a 750ml bottle of tequila? A: The number of cocktails depends on the recipe, but assuming a 1.5-ounce pour per drink, you can make about 16 cocktails. Larger pours will reduce this number.

Q: What is a "handle" of tequila and how many shots does it contain? A: A handle is a 1.75-liter bottle. It contains about 39 standard 1.5-ounce shots.

Q: Does the proof of the tequila affect the number of drinks in the bottle? A: The proof doesn't change the liquid volume, so a 750ml bottle of 80-proof tequila contains the same number of standard 1.5-ounce pours as a 100-proof bottle. However, the potency is different, and responsible pour sizes may vary.

Q: How can I accurately measure my pours at home? A: Using a jigger, a small tool with common pour sizes (e.g., 1.5 oz, 1 oz), is the best way to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Q: Is there a difference in bottle sizes for different types of tequila (e.g., Blanco, Reposado)? A: The standard bottle sizes (750ml, 1L, etc.) are consistent across different types of tequila. The differences are in taste and aging, not volume.

Q: What is a good way to estimate tequila needs for a large party? A: Plan for an average of 1.5-2 drinks per person per hour for the first few hours. Using the 16 cocktails per 750ml bottle estimate, you can scale up your purchase accordingly.

Citations

• Patrón Tequila. (n.d.). How many shots in a bottle of tequila? Retrieved from https://www.patrontequila.com/faqs/how-many-shots-in-a-bottle-of-tequila.html
• Red & White. (2025, March 24). How Many Ounces Are in a Shot Glass? Find Out Here! Retrieved from https://redandwhiteshops.com/liquor-world/liquor/how-many-ounces-are-in-a-shot-glass/
• The Spruce Eats. (2024, February 13). How to Stock Your Home Bar for a Party. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-many-shots-in-a-bottle-761232
• Casa Azul Spirits. (2024, February 16). The Science Behind Tequila: Facts About Alcohol Percentage You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://casaazulspirits.com/blogs/news/the-science-behind-tequila-facts-about-alcohol-percentage-you-need-to-know
• Alcohol.org. (2025, July 22). Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Beer, Wine, & Liquor. Retrieved from https://alcohol.org/statistics-information/abv/
• crystalglassbottle.com. (2025, July 30). A Comprehensive Guide to Liquor Bottle Sizes. Retrieved from https://www.crystalglassbottle.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-liquor-bottle-sizes-standards-influences-and-design/
• The Spruce Eats. (2025, July 24). Tequila Shot Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/take-tequila-shot-759836

Frequently Asked Questions

How many standard shots are in a fifth of tequila?

A fifth, which is 750ml, contains approximately 16 to 17 standard 1.5-ounce shots.

How many cocktails can I make from a 750ml bottle of tequila?

The number of cocktails depends on the recipe, but assuming a 1.5-ounce pour per drink, you can make about 16 cocktails. Larger pours will reduce this number.

What is a "handle" of tequila and how many shots does it contain?

A handle is a 1.75-liter bottle. It contains about 39 standard 1.5-ounce shots.

Does the proof of the tequila affect the number of drinks in the bottle?

The proof doesn't change the liquid volume, so a 750ml bottle of 80-proof tequila contains the same number of standard 1.5-ounce pours as a 100-proof bottle. However, the potency is different, and responsible pour sizes may vary.

How can I accurately measure my pours at home?

Using a jigger, a small tool with common pour sizes (e.g., 1.5 oz, 1 oz), is the best way to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Is there a difference in bottle sizes for different types of tequila (e.g., Blanco, Reposado)?

The standard bottle sizes (750ml, 1L, etc.) are consistent across different types of tequila. The differences are in taste and aging, not volume.

What is a good way to estimate tequila needs for a large party?

Plan for an average of 1.5-2 drinks per person per hour for the first few hours. Using the 16 cocktails per 750ml bottle estimate, you can scale up your purchase accordingly.